Meant for Me (Take Me Now)

by Sullivan, Faith

  “No, and I tried every way I could think of to get in touch with her,” I sigh, running my hands through my hair. Suddenly I feel as haggard as my dad looks.

  “I bet she couldn’t get to a phone store, honey, and she was most likely out of her hotel room all day. Will’s probably running her ragged, the poor thing.” I sense the concern in my mom’s voice, and I have no doubt she’s thinking what I’m thinking. Such a hectic schedule would be a strain on a regular person, never mind someone who’s pregnant. My worries keep multiplying as the minutes tick by.

  “If you don’t hear from her by tonight then we call the cops.” My dad shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels. “No fooling around.”

  “Frank—” my mom warns with a groan.

  “I’m serious, Nancy. If that boy is gonna take our Ivy away and not even let her call home, we have the right to sic the LAPD on his ass.” He stomps his foot, causing Shep to howl. “See? Even the dog thinks I’m right.”

  “Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it, dear. Now c’mon, Eric. Let’s go upstairs and get that ring and think some happy thoughts for a change.” She shoots my dad that look she always gives him when he’s gone too far, and he instantly falls silent. “There, that’s better. I thought he’d never shut up.” She giggles, and I just shake my head as we start to climb the stairs. My dad means well, but sometimes he overdoes it. I don’t think there’s any need to file a missing person’s report on Ivy—not yet at least.

  I thought our destination was going to be the jewelry box on top of her nightstand, so I’m surprised when she ushers me into my childhood bedroom instead. There are no longer any football trophies on the desk or blue ribbons from the fair tacked to the mirror. After Cassidy died and I moved out for good, my mom packed everything away for when I was ready to look at it again. So much of my life was interwoven with Cassidy’s that it hurt to be reminded of all the memories we shared.

  Stepping back into my old room, it feels like a different person lived here. A boy buoyed by hopes and dreams he thought for sure would come true. Reentering this space, I realize just how much I’ve changed. I’m a man now, hardened by experience and strengthened by love. I don’t take so much for granted anymore. I cherish each and every blessing in my life because I know how easily they can be taken away. I’m wary, but I’m hopeful. Loving, losing, and loving again has taught me a lot. Life has knocked me down, but it has also picked me back up. A moment spent wallowing in despair is a moment I’ll never get back. Life’s too short to waste pining over the past. I’d rather look ahead to the future. And thanks to Ivy, I’m able to do that now. My spirit was tested, but it didn’t break. If my struggles somehow strengthened me, then it was her love that saved me. Without going through the heartache, I wouldn’t have the joy.

  “What are we doing in here, Mom?” I ask, scratching my head.

  “Sit down,” she responds, patting the new comforter.

  Even though the room’s been redecorated, the bed’s still in the same place. I instantly flashback to all of the conversations I’ve had with my mom in here when I was growing up—how she boosted my confidence the night before the SATs, lifted my spirits after a season-ending loss on the football field, scolded me for scratching during a nasty bout of chicken pox. Looking back, she was always there when I needed her, and I intend to do the same for my child.

  “It feels weird being in here,” I admit, looking around at a room I barely recognize.

  “Good weird or bad weird?” she asks, pulling a velvet box out of her pocket.

  “I don’t know. Just weird,” I confess, distracted by what she has in her hand. “Is that it?”

  “Yep, your grandma’s ring,” she says, snapping it open to reveal the simple diamond solitaire. “Even though she never got a chance to meet Ivy, I know she would be proud to have her wear this.”

  “It’s beautiful,” I whisper, removing it from the satin cushion holding it in place. It looks so delicate resting on my palm. “But what if it’s not the right size? I mean, Ivy’s fingers are pretty swollen due to the pregnancy. I don’t want to mess this up by asking her to marry me then having to force the ring over her knuckle or something. I want it to be perfect.”

  “Well, Eric, I think you’re going to have to wing it.” My mom pats my arm consolingly. “Besides, Ivy will probably want to wait until after she has the baby to have it sized. For now, she can always wear it on a chain around her neck.”

