by LK Collins
I sat the file in front of him and hopped up on his desk. “Vincent, did you really just call me babe at work?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “Yeah, I did. It’s just us here, so I don’t see the big deal.”
“What if someone else was still here?”
He ran his hands over his face. “Then they would have heard me. I don’t see what the problem is. You’re mine, and I don’t care who knows. For some reason you’re worried what everyone else will think, but it’s okay for you to be sitting on my desk?”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “That’s different.”
“No, it’s not. If people can’t see the way we react around one another, then they must be blind. We could just tell everyone that we’re dating so we don’t have to have these conversations.”
He was right, this wasn’t the first conversation of this kind that we’ve had this week. “I still don’t feel like we should drop this on anyone yet, not until the case is over. Plus it’s only been a week, and we agreed on two.”
“Fine. I’ll give you another week, but if the case isn’t settled, we’re still telling everyone. I want the world to know that you’re mine. It’s hard enough to see the way some of the guys talk to you, not to mention the stupid shit they come to you for, just to stare at you and sit at your desk.”
“Vince, that’s ridiculous. No one here looks or treats me differently. I should be the one complaining about how Portia undresses you with her eyes. She drools when she sees you and then I have to hear about it.”
He pulled me onto his lap. “I told her I have a girlfriend, and I wasn’t interested. You haven’t said a word to those douche bags.”
I couldn’t fight with him again, I didn’t want to. I wrapped my arms around his neck and leaned in to kiss him. He held our lips together without moving his. He smelt of Vincent: clean and light. I exhaled, and a shiver moved threw my body.
“Are you cold?”
I shook my head. “I’m definitely not cold. It’s your smell and lips that do that to me. I can’t control how my body responds to you.”
“You have the same effect on me, beautiful. Come on, let’s get going before Cara scares the shit out of Abel.”
We had all planned on meeting at the movie theater. The one we were going to was new and unlike any theater I had heard of; you had your own private table with a server to bring your food and drinks while you watched the movie.
Thankfully, we arrived just as Cara was pulling up. She looked cute in a floral print thin strapless summer dress. She accessorized it with flats, a thin red belt, and her boobs spilling out of the top.
“Hey, girl. You look cute. I hope you brought a sweater,” I said.
“Thanks, and no, I didn’t. Why would I need a sweater in August?”
“Come on, you know how cold theaters get, and you are barely wearing any clothes.”
“I’ll keep her warm.” Abel said as we approached him standing outside of the theater. He had been leaning up against a brick wall. He moved towards us, and I noticed that he carried himself with the same confidence and authority as Vincent did. He looked different than the last time I had seen him. Tonight he wore a baseball cap, t-shirt, and jeans. His tattoos were visible, showing both of his arms were covered.
Cara laughed at him. “I’ll be just fine, thank you very much.”
“Are you sure? I’m happy to do the job,” he said.
She rolled her eyes and Vincent interjected. “All right guys, let’s not start the night off fighting. Cara, this is my brother, Abel. Abel, this is Cara, Alexa’s roommate.”
He grabbed her hand and kissed the top of it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cara.”
She pulled her hand back and wiped it on his shoulder. We all laughed at her and went inside the theater.
The night had gone better than I expected, considering the rocky introduction between Cara and Abel. She definitely didn’t take a liking to him, but it was fun to see the two of them bicker. They fought about everything, from what movie to see, to where we should sit, to how he chewed his food. I think it’s safe to say she’s no longer into tattooed guys, or at least she’s not into this one.
Vincent pulled the Porsche into his garage and we went inside. I wanted to relax but didn’t feel tired enough for bed yet.
“Do you want to soak in the hot tub or take a dip in the pool?” I asked.
“Whatever you prefer is fine with me.”
I chuckled and glared at him. He never cared what we did, and he always made me deicide.
He wrapped me up in his arms. “I think you may need to be spanked first and then I’ll throw you in the pool.”
I wiggled out of his hold and sprinted off through the house. I didn’t make it far before he caught me again. “Now you’re definitely getting spanked.”
I looked innocently at him and pretended that I had done nothing wrong. It didn’t take us long to make it outside and into the hot tub. We left the lights off so we could enjoy the night sky and soaked in the hot water.
I was twisted in Vincent’s hold, my back to his front. I was enjoying the calmness I felt when I was in his arms and didn’t speak much.
When I yawned and rested my cheek against his chest, he whispered against my ear, “Come on, baby. Let’s get you to bed.” I didn’t want to move, but our skin had pruned, and it was late. Vincent helped me out and wrapped a fluffy towel around me. I started to walk towards the house, but then he effortlessly lifted me in his arms. I rested my head against his chest, enjoying the sweet gesture.
