by Nesly Clerge
Theresa Hall looked up with worry heavy in her eyes and face. “We had something not long ago. But thank you, dear.”
Chelsea sat next to Chloe. “I’m sure it’ll all keep, in case anyone wants any of it later.”
They sat in the silence many endure at such times. After an hour had passed, Garrett got up and paced. “Richard and I have had our less-than-perfect moments. I tormented him when we were kids. But if anybody else did anything to him, they didn’t do it twice. No one but me was allowed to pick on my little brother. It was my job to look after him, to protect him.” He was quiet a moment then said, “Excuse me. I need to make some calls.” He went out through the sliding doors.
Ten or so minutes later, he returned. “I’ve arranged to take the week off. I’m going to make damn sure Richard gets the care he needs, when he needs it. Told everyone they can call if they absolutely need to, but I made it clear that I’m not budging from his side.”
Theresa said, “You don’t have to do that, son. There’s no reason for you to miss that much work. We can manage.”
“Mom, the last thing I want you to do is wear yourself out. It’s the same for you, Anna. I’ll stay with him around the clock. And I’m pretty sure he’ll need to go to rehab for a while. Whatever he needs during this first week, I’ll make sure he gets it.”
Thomas said, “That’s good of you, son. It’ll ease our minds somewhat.”
Garrett faced Chelsea. “I’ll need some clothes and toiletries.”
“I’ll bring them in the morning. And, I know it may be too soon to mention this, but we can either postpone celebrating Christmas until Richard’s home or we can have it here, with him. If he’s well enough.”
Garrett glared at her. “I think we can worry about that at a better time.”
Theresa leaned forward. “That’s thoughtful of you, Chelsea. I say we wait, so Richard can enjoy it more. So we all can. Although, Kimberlie may need to have her Christmas on the day.”
Garrett shook his head. “She’s old enough to understand. She’ll celebrate it when we do.” He turned to Chelsea. “By the way, why isn’t she here?”
“She’s spending the night with Susan. Right now, they and Susan’s parents are attending a performance of The Nutcracker. There’s nothing she can do. I’ll call her first thing in the morning and pick her up on the way here.”
Anna went to Garrett. She hugged him and kissed his cheek. “Thank you. We’ll all feel better if you’re looking after him.” She glanced at each of them, fixed her gaze on Garrett and said, “I think it’s time we all pray.”
For once, Garrett didn’t argue.
CHAPTER 71
Garrett stayed with Richard in intensive care, restricting the family to visiting hours only. He ordered them out after twenty minutes on Christmas day. Chloe called him a tyrant then embraced him hard.
He hugged his parents. “Sorry, but it’ll wear him out. Too much stimulation too soon.”
Theresa patted his cheek. “You know what’s best.”
Two days later, Richard was moved into a regular room. Garrett bathed his brother, fed him the same way he’d fed Kimberlie when she was a baby, chatted to him about his condition and the improvement he could expect. Told him he’d whup him as he had when they were kids, if he didn’t work his butt off to recover.
It took only one flare of his temper to straighten out staff that took too long to show up or did something in a less than proficient manner.
During the times Richard was awake and alert, Garrett read to him in a soothing voice fifteen minutes at a time and had one-sided conversations, until his brother began to make the first sounds that emerged into singular, small words to convey what he needed.
On the fifth day, the rehabilitation therapist showed up. Garrett paid close attention, asked more questions than the therapist was used to answering. He repeated the therapy again later in the day, each day, careful not to overdo it and tire his patient.
On the seventh day, Richard, speaking and moving better, was well enough to transfer to a rehab center. Anna and the rest of the family took over. Garrett returned to work, cutting his days short to rush to the center and check on Richard’s progress.
He was home by six thirty each night.
Chelsea took her phone into the master bathroom. She locked the door, turned the cold water on in the shower, and keyed in the words of her text message.
My dearest love, life should return to normal soon. Thank you for understanding. Not seeing you or hearing your voice these few weeks is torture. I haven’t dared call or text you before now, even late at night. Kimberlie’s never had to face anything severe related to family. She’s not left my side since the morning of Christmas Eve—the only private time I’ve had is in the bathroom. She slept with me that first week, when Garrett stayed at the hospital, and woke with every sound or whenever I moved in bed. Now that his brother is in rehab, Garrett’s been coming home early every night. Really early! I feel like I’m in prison. Sorry…don’t mean to go on and on. It’s frustration talking. I know you’re in your own hell, as well. But my longing for you passed bittersweet after 42 hours and turned to pure agony. Thank goodness Richard’s recovery has been excellent and he goes home in two days. Kimberlie returns to school the same day. I’ll scream if I can’t be with you soon.
Seven minutes went by before she got a response.
Sorry, my love. Had to wait for my break. Yes, we’re both living in a particular kind of hell. We’ll make sure that our next Christmas is together and a far happier celebration. Be forewarned: When I’m with you again, there won’t be a part of you that doesn’t receive my admiration and ministrations. More than once. We both must plan for the time that will take.
