Great for Now (Book Two of The Now Series)

by Ryan, Rebecca J

  I smile, “I see…I would have done the same.”

  “It’s the truth.”

  “I know, I can tell.”

  “So what happened to Robert?”

  I take a deep breath, feeling unsettled,"He got in a car accident the night I met him at the bar."

  "Is he OK?"

  "No, he died, it turns out that it wasn't an accident, it has now become a homicide investigation.

  “Jesus… what is happening in this world?” Bo asks.

  "I know, I feel awful about it too. I hope they find whoever is responsible."

  Bo takes a deep breath, "He wasn't exactly the most liked person."

  "I know, but still, he didn't deserve to die."

  "It could be anyone with his track record, heck it could even be my aunt. I know she couldn't stand him."

  “Paul’s chargers were dropped because of Robert,” I say.

  "Still, Paul will never be the same. I'll see what I can find.

  Chapter 49

  Bo

  Julie is sleeping. I stare at her thinking what have I gotten myself into. She has serious baggage, ones I can't ignore especially her ex. Why is she protecting him? Does she still have a thing for him?

  From what I have heard from Ms. Joan, he’s a charmer, he charmed Julie to almost marrying him. I wonder why they broke-up. Something major must have happened, but I can't ask. It would only upset her.

  It's 12 am, and I wish I could just sleep, but I am wired. I get up and surf the internet. I google Julie White wedding registry and the website is still up.

  Staring at the one I will not name is rising my blood pressure. He has his hand over Julie like he owns her, and I notice she is not really smiling. I didn't notice it before but I do now, there is something fishy here. I study the picture, according to the write up.

  I write Kevin Ward in my pocket notebook, not wanting to forget his full name just encase. I exit out of the webpage, exhausted by everything surrounding Julie. She came in my life like a gust of wind, and it seems like everything around her is caught in it.

  I really should walk away, but I just can’t, at least not now. I’m going to do a little investigating when Julie is at work tomorrow.

  Chapter 50

  Julie

  I wake up thinking about Bo.

  I’m still in shock how he just thought coming inside if me was ok. But would it really be the end of the world if I became pregnant? I think about this question driving to see Joan.

  There is no doubt that Bo and I are perfect in bed, but I can't say we are a perfect match in other parts of life. I wasn't sure yet.

  I pull in the hospital parking lot, staring up to the top floor where Joan is, just like me she is complicated.

  As I exit the elevator, Dr. Ross' eyes and mine greet each other. He waves, and I walk over.

  "Hi Julie," he smiles. “Ms. Joan is doing extremely well and if she continues to do so for the next few hours, and her paperwork is completed and approved by her insurance provider, she’ll be able to transfer to the rehab facility by tomorrow morning."

  “Great news, I can't wait for her to be back home."

  Dr. Ross shakes his head, "I know, she has been talking about you and how you saved her life."

  "She is a fighter, so I am sure she would have figured something out, that is how she is," I say.

  "Well, it's good that you are around, otherwise I would have recommended she'd go to a nursing home. She really isn't that well to be alone."

  My heart drops, Joan would turn for the worst if that were to ever happen. I knew I would have to make sure I checked on her and helped her anyway I could.

  "Oh, your friend Kevin has been leaving me messages, but I have not been able to return them yet. Can you tell him I will call him when I can. It really has been crazy here," Dr. Ross says.

  "Sure, if I see him."

  "He is a bit anxious, saying he has a good investment to share with me, but being a doctor is my first priority."

  “Yes, he can be overly anxious," I say, thinking again Kevin has gone over the line. "Thank you Dr. Ross for the care you have given Joan. I'd like to see her now."

  I walk to see Joan watching TV, "Hello," I call.

  She looks my way, "Oh dear, my lifesaver. Come over here."

  I walk over and give her a long hug, tears start forming in my eyes. I hope to keep them hidden from Joan, not wanting to get her too emotional, remembering her weak heart. I pull back quickly wiping away the tears.

  "You look great Joan, Dr. Ross says you'll be in your garden in no time, but of course you will have to take it easy, going out a little bit at a time."

  "I woke up this morning, scared not remembering what had happened, but then I did."

  I kept quiet I didn't want to pry about the reason why she had suffered an heart attack.

  "I will water your garden until you get home," I say.

  "You will, " she says, her eyes widen. "I want to go home today."

  I take a deep breath, "I do too, but Dr. Ross wants to make sure you are 100% good to go home," I say, remembering the other option of going to a nursing home verse a rehabilitation center.

  "I don't know about that, the hospitals like to make money off older people because we have good insurance. They could careless about me," Joan says.

  I crack a smile, listening to Joan’s reasoning. Happy to hear her old self.

  “Listen Julie, I am lucky to be alive.”

  “You are a tough cookie Ms. Joan,” I say, hoping she smiles.

  “I want to go home.”

  “You will, after you get better. Do you need anything from home? I could stop by and get what you need,” I say.

  “Yes, thanks for saying something, I wrote you a list, everything is in my bedroom.”

  “I’m glad I mentioned it, do you have the list?”

  “It’s by the phone. I had a nurse write what I need down.”

