Intertwined Hearts Series (4 book collection): (Intertwined Hearts, An Exceptional Twist, Tangled Paths & Grafted Vines)

by Kimi Flores

  Yeah, definitely not worth anymore of my energy.

  ⁂

  Stefen

  As soon as Caleb and Abby left for home, I missed them. They’d stayed during my critical period, but they had a little girl and new life to get back to.

  Despite my mom's orders, Caleb and I both agreed that my sister, Bri, needed to know what happened. She’d rushed to the hospital once Abby called her, and she hung out with me throughout the remainder of my stay.

  As usual, she and mom got into several nasty fights. That soured things for Bri so I insisted she stayed away until after I was released. I hated how mother treated my sister, but we weren't a family that sat down at the dinner table and discussed our feelings.

  The longest weeks of my life were spent stuck in that hospital bed. Thanks to my parents, I'd received the best care money could buy, including specialists in every field. Nonetheless, I was relieved to be out of that medical facility and nearly clicked my damn heels after the nurse wheeled me out to my father’s waiting car.

  The moment my father dropped me off at their pool house, the shower beckoned me. I'd only received sponge baths from a few overly friendly nurses, including one male. Taking a shower without any help proved to be a challenge since I still had a cast on my arm and stiches on my collar bone, but I managed. Still, no matter how hard I scrubbed, those damn sticky lines left behind by hospital tape remained.

  Stretching across the couch, I turned on the TV and surfed from station to station. I glanced around to see if anyone was watching as I turned to one of those chick flick channels. I’d never admit this to anyone, but I started watching them as a teen to learn what girls wanted in a guy. Somewhere along the line, I found that I actually secretly liked them.

  There was an eighties marathon on. Perfect. Sinking back into the couch, I made myself comfortable. My doctor put me on bed rest, so I was ready to settle in for the night.

  Normally, I struggled to just stay put. At this point, however, I wasn’t going to complain. Ending up back in that hospital was not an option. Home care nurses would be popping in to check on me periodically, which I thought was a bit much, but my parents insisted. It wasn't worth the argument.

  Other than a few courtesy phone calls, no one else came to visit. I wasn’t used to being so isolated. Honestly, I was beginning to feel abandoned. The only time I saw either of my parents was when my dad had papers for me to sign and my mother was running out to see another friend about a fundraiser.

  Sometimes she was sober. For the most part, she smelled like alcohol. Her drinking was getting out of hand. I wondered how long the family was going to keep avoiding the elephant in the room.

  The one thing that uplifted my spirits was reading Leah’s text. It came while I was stuck in the hospital, but I hadn’t had a chance to read it yet. My dad thought I might try to work from my bed, so he kept my cell phone hostage until I was home.

  It was a simple message but because it was from her, I found myself reading it over and over.

  Leah: Praying for you.

  People said things like that all the time and didn't mean it, but I had a feeling that she was actually praying for me. That damn kind heart of hers—one of her many attributes. I'd sent a simple ‘thank you’. What else could I say?

  While staying at my parent’s house, it didn’t take too long for reality to slap me upside the head. The fantastic life I'd worked so hard to make for myself in my hometown, wasn't so great after all. At least, not right now.

  I begrudgingly gave Caleb a call a few days ago and plans were in the works to get me back to Santa Barbara for a while. Every precaution was being taken to ensure that no one knew where I was going or when I was leaving. The last thing I intended to do was put anyone I cared about in harm’s way.

  We'd already gathered all of my personal belongings, but my dad didn't want to raise any suspicion, so they were waiting to evacuate my apartment. It was an eye opener when I realized that, besides my clothes and electronics, I didn't have many personal items. Everything was for decoration.

  No wonder the apartment seemed so impersonal.

  Arrangements were made for me to leave tomorrow morning. A nurse would accompany me on the trip and make sure I got settled. My only reservation was that I’d have to face what I’d done to Leah, head on.

  The selfish side of me hoped that she would just pop in for a visit, but I wasn’t sure I wanted her to see me looking like a monster.