I love hearing that, Luke. And it makes this waiting even more frustrating. But you knew that, didn’t you? Just for that taunt, I’m going to wear you out when I see you (grin).
We’ll wear each other. In. And out. Must get back to work. I’ll be waiting to hear from you. Waiting to be with you again. It can’t be soon enough.
Chelsea put the phone under her folded towel and got into the shower. She adjusted the water temperature then switched the shower head from spray to jet-pulse and tilted it toward the marble bench. She positioned herself on the bench, knees apart, and imagined the water was Luke, teasing her to her release.
CHAPTER 72
Chelsea had made it plain that she missed him as much as he missed her, longed for him in equal measure. Smiling, Luke tucked his phone into his shirt pocket and turned to go back inside the restaurant. He startled when a figure emerged from the shadows.
“James. I didn’t realize you were there.”
“Thought I’d join you for the break, but you had all your attention on texting. Looking all intense. What’s going on, dude?”
“Nothing.”
James shook his head. “This is me you’re talking to.”
“I’m in love. Deep, abiding, all-encompassing, torrential love with the woman I told you about.”
“Aw, crap.”
“Forget it.” Luke started for the door.
“Sorry. I’m listening. I’m curious about a woman who can have that effect on you.”
“I told you she’s gorgeous. She’s also kind, sensual, fun, intelligent. All wrapped in auburn hair, eyes the color of a clear-day sky, skin the color of cream, a body that begs to be appreciated, and the enthusiasm to reciprocate.”
“And has a husband. Forbidden fruit, man.”
“She loves me as much as I love her. This is the woman I’ve always dreamed of sharing my life with.”
“Dude, you got a big fucking boulder on that path of bliss: You’re married. To a hellcat.”
“Everything you said about Brandi was right. I made a mistake when I married her. Mistakes can be corrected.”
“This pale goddess of yours pushing you to marry her?”
“It’s not like that. We know what we want, what we need. When the time is right, we’ll
both get divorced so we can be together.”
“You out of your mind? You better hope her husband doesn’t find out, or you may not have to worry about a divorce.”
“I’m sure it won’t come to that. Besides, he has no right to be offended. He cheats on her. Has for a long time. It’s like an addiction with him.”
“Doesn’t mean he’ll give up the little woman without a fight. A lot of men who play around still love their wives.”
“Like you?”
James poked Luke’s arm hard. “And you. Don’t try to smooth over what you’re doing by calling it love prefaced by a bunch of high-sounding adjectives. You’re a man. Fact is, men cheat.”
“Not all.”
“The percentage who don’t is damn small.”
“That’s pretty cynical, even for you.”
“Truth is truth. I don’t make it up. I just recognize it for what it is.”
“It isn’t my truth.”
“Just because you don’t want to call it what it is doesn’t make it something else.”
Luke stayed quiet a moment then said, “I’d do anything for her. I’ll do anything to be with her.”
“It’s not like you to be irrational. And that’s what you’re being. I know you can’t see it, but dude, don’t screw up your marriage for a married woman.”
“My marriage is already screwed up. Always has been. And you know it.”
“This is bad. So bad, I don’t know what to say except get out of it while you still can.”
Luke shook his head. “You don’t search the world for a diamond, find it then cast it away.”
“Brandi finds out, she’s gonna chop your diamonds off, dude. And make earrings out of them.”
“You worry too much. I also thought, considering your history, you’d understand.”
“Believe me. I understand.”
“I don’t think you do.”
CHAPTER 73
It had been just over three weeks since they’d been together. Once they shed their clothing, there was no gentle segue into lovemaking for Chelsea and Luke. They all but tore at each other, reminded each other repeatedly not to leave marks from the intensity of their passion.
Chelsea flopped onto her back. “That was amazing. I love when you try new things.”
“It’s my pleasure and destiny to please you.” Luke rolled onto his side. “However, now that we’ve sweat enough to remove your makeup, why don’t you tell me how you got that bruised cheek.”
“I was looking for something in the kitchen, in one of the bottom cabinets. I forgot I’d left the upper cabinet door open, and whack. I saw stars.”
“That’s your story and you’re sticking to it, I suppose.”
Chelsea stroked his chest. “Let’s forget about that. I can’t go this long without you ever again. We need to plan how we’re going to resolve this dilemma. I’ve realized that life is too short not to make the most of it while we can.”
“I know. But let’s not rush into it.”
“I thought you wanted … Last time, you said you were ready now. What’s changed?”
He kissed her breasts. “Nothing, and I am ready. But I’m just starting to do well. I want to be in a better financial position than I am right now, before I make a move.”
“That doesn’t matter to me.”
“And I love you for that. But trust me. In the bigger picture, it will matter. I want to feel more stable in my ability to do it right. I want to take care of you the way you deserve.”
“As far as a place goes, once we’re free and clear, you’ll move in with me.”
“I don’t know how your daughter will feel about that. Or Garrett.”
“Once I’m divorced, Garrett will have no say about it. And, no one can tell me my new husband can’t live with me. You and I will date for a while so Kimberlie can see how wonderful you are. I know she’ll love you. Then, you can move in as soon as we’re officially engaged.”