  I walk over and see the list by the phone as Ms. Joan had said.

  “Dear, can you come a little bit closer?” Ms. Joan’s asks.

  I walk over to Joan, just a few inches away from her.

  “Everything is in my dresser,” she says.

  “I’ll stop by your place today and get your things. Now you need to rest so you can get better. I need my neighbor back,” I say.

  Ms. Joan smiles, “Ah, you’re my sunshine, thank you.”

  “Have a great day.”

  “Listen Julie careful.”

  In that second my stomach feels ill, like it was just punched. Was Ms. Joan able to sense that I was scared about going in her house?

  “I will.”

  “Oh, dear one more thing.”

  “Yes, Ms. Joan. Do you need me to bring anything else?”

  “If anything happens to me, I signed everything to you.”

  Chapter 51

  Bo

  Driving to work I drive by Julie’s place, maybe she’ll be home. She sort of took off this morning without saying much. I feel bad about what happened last night. I just couldn’t help myself from coming, but I shouldn’t have. I really should have worn a condom or pulled out. But when she freaked out, it hurt my pride.

  I see a blue BMW parked in Julie’s driveway and not her white Accord. I drive around the block, not able to shake the feeling that something was not right. I don’t think she would play me for a fool, but maybe I was, and was only good for a good time.

  I drive back to her street park a few houses down. I get out slowly walking to her place.

  This is wrong, but just as I turn around I see this man walk out of her front door. Who the hell is he? Is she screwing around with another guy? I keep on walking until I get to her house, he is taking things out of his car and taking them in the house. Shit is he moving in?

  I feel like an idiot, it’s Kevin and it looks like he is moving it. Fuck, she has been playing me all along.

  He looks my way and waves like he owes the house.

  Fuck her! She was s
o playing me for a practice fuck, to keep her tuned for Him.

  Chapter 52

  Julie

  I am surprised that I am able to function after the last twenty four hours. Kevin could be the devil himself, and I have sperm swimming in my uterus.

  I decide I have to go to the court house in Orange County and find all I can about Kevin.

  I arrive at the courthouse feeling uncomfortable like I was doing something wrong.

  “How can I help you?” asks a clerk.

  “Well, I’d like to get information about a case involving a Kevin Ward.”

  The lady clerk looks up, “Do you happen to have a case number?”

  “I do,” I look in my wallet for the same piece of paper I wrote it on. I hand it to her.

  She types and prints out a page, then gives it to me without even looking at it.

  I look at it disappointed, “Sorry, but I have the same information from the official online records. Can I speak to the attorney handling the case?” I ask.

  My stomach tightens, awaiting her answer.

  “Let me see, what I can do,” she says, then she walks to another lady further down the counter. The lady shakes her hand, and the clerk helping me picks up the phone, dials a number, then talks.

  My phone buzzes, I look down to see a text from Kevin. I hope he didn’t follow me here, please let my fear be just my anxieties.

  “When are you coming home?” the text reads.

  He must be at the house. As I think what to text back, the clerk returns.

  “You are lucky because James Pena, the prosecutor, handling the case is here and will see you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “He is on his way down.”

  I look at the counter to see the clerk’s name, Danielle.

  “Thanks again, Danielle. I really appreciate your help.”

  She smiles, “I could see there’s an urgency, you look scared.”

  “I am.”

  “Would you like something to drink?”

  “No, I’m good. I’ll just sit down until Mr. Pena arrives.”

  My phone buzzes again.

  “Honey where are you?.” Kevin texts.

  My face drops thinking the thought of him in my place.

  “Mr. Pena.” I hear Danielle call.

  I look up to see an attractive man in this mid thirties, wearing navy slacks and a white oxford shirt. He has beautiful hazel eyes, matching his dirty blond hair. Our eyes meet and we both smile like we are lost friends.

  “Hi,” I say, getting up from my seat.

  “Hi, I’m James. I’m Julie from Palm Beach County.

  Why did I have to say this, just keep it simple.

  “How can I help you?” James asks, getting to the point.

  “I already have the information Danielle was able to print for you. I’m want more information if possible.”

  He smiles, “Are you somehow involved in this case?”

  “Not really.”

  “Are you another victim?” James asks, leaning closer to me.

  I turn red, feeling hot.

  “No, do I look like one?” I ask.

  “Well, excuse me for saying this but you are attractive as the others who have come forward already.”

  “Other women?”

  “I’m sorry but there are.”

  “I feel bad for them,” I say.

  “So who are you Julie?” James asks.

  “Can we go somewhere private?”

  “I need to know before I can take you to my office.”

  I make a nervous smile, “I’m his ex-fiance.”

  James freezes as he looks at me, “You’re just the person I want to talk to.”

  “What for?”

  “How about a cup of coffee?”

  “Yes, I think it will take the edge off.”

  “Great, let’s go to my office for the file, then we can go to Starbucks just down the street.”

  I shake my head, beyond nervous to know what James has in his file.

  “Julie, you are the break I have been waiting for.”

  “I’m not sure if I am, but OK,” I say.

