“You know what you are right, we don’t need expensive gifts. I will talk to my Mom and arrange for a donation basket to be set up in the reception. You are so thoughtful Adrian.”
“Alanna I only want this if you are happy with it?”
“Yes it is a great idea and I am so glad that you thought of it.” I gush as I lean in a kiss him on the cheek. We have a lovely meal with Michael and Emma and as Adrian pays the cheque and Emma makes a pit-stop at the restroom, Michael pulls me to one side. He grips my hands firmly in his and we are standing inches apart. I feel nervous as this is the closest that we have been in months. I anxiously glance around to see if Adrian is anywhere in sight, but I don’t see him so I turn my attention back to Michael as he grips onto me.
“Alanna I need to talk to you.” I feel even more anxious now that he has spoken. I try to maintain my composure, but it is very difficult. I love Adrian and I am excited about our future together, but Michael still makes my heart race. He pulls me in and I am stunned by his beauty.
“Okay then talk.” I say quietly. Michael loosens his grip on me as he notices Emma striding towards us. He leans in and he whispers. “Meet me tomorrow at noon, in central park.” I stare at him in amazement and I quickly nod in agreement. Emma reaches us and Michael takes her hand in his. He nods to me and I quickly greet Emma with a kiss on each cheek. They disappear into the crowd of the restaurant and I am left alone as I wait for Adrian to return.
When we arrive back at the condo, Adrian is very quiet. I quickly change into my pyjamas and then I make my way back into the lounge. Adrian is resting on the sofa. His white – Armani shirt is open at the collar and his chocolate hair is messy. I stride over to him and I carefully sit down next to him. He turns to me and I can tell that something is bothering him. I flash him a smile and he breaks the silence.
“Alanna, I love you.” He sighs as his words pass from his full lips. I slide over to him and he gently pushes my hair away from my face. His eyes are glowing as he strokes my face. I close my eyes slightly at his touch and then he leans towards me. His lips are tender as they collide with mine. I pull back from him as I feel the air draining from my body. I smile as he runs his long fingers through his hair.
“Adrian I have to talk to you about something.” My eyes lift from the floor and they meet Adrian’s. He lunges closer to me as he folds his arms. I take a deep breath as I bring up the subject of his mother.
“Talk Alanna,”
“I need you to not get mad at me, okay?” Adrian rolls his eyes at me.
“Baby just talk,”
“Have you thought any more about inviting your Mom to the wedding?” Adrian shakes his head and I lean over and take his hand. “Alanna, I have thought more about it. In fact, that’s what I was talking to my therapist about today. The anger I have inside is slowly fading. I feel that I could possibly see her again. I know that I could control myself around her now. But I don’t know if I should see her for first time at our wedding.” I smile as I cannot believe his confession.
“Adrian we still have a few days until the wedding, you could see her before then. I could go with you and if things go well then you can invite her to the wedding.”
“I don’t know, some days I hate her and other times I miss her. I don’t know how I feel anymore.” I am surprised by Adrian’s honesty and I like that he is sharing how he feels with me. I want to help him through this and I really want him to have a decent relationship with his mother.
“Adrian, we can work this out. Would you like me to arrange a meeting with Alice?” Adrian exhales as he considers his response. My heart gently pounds as I await his next words. He leans closer towards meand he gently strokes my chin with his index finger. I tingle from his touch and then he whispers. “I need you to help me, so please arrange a meeting with my mother.” I smile and then he leans in even further. He places one hand on the back of my head and the other is sliding down my back. He pulls me firmly towards him and now his lips are on mine. His kiss is gentle at first but then it becomes more rapid. I melt into him as I run my hand through his hair. He pushes me down and I know what he wants. I lightly giggle as he kisses me again.
Two
The next morning I am awakened by the alarming, buzzing from my phone. I tiredly open my eyes and reach over to grab my phone from the bedside table. I quickly jump up as I see that Sophie is calling me. I take a deep breath as I answer.
“Hello,” I say rather desperately.