“I hope you’re right. But I think it’s best if you’re prepared for it to perhaps not be as simple as you want to believe. There’s your family to consider and mine. Even if Kimberlie goes for it, I can’t guarantee that Tim will.”
“Your son will love the house. And the pool. And I’ll love him because he’s yours.”
“It’ll be his second time to go through this; though, it won’t be the same as when his mother and I divorced. He still finds it a difficult experience. He’s never accepted Brandi—just barely tolerates her; though, I share his feelings about her better now. We also don’t know how our children will get along.”
“You’re over-thinking this, Luke. Kids are more adaptable than we tend to believe.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Isn’t it better to show them an example of what happiness looks like, rather than the opposite?”
“And, there are our exes to contend with. One for you, two for me.”
“You and Brandi haven’t had children. There’s no reason for her to stay in your life.”
Luke nodded. “That’s true. I’m sure she’ll be relieved to be rid of me.”
Chelsea rolled onto her side. “You’re sounding world-weary, love. That won’t do. Time to remind you why we have to get our lives arranged so we can be together.”
Luke gasped then closed his eyes to block out any thought but what Chelsea was doing. She was right: this was the woman and life he had to have.
CHAPTER 74
Chelsea had wondered how long it would be before Garrett resumed calling her to say he was working late. It took until the night Richard returned home.
She didn’t make a big deal about it, because what Garrett did, or whom he did, was no longer important to her. What she wanted was to be with Luke.
She understood why he wanted to wait a little longer before announcing their desire to divorce their spouses, but it also frustrated her. Male pride, even in the best of men, always had to be considered. All she had to do was prove to him that they were already set up to start their new life. She’d keep the house and the Bentley. Garrett would pay alimony, child support, and all expenses for the house and car. When she and Luke married, the alimony would cease, but they’d be able to make it. His sales were improving and would continue on that track. She was certain of it. And, she could offer legal advice or provide smaller legal services from home, if they needed extra funds.
Throughout the evening, Chelsea played out various mental scenarios as to how to address this with Garrett. To bolster her courage, she replayed images of her more intimate moments with Luke.
Whatever she decided to do, it had to be soon. Garrett had already taken so much from her. Why give him even more opportunity. He didn’t want her. He’d made that clear in many ways for years. How to accomplish this task in a proficient, smooth manner came to her: point out to Garrett that he’d be free to screw any woman he wanted, without guilt or a discontent wife.
This tactic appealed to her. Now it was just a matter of when. There would never be a perfect moment for such a pronouncement, but she’d watch for a more ideal one.
It was a few minutes after two in the morning when Garrett came in. Chelsea went to the window, expecting him to dive into the pool, as was his habit. Instead of hearing the back door, she heard footfalls coming up the stairs. She dashed back to bed.
He didn’t go into the bathroom as he usually did. Instead, he stripped at the side of the bed and climbed under the covers. He reeked of sex.
“Garrett, I want a divorce.”
“Don’t be silly. It’s late. Go back to sleep. I’m bushed.”
“And I know why. But, the fact is, I’m not happy. I want out. I want a chance at true happiness.”
“Not this crap again. You know I was out because of Richard. There’s a lot to catch up with at the hospital and my practice.”
“I mean it.”
“So do I. Look, Chels, I’m sorry about my hours, but it’s necessary. I’m sorry you’re unhappy, but I do love you, a
nd I have no intention of ending our marriage.”
“Right. You love me.”
“More than the day I married you, I swear. You can forget about a divorce. It’ll never happen. We’re a family and we’re staying one. End of discussion. Go to sleep.”
A new plan formed in her mind.
CHAPTER 75
It was still dark out when the racket of a snowblower woke everyone in the house. But at least getting the cars out of the garage, Garrett off to work, and Kimberlie to school was easier because of it.
Chelsea was up to forty laps each morning, and more than a little grateful the yardmen had erected the large tent over the pool. She’d had to wear knee-high snow boots to get to it.
While she swam, and afterwards as she sipped coffee in the kitchen, she worked and reworked the details of her plan.
Her phone rang; her lips stretched into a smile. “Hi, love. Where are you?”
“I’m at the restaurant. On my first break. I couldn’t wait to tell you what’s going on. A Dark Walk is taking off. It made the USA Today best-seller list, and is on its way up. Also, I just checked my royalties. Ninety-five hundred on Amazon, seven thousand on Barnes and Noble. I’m still stunned at this dramatic turn.”
“As the kids would say, OMG. Luke, I’m so pleased for you.”
“For us, Chelsea. For us. If this continues, I’ll be able to contribute to the life you’re used to. And before you tell me again that it doesn’t matter, you know it matters to me. We’ll be flush.”
“I don’t want to put a damper on your excitement, but Brandi may get some of that. Your first wife certainly will, or at least she’ll try to.”
“I’m not telling either of them.”
“They’ll find out when you become a best-selling author. Maybe before. And definitely during the divorce settlement.”