  I try to hide my disappointment. My mom is only being realistic. There’s no way a jeweler can size it in time anyway. It’s just that I want to give Ivy a proposal she’ll remember for the rest of her life. No glitches. No screw-ups. And a ring that fits. But I guess it could be kind of sexy if I found a chain long enough for the ring to rest on her baby bump. I have to admit there’s something incredibly romantic about that.

  “She knows this isn’t my first time doing this. That’s why I have to make sure it’s extra special,” I confess. This is one of those times where I’m glad I can tell my mom anything and she’ll understand.

  “Does she know that you didn’t propose to Cassidy with this ring?” she asks, looking at me expectantly.

  “It never came up,” I say ruefully. “Do you think that’s the first thing she’s going to think about when I ask her?”

  “It probably won’t be the first thing that crosses her mind, but it’ll definitely be the second,” she states matter-of-factly, taking the ring from my fingers and placing it back in the box.

  “Cassidy was just more of a girly-girl type. She insisted on picking out her own ring.” I shrug, not really understanding the ins and outs of the female brain. “When I approached her about wearing grandma’s ring, it’s not like she thought a quarter caret was too small…”

  “But she dreamed of something bigger?” my mom replies knowingly, tilting her head.

  “Exactly. But I never imagined how much it would cost. I only wanted Cassidy to be happy.” I furrow my brow, contemplating what I should do. “But this ring means a whole lot more to me. It always did. This is the one I see Ivy wearing, but I don’t want her to think I’m cheapening out on her.”

  “Eric! She would never think that,” my mom admonishes. “I’ve gotten to know Ivy quite well over these past few months and I know she will cherish the sentimental value this ring holds.”

  “You don’t think she’s going to compare it to the one I gave Cassidy? I mean, our engagement picture was everywhere. Ivy must have seen it.” I search my mom’s eyes, begging her to tell me the truth.

  “Want my honest advice?” I silently nod my head, and she continues. “Take your time proposing to Ivy. Go somewhere quiet where the two of you can be alone. Start by telling her the story of how your grandfather proposed to your grandmother. Then, when you put the ring on her finger, it will mean so much more.”

  “So you’re nixing my idea to get down on one knee in the middle of the airport?” I ask with a wry grin.

  “Ivy is going to be so tired when she gets off the plane, Eric. What’s the rush?” she asks, getting to her feet. “No one likes to feel ambushed, especially when it comes to something as important as this. Wait a couple of days. Then take her somewhere special.”

  “You do realize that if I can’t afford a diamond ring, then a trip to Paris is out of the question.” I nudge my mom with my elbow, following her out the door.

  “I’m not talking about Paris, you knucklehead,” she scolds, swatting my arm as we approach the steps. “I was thinking a little closer to home, somewhere like the Hideaway Cliffs.”

  I stop dead in my tracks. “Mom, you are brilliant!”

  “I do have some good ideas from time to time. Don’t I, Frank?” she teases as we get to the bottom of the stairs and find my father snoring on the couch next to Shep.

  I’m just about to laugh along with her when my phone rings. It’s an L.A. area code. I exhale for the first time today. Finally, I’ll get to hear Ivy’s voice.


  “Ivy?” I say breathlessly into the receiver.

  But it’s not Ivy. I turn slightly away from my parents to try and comprehend what I’m being told. My dad is fully awake now, and the two of them are looking at me with concern.

  “And you’re with her now? She’s not alone?” I demand, my voice tight.

  “Eric, honey. What is it? What’s wrong?” my mom whispers, tugging on my sleeve, but I hold up my hand for her to stop. I’m too agitated by what I’m hearing.

  “I’ll grab the first flight out,” I insist, my eyes darting wildly around the living room. “When she wakes up, tell her I’m on my way, all right?”

  My parents exchange a worried glance.

  “Will, I need you to do this for me. You have to stay strong until I get there. You hear me?” I clutch the phone to my ear as my hand starts to shake. “Call me if anything changes.”