“Hello Alanna, have I woken you?”
“No, no. Sophie, how are you?”The phone is silent and I my heart begins to race. What if things went wrong between James and Sophie?
“I am okay I guess, feeling a little sick but isn’t that to be expected?” I frown as I don’t know how to respond. I clear my throat as I man-up.
“Sophie, how did James take the news?” “He was shocked at first, but I feel that he is happy about the situation. We talked for hours and we got all our feelings out in the open. By the end of the night, he was so excited about our baby. Alanna I think that everything will work out.” I cannot hold back my smile as I am ecstatic that everything is fine with Sophie. I was so worried about her and I feared that James would react differently to how he has. I still cannot believe that this is actually happening. Sophie – my friend - Sophie is going to be a mom.
“I am glad that everything has worked out with James. Sophie, have you told your parents yet?” “No and I am dreading the moment that I break the news to them. You know what my family is like. My parents are going to have a heart-attack when they find out.”
“Your Mom and Dad will be shocked at first, but I am sure that they will be happy for you once they get used to the idea.”
“I hate it when my family are mad at me. Oh Alanna, can’t you take my place?” I laugh as I relish the thought. Sophie’s mom and dad are so terrifying and strict that every time I see them I quiver, as I would hate to feel their wrath. They have always kept Sophie on a tight leash ever since she was a kid. Her dad, Simon is a little bit of a control – freak. Things always have to go his way and he always has an opinion about everything. Rachel, Sophie’s mom is no better. She is the typical step-ford wife, apron and all. She aims to please and strives to have the image of a perfect life the perfect house, marriage and off course the perfect daughter. Sophie doesn’t have the same lifestyle as all the other girls I know. Simon and Rachel have standards of what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour and if Sophie ever broke any of their rules, then look out. I hate to think of how they will react to the news that their precious daughter is pregnant out of wedlock. I just hope that they act how loving parents would and not as social pillars.
I slowly climb out of bed as I make my way into the bathroom. I run the shower and then I jump in. The hot water wakes me as I prepare for the day ahead. My mind starts to buzz about all of the things that I have to do today. No doubt my mom will have many things that I need to approve and I have that looming meeting with Michael. My heart gently races as I think of it. I try to shake off my anxiety as I quickly wash my hair. I close my eyes and then I am instantly reminded that I need to talk to Alice. With that thought, I quickly rinse off the excess soap from my hair and body and I shut off the water. I carefully step out of the shower and into the large, marble bathroom. I pat myself dry and then I make my way back into the oversized bedroom. I rummage in my closet until I find my outfit. I throw on my dark blue jeans and cashmere red sweater. I quickly blow dry my hair and gently apply some lip balm. I walk over to my bed and I lift my phone from my pillow. I gently exhale as I scan my contacts until I come to Alice. I slip on my Jimmy Choos that lay on the floor next to my bed as I pick up the courage to hit send. I wait patientlyas the phone rings and I jump a little when I hear Alice’s voice.
“ Alanna is that you?” I hear her say in quiet voice. I open my mouth, but words do not come out. I try to compose myself as Alice asks again.
“Alanna my dear is that you?” I open my mouth a
gain and this time I manage to force out my words.
“Hello Alice,” “Oh Alanna it is so nice to hear your voice again. How have to been? Is everything… okay?” Instantly I feel sorry for Alice as I hear the sadness in her voice.
“I have been good and yes everything is fine. Alice, how have you been since the last time that we spoke?”
“I have been up and down since then.” Alice’s words take my breath away, whatever does she mean? Is she drinking again?
“Do you want to talk about it?” “Alanna, I know what you must be thinking, but I can assure you that I am not drinking again. The truth is I have felt mentally drained since that night that I saw Adrian. I feel terrible about how he reacted to me and what hurts me the most is that, I deserved everything that he said. I deserved to be thrown from his life in the way that I was.”