  Using my good eye, I peered through the sliding glass door on the other end of the room. My suit-clad father walked past the oversized pool that hadn't been used at all since Bri and I left for college.

  As soon as my dad walked through the door, I noticed the concern on his face.

  Pushing myself up on the couch, I asked, “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah.” He offered me a half-hearted smile, creasing the side of his mouth. “I know it’s for the best, and I still insist that you go, but—I'll miss having you around.”

  I was speechless. That was unexpected.

  But the emotion was short lived. Handing some papers over, his mood switched and my father’s mask was back. “Here's your agenda for tomorrow. I have everything set up. All your records have been sent to UCLA Medical Center. It’s about two hours south of Santa Barbara, but your doctor here has assured me that their specialists can take care of you better than any other hospital in the area. They’re expecting a call after you get there so they can evaluate your care.”

  “Thanks, Pop. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” I’d been dreading bringing this up but really needed this for myself. “I also want to keep working. I can still do research for you remotely. Just send me my cases.”

  “When the time is right. Until then, you need to recover completely.” Pointing his finger, he narrowed his eyes. “And no calling anyone else for work. Everyone in the office knows that if they send you anything before I say it’s okay, they’re out.”

  I didn’t doubt the gravity of this statement. Alec Hunter had fired employees on the spot for lesser offenses.

  “Fine,” I huffed.

  ⁂

  Leah

  In the worst mood ever, I was ready to call it quits for the day. The bride from hell that I worked for today, complained about every little detail of the flowers.

  The initial meeting should have clued me in that this woman was out of her ever-loving mind. Her ideas were absolutely ridiculous, and I had tried but failed to talk her out of them. Now that the bride's vision had come to life, it looked like a nightmare and she’d hated it all.

  There were freaking flamingos roaming around during the wedding and reception, crapping all over the place for goodness sakes. The wedding dress was a hideous bright pink monstrosity that dipped so low in the back, it almost showed her ass crack, and her boobs were only barely contained.

  How she could have her father give her away at a family event dressed like that was beyond me. Then again, her father seemed all too eager to give his daughter to the groom. This was one wedding I wished I'd never agreed to and couldn't wait to forget about.

  Completely exhausted, I did something I loved to do at the end of a long day. I threw on my most comfy jammies, crawled into bed, and flicked on the channel that played non-stop romance movies. One of my favorite eighties movies, featuring ‘The Brat Pack’, flashed on the screen just as my phone rang.

  “Hello?” I muted the catchy song blaring from the TV and moved further down on the bed until I was laying down.

  “Hey, Leah,” I was greeted by a not so enthusiastic Abby.

  Alarmed, I sat back up. “Everything okay? Isn’t Caleb happy about the baby?”

  “Of course. He’s beside himself and can’t believe I’m pregnant already.” There was a slight pause before she quietly continued. “I’m actually calling about something else, though. As you know, Caleb’s been trying to convince Stefen to come back to Santa Barbara for a while now and—”

  Stefen? Back
here? In my town? In my life?

  My heart began to beat profusely. I had a hard time focusing on anything else Abby said.

  “—well, he’s coming back tomorrow. I’m sorry I waited to tell you, but I wasn’t sure how. He really needs family right now, and we’re it, I guess. Caleb’s going to lay some ground rules as soon as he’s settled.” There was a long awkward silence. “I’m so sorry, Leah. This is out of my hands.”

  Shocked, I sat quietly for a whole minute. “I don’t know what to say. It’s not your fault, but the circumstances just suck.” Tightly squeezing my eyes together in an attempt to keep tears from falling, I had to get off the phone. “I’m not angry with you Abby, and I know it’s not you, but I already feel like I’m being shoved out of your life and now the asshole that broke my heart is weaseling in.”

  Abby gasped, “Leah—”

  “Don’t. Like I said, I know it’s not your fault, and he didn’t ask for any of this either, but I need some time to digest it all. Can we talk later?”