He carried me inside and the swaying motion made me even sleepier. Vincent left me to stand on my own and turned the shower on. We got in together, and I felt exhausted. I didn’t want to shower or do anything at that moment but get into bed. Thankfully, he was more than willing to wash my hair and body. No one had ever done that for me, not even my mother when I was kid. As his strong hands massaged my head, I spoke to stay awake.
“You’re really good at this.”
“You think?”
“Yeah, it feels amazing.”
“Good.”
I wonder if he had ever done this for another woman. I’m sure that he and Angela shared moments like this. The thought made me sick to my stomach, but I wasn’t going to let the ugliness of my self-confidence issues get the best of me.
“What’s wrong, babe?”
I shrugged my shoulders, trying to push away the thoughts racing through my mind.
“Talk to me. What’s the matter?”
I took a deep breath, completely embarrassed at myself for getting jealous of his ex. I felt the tears prick the back of my eyes. He turned the shower off, wrapped me in his robe, and held me. I buried my face in him and let the tears take over.
Why was I crying over a mere thought? Was it the thought of him with someone else, or was it the thought of losing him to someone that scared me?
“Please don’t cry. Talk to me.”
I shook my head, too embarrassed to admit what had upset me. Vincent didn’t push me; he just lifted me and carried me to his bed. He pulled the covers back and nestled us in the warmth. I stayed tucked in his arms, letting the tears flow. Vincent held onto me, stroking my hair.
“Please don’t shut yourself off from me. You can talk to me.”
“I’m scared,” I whispered.
He turned me towards him and looked into my face.
“Baby, why?”
“I’m scared I’m going to lose you.”
“Don’t say that. You’re not going to lose me.”
“But I don’t know how to do this, and I worry that you’ll give up on me or leave me for someone else.”
“Alexa, there is no one else for me. I only want you. I’m drawn to you in a way I’ve never been to anyone in my life. Don’t ever question what we have. I’ll never cheat on you or do anything to hurt you.”
He ran his thumbs under my eyes and brushed the tears off of my face.
“Do you understand what you m
ean to me? Together, you and I are everything.”
I nodded my head and rested my face against his chest. Vincent squeezed me snugly to his body. The sound of his heart beating and the words he had said to me made me feel secure.
“Baby, wake up.”
I groaned and pulled the covers over my head.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I know it’s early, but your phone keeps going off.”
I peeked out from underneath the covers, and in front of me, sprawled across the bed, was a bright eyed, messy-haired Vincent. He handed me my phone, and I groaned again.
“You’re definitely not a morning person, but you’re cute when you hide under the covers.”
I peered at him again and rolled my eyes.
“Keep that up and see what happens.”
He laughed at me and said, “Clearly you’re not up for verbal communication yet. So handle your phone while I run to Starbucks.”
I smiled and he kissed me swiftly before strolling out of the room.
I threw my phone down and stretched out in his comfortable bed. I didn’t want to get up but nature called. I padded quickly into the restroom as I passed the shower it brought back last night’s memories. I’d forgotten that I told Vincent that I was scared. I had never opened up to anyone about my feelings before. I always avoided talking about what bothered me. When I went back into the bedroom, I grabbed my phone off the bed. I headed downstairs and went outside to the back patio.
Sitting down on one of the lounge chairs, I slid the unlock button on my iPhone. I had six text message, eleven calls, and three voice mails. I checked my voicemail first. My stomach dropped when I heard the first message. I went to the next message it was the same, and the final one broke my heart as I heard the pain in Bridgette’s voice.
Fuck.
The first two were from University Hospital and the last from Bridgette. She was upset and crying. I could barely understand her when she spoke. I read the texts; all of them were from Bridgette except one that was from Cara. They asked me to call, saying Vivian was ill and in the hospital.
I really was a shitty sister. I was never there for her when she needed me. I dialed her number, and she answered on the first ring.
“Hey, what’s going on?” I asked.
“They just took her back for more tests. She got really sick last night and called 911. They brought her in, and she had them call me. She’s not doing well.”
“I’m sorry. Do they know what’s wrong?”
“They are still running tests. They think it may be cancer, Lex.”
Shit. Cancer? I may not be close with Vivian, but she was still my mother. I would never wish cancer upon anyone, not after watching my grandfather pass from it. Vincent came out back with Starbucks in hand. He sat behind me and pulled my back against his chest.
“I’m so sorry, I’ll be there soon. Do you need me to bring you anything?”
“No. I’m fine. Just get here.”
“Okay, doll. I’m on my way. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
I hung up the phone and put my face in my hands.
“What’s wrong, babe?”