  I jam my phone back into the holder on my belt, blinking back tears.

  “Ivy was rushed to the hospital,” I manage to choke out as I drop to my knees, powerless to withstand this new wave of grief.

  “And?” my dad urges as the two of them rush to my side.

  “She’s in danger of losing the baby.”

  Chapter Nine

  Lauren

  Now this is going to be fun—I can’t wait to watch them squirm.

  I feel Ivy trembling beneath my hands. Good. I’m going to enjoy making her suffer. No one makes a fool out of me and gets away with it. No one.

  “Lauren, what kind of messed-up game are you trying to play?” Will strikes the first volley. It’s laughable how easy it’s going to be to shoot him down.

  “I don’t know, Will. The kind I win?” I smirk at him, and he pushes his chair back violently. “Now don’t go causing a scene. I came all this way to talk. So let’s talk.”

  I’ve scared Warren and Dave into a shocked sort of silence, but they’re communicating with each other furiously with their eyes. They probably want to bolt from this meeting and pretend like it never even happened. I’m not surprised they want to extricate themselves from such a sticky situation. But it’s too late now. My claws are out and ready to be sharpened.

  I take the seat they were saving for me at the head of the table, dramatically crossing my legs as I sit down. Will blushes hotly for a minute, no doubt remembering when I tied him to my bedpost with this particular pair of pantyhose. All of that delicious foreplay and he still couldn’t get it up. I wore them on purpose to unsettle him. If he thinks he can one-up me, he better think again. I could bury him in an instant.

  Besides, I hired a professional to hack into every account he’s ever created. That’s what he gets for leaving his stuff around my place. He’s a pathetic hustler with barely a thousand dollars to his name—and he has the audacity to challenge me? He’s going to be sorry he transferred his loyalty to Ivy because I intend on ruining him.

  “Gentlemen, as you can see, my family doesn’t take kindly to being double-crossed,” I begin by purposefully excluding Ivy from the conversation. She doesn’t deserve the courtesy of being mentioned. “My uncle got wind of your little side deal to keep this project alive, and he immediately had the New York branch of Price Enterprises look into it for him. Too bad you didn’t do your research to find out what the letters LPR stand for. I never thought two Academy Award-winning producers would be so lazy.”

  “Now listen here—” Dave starts, a bead of sweat forming on his upper lip.

  “No, I think it’s time that you listen,” I retort, disdain falling from my lips. “You think I’m here to stop this production from going forward, don’t you?”

  “Well, aren’t you?” Ivy spits out, finally raising her eyes to address me.

  “It speaks,” I mutter, belittling her. “Sorry, but little sluts like you don’t get to ask questions.”

  Will attempts to rise from his chair again, no doubt to defend her honor. How sweet. “Lauren, you better—”

  “Better what? Acknowledge the whore in my presence?” I chuckle to myself as Warren gasps loudly, covering his mouth with his hand. “I don’t think so.”

  “So what are you planning on doing, if may I ask?” Dave responds, eyeing me apprehensively. He’s flustered but he’s more of businessman than his little ‘wife’ is.

  “I’m buying you out, boys. You’re gonna walk away from this project and never look back. I’ll be the one making this film, not you.” My response floors them. Ivy even utters a strangled cry. This is child’s play. They’re not even putting up much of a fight. Why did I bother to fly all the way out here? I could’ve done this on Skype. What a bunch of pussies.

  “If Warren and Dave aren’t producing the script, then no one is,” Ivy declares emphatically. “End of discussion.”

  “Huh, that’s funny. It sounds like someone’s trying to claim ownership of your script, Will. Or maybe I’m just hearing things.” I laugh bitterly as Will’s face drops. “What? Didn’t you tell her?”

  “Tell me what?” Ivy parrots as she clutches her stomach under the table.

  “That he’s the one who owns the worldwide distribution rights. He registered a copyright in his name with an intellectual property lawyer and everything. It’s his to do with as he pleases.” I smile triumphantly, ready to crush her once and for all.