“Alice I am sorry that you feel that way, but I have some good news!” Alice is silent and her reaction is alerting me that she is eager to know about my news. Therefore I don’t keep her in suspense any longer. “Adrian and I are getting married.” Alice bursts into laughter and then I hear gentle splutters from her tears. I - myself have to hold in my own tears as I need to pull myself together and get my point across. “Alice, Adrian has had several sessions with a therapist and I feel that he is slowly moving on from his past.”
“May I ask when the wedding is?” I again feel for Alice as her words choke out. I wish that I could invite her to our wedding but I know that wouldn’t be the best solution.
“The wedding is in five days,”
“I see, well I wish you all the happiness in the world.”
“Wait, Alice, I am not done yet.” Alice instantly backs off as she awaits my next words.“Adrian wants to see you.”
“Really?” “Yes, he told me to call you and arrange a meeting. Alice, your son wants to see you. Will you meet with us?”
“Yes of course I will. Just say when!” I smile as I am delighted that Alice has agreed to my proposal.
“How about dinner tonight, at the Oak Room?”
“Yes, let’s say seven o’ clock?”I smile again and then I agree with Alice. “See you then,”
I hang up and then I instantly text Adrian to fill him in.
Hey doll, I talked to your Mom and we are going tohave dinner tonight at the Oak Room – seven o’ clock. Let me know if that time suits you, Alanna x I glance at the time and I notice that it’s gone ten therefore; I rush out the room and into the lounge/ kitchen area. I quickly make some coffee and I nibble on a ready-made waffle. I take a seat at the breakfast bar and I begin to scan today’s newspaper. As I look over the entertainment section, I hear a firm knock at the door. I make my way over and that’s when I see one of the body guards reaching to open the door. I step back as he glances at me. He pulls open the door and there stands a small delivery man. He is dressed in his fedex uniform and he holds an envelope in his hand.
“Miss Hart?” He asks as he locks his small, brown eyes on mine. I smile at him.
“Yes that’s me,”
“Could you please sign here,” he alerts me as he holds out a clipboard. I sign and then he thrusts the envelope into my hand. “Have a nice day, Miss Hart.” I march into the lounge and I quickly begin to open the envelope. I take out a note and a picture. My heart is racing and I am terrified to look at the note. I pick up courage and with one swift movement, I flip the piece of paper and the picture around. I gasp as I see that the picture is of Adrian and me. I am startled as I begin to read this new threat.
Alanna why do you insist on staying with this murderer? Why are you marrying him in five days’ time when you know that he has taken a life? Can’t you see him for what he really is? You need to listen to my warnings and leave Adrian Black! Leave him or suffer the heartbreak that will follow you.
I hold back my tears as I throw the note and picture to the bodyguard. He begins to read over the threat and then he gives me my orders. “Wait here, I will be right back.” He glides out into the hallway of the building and I jump when I hear the bang from door behind him. My mind is spinning from this new threat. I march over to the sofa and I throw myself down. My head is now beginning to pound, so I slowly lie down and rest my head against the soft, gold cushion. I close my eyes and then I reach for my buzzing phone.
“Alanna, are you alright?” Adrian’s voice is sharp and his tone rings in my ears.
“Yes I’m fine. I take it from your tone that you know about the note?” “Yes, I know about the threat. Alanna it is not safe for you at the condo. I need you to go and stay with your parents for a few days, without me.”
“No, I can’t. I need to be with you.” My body temperature is rising as I feel that this is a losing battle. “I want to be with you to but, it is too dangerous. I need you to go and spend your last few days as a single girl, with your family.” Adrian’s voice is sympathetic as I take in his plea. I nervously run my fingers through my hair as I consider his suggestion. My mind races and then I think of Michael. I glance at my watch and I realise that I need to meet him. I quickly clear my throat as I pick up the courage to fill Adrian in on my plans.
“Adrian, I have to meet with Michael.” The phone is silent as I await his words.
“Why?”
“Last night at dinner, he asked me if I could meet him today at central park.”