  I follow James to an opened elevator, feeling the same anxiety I felt when I was on my way up to Kevin’s office to hear him and his girlfriend screwing.

  Once in James’ office, I marvel at the view, reminding me of my office. and of course Candy Cop. I’m surprised that he hadn’t text me today. Maybe he is having a busy morning like me.

  “Here is the file,” James says, “I was looking at it this morning.”

  I let out a sigh, seeing the thick file wasn’t comforting, it had to be full of reports, charges and evidence.

  “Can I look at it?” I ask.

  James hesitates to answer, looking down at the file.

  “I will help anyway I can,” I say.

  James asks, “You will?”

  “Yes, I will. I want the bastard locked up for good.”

  “Well, it is possible.”

  James goes on to tell me how I can make it happen. It isn’t too terrible, however, it could turn bad if I screw up.

  “It was nice meeting you Julie,” James says.

  “Likewise.”

  “Here is my card, call me anytime.”

  “I will.”

  Driving back to the office, I’m not sure if I am going to be able to pull off what James needs to get Kevin sent to prison for a long time. The charges of stalking, sexual harassment, larceny, and grand thief make me sick.

  I think of Bo, surprised that he hasn’t text or called me today. I reach for my phone and call him, feeling he is going to answer on the first ring, but he doesn’t and neither does he on the second or third ring, until the call goes to voicemail.

  Strange, he’ll call when he sees it’s me.

  I place my phone on my lap, ten minutes pass and still no returned call from him. I call again, this time the call goes straight to voicemail.

  What’s up? I think. Then the worst fear enters my mind, Kevin must have gotten in touch with him. I call Bo again. Again the call goes to voicemail.

  I arrive at the office jittery. I have an afternoon deposition I had to be at.

  “Hey girl,” Heather says.

  “Hi, glad to be back,” I say.

  “Well it has been peaceful here,” Heather says.

  That was code for Kevin hasn’t called and all is well here.

  “Glad to hear it, I’ll be leaving at three for a deposition at the courthouse.”

  “How is Ms. Joan doing?”

  “Good,” I say, realizing I still needed to go by her place for her things. “She is doing well.” I had forgotten I had told her about Joan’s condition on the way to Orange County Courthouse.

  Still no calls or texts from Bo. The deposition went well. I start to worry if he is not hurt or if something bad happened to him.

  When I arrive at his place, I see his Jeep. I call him again and the call goes straight to voicemail. This is freaking me out, what if he’s dead?

  I knock on the door.

  “Who is it?

  “Julie,” I say, smiling, anticipating him opening the door in a flash, to grab and pull me to him.

  “I’m not feeling well,” he says from behind the door. “My stomach hurts.”

  “Bo, please open the door.”

  I don’t hear any movement from behind it. This time I bang on the door, “Please Bo, open the door.”

  Finally I hear the lock turn, my heart starts pumping fast. I can’t wait to see him.

  He cracks the door open, maybe a few inches, making it hard to see him.

  “Hey, I’m sorry about your stomach. What did you eat?” I ask.

  “It’s nothing I ate,” Bo says.

  “Come on Bo, what’s wrong? Is it because I didn’t text you earlier enough? I was working.”

  “No,’ he says, looking down. “I’m not like that, work is work.”

  “I’m going to go out on a limb, because I don’t
want to lose, and maybe you will think I am crazy for thinking the way I do, but here I go,” I say, my knees becoming weak, feeling unsteady.

  Bo opens the door to where I see him, he is topless. Thankfully he is wearing pants or I couldn’t help but not to touch him.

  “Come in.”

  I walk by him and unexpectedly he pulls me close to him. His touch melts my being. He puts his hand around my waist, leading me to the couch.

  “Bo, I’m scared,” I say, tears streaming down my cheeks.

  He looks in my eyes, his hand on my cheek.

  “It’s OK, I am here.”

  “It’s a huge mess.”

  “What is? What is making you so damn scared?”

  I hold my breath, my insides feel bunched up.

  “You know I was engaged to Kevin,” I say.

  He shakes his head.

  “Well, Kevin and I were to be married but it was postponed because he got to be Ms. Kemp’s lawyer.”

  “Wasn’t it on TV?” Kevin asks.

  “It was, I was stupid to watch it, anyway. He stopped calling, then his number was disconnected, and I didn’t hear from him. It was awful, feeling so let down.” I start crying, “I’m sorry, I’m getting so emotional, do you want me to shut up and leave? I just can’t stop crying.”

  “I wouldn’t want that,” Bo says.

  “I got over Kevin and made a life for myself. I realized later him leaving was a blessing.”

  Kevin looks at me, so intently. Feeling lost staring in his eyes.

  “I thought I would never hear from him again, but now he is back and he doesn’t get that I have move on. And he’s now stalking me.”

  “Let me at him,” Bo says.

  His face turning red, feeling his temperature rise.

  “No, that would only make matters worst. I just wish he would disappear.”

  “Well that can be arranged.”

  “No, please don’t even think about it. It would only stress me out.”

  “Now I have something to tell you,” Bo says. “I drove by your house earlier.”

  My heart drops, waiting to hear what he saw.