  She sniffed, her broken voice sounded like she was holding back her own tears. “Of course. Take the time you need, but please call me back. If you don’t, then I’m going to call you because I have no intention of letting you walk away from me. Just so you know, Caleb would never let that happen either.”

  The tears continued to fall. “I have to go. Talk to you later.” I ended the call, then looked up at the television to find a young couple from different walks of life, kissing and embracing each other.

  A few minutes ago, I wanted to get lost in a romantic movie, and now couldn’t stomach it. It was all bullshit—romance, happily ever afters.

  Turning off the TV, I threw the remote across the room, screaming out in frustration.

  Why did he ever come here? And why does he have to come back?

  I knew the answer to those questions, but my heart felt like it was going to burst. Now he would be parked at my best friend's house indefinitely. How would I avoid him? What the hell was I going to do?

  Both anger and sorrow filled me as I started to cry into my pillow, just like I'd done before. Pushing myself up, I grabbed for the phone again. I needed some time to think things through, and there was no way I’d be able to do that in the same town that Stefen was in.

  Fighting my exasperation, I text my sister, Dani.

  Leah: Coming for a visit tomorrow morning…may stay a few days.

  Dani: Everything ok?

  Leah: Yep, just need some time away.

  Dani: Will tell Mami. See you soon!

  There were only so many tears a girl could shed for one man, and I’d hit my quota when it came to Stefen Hunter. I had to do everything in my power to get over him.

  All I have to do now is convince my heart that it’s possible.

  Chapter Eleven

  Sweet Home, Alhambra

  Leah

  The more I thought about it, the more I looked forward to this little trip away. Not only was I having a difficult time with the whole Stefen situation, but I was beginning to realize that my life revolved around Abby’s.

  My best friend was now married, had a new daughter, and pregnant, while also taking care of an injured house guest. As much as Abby tried to keep me involved, the bottom line was that I needed to make my own path. I was a grown woman, and it was about time I looked toward my future.

  My staff was scheduled to run the store for a week, and I pushed myself not to feel guilty about taking time away. Paying the extra hours to my employees wasn’t something I’d budgeted for the month, but for my sanity's sake, I had to make the sacrifice.

  I planned to be back by next weekend, though, since one of my brides insisted that I attend her wedding. For the trip, I would need a rental car. My mini-van needed to stay behind at the shop for deliveries. The car was another unwelcome expense, but a necessary one.

  I was driving into the San Gabriel Valley, and the song on the radio got me thinking. The lyrics were about desires turning to flames and, in the end, someone getting destroyed by that fire.

  After my time with Stefen, I couldn’t agree more. I still couldn’t understand how I’d fallen for him, ultimately ending up in bed with him so quickly. As if we were two wildfires that couldn’t help but combine, flames burning so powerfully that we had no other option but to consume each other until we were incinerated.

  Genuine, lifelong relationships started out slowly and built over time. That was what I needed—a guy who would take his time wooing me, and falling in love with me. Then, in due time, sweep me off my feet. Any idiot that pushed me for something I wasn’t ready for would be kicked to the curb.

  Parked in front of my mother’s house, I breathed in the smog-filled, warm summer air. I stepped out of the car and glanced around the neighborhood I grew up in. Everything looked the same, smelled the same. Even the sounds hadn’t changed. I'd lived here my entire life and knew every Spanish-style home and landmark up and down the oak tree-lined street.

  I took another deep breath. It felt good to be back.

  My mom came running out of the house with open arms. “Huy! Mija, you're here. I’ve missed you since Abby’s wedding.”

  Pulling me into a tight hug, I breathed in the familiar scent of my mother. Herbs and spices. When my mom worked in the garden, she always came in smelling like whichever plant she’d been tending.

  Releasing me, she gave me a traditional kiss on my cheek.

  I looked up with somber eyes. “I missed you, too. Sorry I didn’t come sooner. Work’s been hectic.” I wasn’t about to mention the gorgeous Italian guy that had taken up a lot of that time several weeks ago.