  “Will, what is she talking about? The script isn’t even completed yet. We have a whole other draft to do. That’s why I’m here.” Ivy stops to take a deep breath as she grips the side of the table. “How could you shut me out of something that’s still a work in progress?”

  “Because that’s how creative endeavors are protected,” Dave enlightens her, grimacing at how they’ve been played. “Will owns the idea. No matter what form the finished project takes. I’m afraid he’s beat you to the punch.”

  “But they’re my words. He can’t just steal them like that!” Ivy’s green eyes widen as she begins to realize that Will’s only sense of loyalty is to himself.

  “Technically, he can. If he listed your efforts as a work-for-hire contribution, then the law considers you compensated,” Dave continues, his voice laced with pity. “You’ve been duped.”

  “Ivy, don’t listen to them! I never intended to sell you out,” Will exclaims, hitting the table with his fist, making the silverware jump.

  “For a guy who’s in no position to bargain, you must really like the sound of your own voice.” I level Will with a glare as he shifts uncomfortably in his seat. “I was intending to make you a decent offer, Will. But if you keep on telling lies, I’m going to change my mind. You don’t want to push me. I’m going to have the script either way. You might as well profit from its sale.”

  “Will, are you really going to let her buy you out like that? You’ve known me your whole life and you’re going to betray me like this over money?” Ivy asks, her voice quivering.

  “Ivy, I don’t have a choice. You don’t understand. Without this, I have nothing. Nothing!” Will screams, attracting the attention of everyone in the restaurant.

  “I can’t believe I trusted you. You promised Eric that you would honor Cassidy’s memory by letting me write the script.” Ivy’s voice rises as she calls Will out in front of the entire room.

  “Oh, you’re still going to write it. Just the way I want you to.” I revel in the expression of hatred that seeps across her face. I can push Ivy’s buttons so easily. I’m going to enjoy having her under my thumb again, holding her up to the fire until she burns.

  “You don’t own me,” Ivy cries in a deadly undertone. “You never will.”

  “I’d think again if I were you,” I mutter, narrowing my eyes. “You had no problem slandering me in your first go-around. Now that the tables are turned, how do you think Eric’s going to feel about his baby momma dragging the memory of his precious Cassidy through the muck?”

  “I won’t write it, and there’s no way you can make me,” Ivy seethes, her face turning pale.

  “Technically, no. But do you really wan
t to make life difficult for all those around you?” I steeple my fingers, waiting for her to crack. “Let’s start with Eric, shall we? I’d have no problem getting the bank to call in his loan. He was such a credit risk anyway. The bank manager told me he only approved Eric’s application after he saw us together at the gala and he assumed we were dating. Now he’s not sure Eric’s going to be able to make all the payments since he was already late with the last one.”

  Ivy stares at me in disbelief. I was right. She didn’t even know about the loan. Oh, Eric. You and your secrets…

  “And then there’s Will. I have so many saved voice mails of him propositioning me about exchanging sex for money. I’m sure the police back home would have a field day busting up the male prostitution gig he has going on.” I can’t resist a chuckle as Will’s eyes zero in on Warren. He has been a naughty boy, hasn’t he? Dave seems oblivious, but I can always change that. “Will tried to blackmail me for all he could get, but it appears his sexual appetite runs in a different direction, if you catch my drift. It always seems to be the good-looking ones, doesn’t it?”

  “I think you’d better stop right there, Ms. Price,” Warren says, fussing with his scarf.

  “Really? Because I uncovered a slew of late-night phone calls between the two of you that I really think your husband has a right to know about.” I give Dave a pointed look, and he immediately gets to his feet.

  “So that’s why Will came running back to L.A. before the summer was over. You couldn’t stand to be away from your little boy toy, could you?” Dave’s voice sounds three octaves higher as he grabs a glass of water, tossing it in Warren’s face. “Just because you’re younger than me doesn’t give you the right to sleep with some hot piece of ass just because you feel like it!”