“I see and are you going to meet him?” I start to worry as I reply. What if Adrian doesn’t want me to meet with Michael? “I was going to. We haven’t talked in so long and I… miss him.”
“I am confused Alanna, didn’t you speak with him last night?” Adrian’s voice is slightly harsh and I can sense his jealousy. Things have been going so well with Adrian and Michael and I feel awful at my memory of déjà vu.
“Yes I have spoken with him but things aren’t the way they used to be. Michael doesn’t open up to me in the way that he used to. I feel that he has something important to say and I need to go and meet him. Adrian, I need you to understand my reasons and hopefully you can be okaywith it?” I can hear his sighs as he considers his reply. My heart is now pounding and my head is bursting –I really need to take something for the pain. I slide myself from the sofa and I make my way into the bathroom. My phone is lodged to my ear as I am still waiting for Adrian to talk. As I wait, I rummage through the cabinet in the bathroom until I find some headache pills. I run the fossett and glug down the pills, water and a sense of relief as Adrian finally speaks.
“I understand and I know that you will be safe with Michael. I will see you tonight at dinner and Alanna, I love you.”
“Thanks Adrian and I love you too.” When I arrive at central park my heart slowly begins to race. I make my way from the car – with a bodyguard at either side of me. I walk briskly along the walkway of this luscious park; my heart is racing even more as the cool air brushes against my cheeks. I carefully scan the crowd as I glide through them. I am searching but I am yet to see Michael. I wonder what he needs to talk to me about and I cannot help but feel anxious. I walk further into the crowd, but still I cannot see Michael. I stop in my tracks as I spot an empty bench. I walk over and I place myself down onto the wooden seat. I feel that it will be easier for Michael to find me if I stay in the one place. I glance out onto the river and I smile as I see families laughing and rejoicing in spending time together, as they paddle along the river in their small boats. The weather has slightly turned and I feel a sudden blast of wind blowing through the park. I try to catch my raging hair as the wind ruffles it. I quickly turn aroundand that’s when I see Michael. He is gliding over to me in his dark blue jeans and black shirt. His hair is tousled in the wind and he has a huge grin plastered on his face. As he gets closer my heart pounds harder and I urge myself toremain cool. “Alanna,” he says as he finally reaches me. I flash him an awkward smile and then I glance at my security. I know that I need them right now, but sometimes I just wish that they would leave me. However, I know that there is no chance of that today. Therefore,
I smile again and I try my best to block them out of my private moment with Michael.
“I am so glad that you came.” Michael says as he leans in and kisses me softly on my cheek. I cannot control my happiness from his touch as I have craved this type of affection from Michael for some time now. I gaze into his ice blue eyes and all my feelings for him rush back into my mind. I remember how I felt the first time that I saw him and I remember how he told me that he loved me. I close my eyes for a second and then I open them again as his hand is on mine. He is smiling at me and I love to see the way his lips curve.
“So how have you been, Michael?” I ask in a slow, quiet voice. Michael quickly straightens his face. “I have been fine. Alanna, I asked you to meet me here today because I feel as if I have let you down.” I stare at Michael wide eyed as I don’t fully understand his confession. I want and need to know more.
“In what way have you let me down?” Michael shakes his head at me and then he moves his hand further into mine. “Alanna, that night at your birthday party I promised you that our relationship wouldn’t change. However, that is exactly what has happened.” I clutch his hand and he presses a gentle smile from his lips.
“Things had to change. We – I was being far too selfish in wanting both you and Adrian. I feel terrible that I leaded you on for so long. I want to say that I am sorry for everything that I have put you through. I will always have a special place for you in my heart and I can’t deny that I have missed you.”
“Alanna, you are correct in what you are saying. It was selfish on both our parts but what I can’t deny is that, we have some type of connection. It’s almost as if we are soul mates, but I know and I accept that you love Adrian. I can see how he makes you feel and I wish you nothing but happiness in your marriage.”
Three Thousand Miles - Forever, (book #3 of Three Thousand Miles, Series) Page 3