  “Estas buen?” Mom eyed me suspiciously. In her infinite wisdom, she’d caught that something was off.

  “Yeah, Mami. I’m fine. Just tired.” I offered my best faux smile.

  Up on the covered front porch, I wasn’t surprised to find my oldest sister, Elena, arms crossed, wearing her standard sour expression. My niece and nephew were dressed in bathing suits, running around the front yard.

  The stairs on the porch were drenched, forcing me to walk carefully so I didn’t slip in my heeled sandals. The kids must’ve been playing with the hose in the front yard.

  I glanced at Elena, waiting for her standard retort. Ever since I had moved north to the beach town, Elena acted like I thought I was too good for everyone.

  Sure enough, she lifted her eyebrow. “What brings you down to the barrio?”

  It was ridiculous. Alhambra was far from being a ghetto, and I didn’t look down at my childhood town. Her snide comments made no sense, but there was nothing I could do to stop her.

  I threw it back. “What’s it to you, Mrs. San Marino?” I referred to the very affluent town that Elena lived in with her children and absentee husband. “I'm taking some time off work to hang out with the familia, that’s all.” I ruffled my nephew’s hair who’d run up and given me a very wet hug. “Where’s Dani?”

  Elena rolled her eyes. “Of course you’re going to ask for her right away. None of us are good enough for you.”

  “Are you really going to start already? I haven’t even stepped foot in Mami’s door and you’re on me.” Take a breath, Leah. You’ve got enough to be pissed about.

  I stormed into the house, not wanting to fight in front of the kids. They’d seen this too many times. Enough was enough. I was here to relax.

  Once I was settled in the guest bedroom, Elena left a few hours later. Thank god.

  Dani came home after work and suggested we head out for dinner, while our mom went on a date with her fiancé, Sal. We decided on Charlie's Trio, an Italian restaurant on the other end of town that bordered Los Angeles. As high schoolers, we’d eaten there too many times to count.

  Back then, we went in for the pizza. Tonight, we were sitting at the wooden table, enjoying pasta, garlic bread, as well as some specialty wine.

  Inevitably, Stefen’s name came up.

  Dani took a sip of her wine. “So I talked to Abby yeste
rday and she gave me the low-down.” She picked up a piece of bread and took a bite.

  “Yeah? About what?” I took a bite of the delectable spinach parmesan garlic cream-covered chicken and pasta I’d ordered. There was more than one piece of news that Dani could’ve been referring to, so I waited to see which she was talking about.

  Placing her garlic bread back on the plate, her brown eyes widened, and she leaned in. “You’re well aware of what I’m talking about. You know, the five foot, eleven inch, hundred and seventy pounds or so, drop dead gorgeous, yet asinine man that is staying in her guest room? Oh, and she told me about the baby, too.” She grinned, scrunching up her nose.

  Son of a bitch. I can’t believe Abby told her. I thought she wouldn’t tell anyone what we talk about. Tightening my eyes, I probed, “Why did she call to tell you about him?”

  “She didn’t. I called her after your text. She wouldn’t tell me much, just that Stefen was back in town, and she was taking care of him after he got hurt. I’m sure there’s a lot you haven’t told me. What happened, hermana? Did you guys ever talk after you flipped out on him?”

  Taking a deep breath, I gave in. “Yes we talked—and then some.” I mumbled the last bit, looking around the restaurant to avoid my sister’s glare.

  “Are you telling me you had a little something something with Mistah Playah?” She dabbed the garlic butter off her full lips with a napkin.

  I covered my face with my hands as I embarrassingly admitted, “Yes.”

  Shocked, she gasped. “Are you serious? Even I know that’s one man toy intended for much more experienced players. What the hell were you thinking?”

  Irritated that my sister had to throw the obvious at me, I slapped my palms on the table, ignoring the patrons sneering at me. “Don’t you think I know that? I thought he was different. He was actually very sensitive and real with me before he became a pendejo.”