Hailey's Hog
Page 23
“So, what happened at the hearing?” he asked, skillfully changing the subject. “I know you said you wanted to go alone, but I wish you’d let me come with you. I wanted to be there for moral support.”
“Judge said I have to go to therapy for at least a year, but I think it might actually work this time. I can’t believe it’s over. I can’t believe I got my life back, just like Uncle Greg said.”
“I can’t tell you how happy I am for you…for us,” he breathed a deep sigh of relief. “I was so afraid for you…afraid I’d lose you.”
She smiled at him. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Ready?” he said, reaching for the doorknob.
Exiting the building, she saw a long black limousine idling at the curb, chauffeur standing by the rear door.
“That for us?” she asked, smiling in hope that it was.
“You’ve been through a lot,” he took her hand and squeezed it ever so gently. “I wanted tonight to be really special.”
The driver closed the door behind them and Doug poured two glasses of champagne from a bottle chilling in the center console, placing one in her hand.
He pulled a package from behind the seat, the bright paper plastered with “Happy Birthday” lettering over its entire surface.
“This is for you.”
She took the package and gently shook it back and forth, listening intently for some clue to the contents. “What is it?”
He laughed at her child-like glee “Well, why don’t you open it and see.” He prodded.
She carefully removed the paper and opened the box, heart skipping a beat as she saw what it contained.
“Oh, my God,” she said, drawing a quick breath. “It’s so beautiful.”
The rough, barnwood frame held a painted rendition of Greg, his dark hair blowing in the wind as he rode the Hog into a golden sunset. The small smile played across his lips powerfully depicted his simple joy at riding the machine down the open road.
Hailey felt the tears emerge as she took in the artist’s amazing re-creation of her uncle’s handsome, weathered face, the chiseled features lovingly captured. My God! He looks so real. She touched her fingers to the glass, mentally connecting to her memories of the man in the painting. Like when you were healthy. That’s the way I want to remember you.
“I love it,” she threw her arms around Doug’s neck, hugging him tightly as her tears wet his shirt. “Thank you so much.”
Wiping the tears from her face, she looked deep into his blue eyes. “But, how did you do this?”
“Artist friend of mine owed me a favor,” he said. “I saw the picture of Greg hanging in the living room and ‘borrowed’ a copy with my cell phone so he could make this for you.”
He raised his glass, clinking it to hers. “Cheers.”
“You seem to have a lot of friends,” she said, taking a sip of the golden, bubbly liquid.
He threw her a devious smile. “And all of them in low places.” He took another sip of the liquor before refilling the glasses. “I heard there’s a new casino attached to the restaurant. We could play some Poker or Black Jack after dinner if you want.”
“I don’t even touch cards anymore,” she said resolutely. “I promised a friend…long story.”
She saw he was taken aback by the firmness of her tone. “But playing some slots sounds like fun.” She smiled and it lit up the car.
“Well alright then,” he said. “Slots it is!”
He leaned forward and took her firmly in his arms. She felt a little stiff at first, but quickly willed herself to relax, melting into his warm, searching embrace.
For the first time since David, she was wrapped in a man’s arms and all she felt was a gentle, undeniable pleasure spreading through her body in growing waves.
He slowly leaned forward to kiss her, stopping just inches from her soft lips. “Happy twenty-first birthday, Baby.” He kissed her gently.
“Thank you.” She leaned in, kissing him deeper, never wanting to let go.
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