“It’s Vivian, my mother, she’s in the hospital. They don’t know what’s wrong with her, maybe cancer. Bridgette said she’s really sick. She’s been with her all night and has been trying to get ahold of me. I feel horrible that I didn’t check my phone last night.”
He squeezed me tightly. “You were exhausted. Sleeping shouldn’t make you feel bad. This is all out of your control anyways. There’s nothing that you could’ve done. Your sister needs you now, so we’ll go and find out what’s going on.”
I didn’t want to drag him into my family drama. “I’ll go by myself. You don’t need to see how messed up Vivian is. She and I haven’t spoken for three years, and we didn’t end things on good terms.”
“What happened?”
“It’s a long story, basically I had taken all of the abuse I could from her, so I cut her out of my life.”
“Well you’re not going through this by yourself. You’re going to be there for Bridgette, and I’m going to be there for you. If you think I’m just going to stay home and let you go alone, than you don’t know me very well. I’ll protect you and support you any way I can. Right now your sister needs you, and you need me. Don’t argue because I won’t take no for an answer. Let’s get dressed and go.”
I nodded my head and Vincent kissed my temple. We changed our clothes and were out the door in less than five minutes. I was quiet on the drive to the hospital. My mind was trying to process what I was about to walk into. I didn’t know if I was ready to face my mother after three years of not speaking. How does someone prepare themselves for a moment like this?
The hospital was busy, and people were bustling all around. Thankfully Vincent was with me and led the way. He held my hand tightly as we approached the front desk. Behind the counter was an elderly woman with a beehive for hair and thin wire glasses.
“Excuse me, ma’am. Can you tell me how to get to Vivian Schaefer’s room?” he asked.
She spoke quickly, and the instructions sounded confusing. I knew that without Vincent I would get lost. Once we were in the elevator, he clasped my shoulders and turned me to look him straight in the eyes.
“Are you okay?”
I nodded my head and felt a lump form in the back of my throat.
“I’ll be right outside the room if you need anything at all. Take your time and follow your heart, it won’t steer you wrong.”
He gently brushed his lips against mine, holding my gaze. I fought back the tears and found strength in those eyes. I knew, that no matter what happened, he would be waiting for me.
The elevator doors opened and we quickly found her room. Vincent gave me a kiss on the nose and went to the waiting area. I loved that he was there for me but also gave me my space at the same time. I was hesitant to go in, so I stood there with my hand on the door handle for what seemed to be minutes. I looked behind me and caught Vincent smiling. He sat with his elbows on his knees, and looked concerned.
I entered the room, to find a frail woman in a bed that was too large for her. She was hooked up to every machine imaginable with tubes and wires throughout. She wasn’t breathing on her own, which surprised me.
Bridgette jumped up and wrapped her arms around me, I hugged her back. She was crying, so I just held her. There was nothing I could do or say. I stared at Vivian and watched as the machine made her chest move up and down. She didn’t resemble the woman I used to know.
Bridgette pulled away and walked back to the bedside chair. I followed her and we both sat holding hands in silence. Time moved slowly before either of us spoke. We stayed in the moment, processing what had become of the woman before us.
“Do they know what’s wrong with her yet?”
She shook her head and let go of my hand. Pulling her legs up to her chest, she wrapped her arms around them and rested her cheek on her knees.
“When I got here last night she was awake. This morning when they took her to run tests, she went into cardiac arrest and they had to intervene in order to save her. That’s why she is on the ventilator. She was fine one minute and like this the next.”
“I’m so sorry. I wish I had got your calls sooner. I would’ve been here for you. You know that, right?”
She smiled at me and nodded her head. A single tear escaped her eye landing on her pants. “Why didn’t you get my calls? I called Cara, and she said you weren’t home. Where were you?”
Now wasn’t the time to gloat about my relationship with Vincent. I also couldn’t keep him a secret, not with him sitting in the waiting room.
“I’m seeing someone. I was at his house. I left my phone in my purse last night, and I didn’t check it until this morning.”
She looked at me surprised. “Oh, I didn’t know you were seeing anyone.”
“It’s new. Not many people know. He’s here if you want to meet him?”
&nb
sp; Was it wrong of me to be introducing, Vincent to my sister while my mother was so sick?
“I would love to meet him. I’ve never seen you with anyone. If he’s here then he has to be pretty special to you.”
“Yeah. He is.”
A middle-aged nurse bustled into the room. “Hi ladies, I’m Jane. I assume you’re Vivian’s daughters?”
We nodded our heads.
“Good. Well, I’m glad to see you’re both here to keep her company. It’s important to talk to her during this time. She can hear what’s going on around her. I do need to switch her IV fluids and change her positioning. Would you mind stepping out for a bit? I’ll come get you when I’m done.”
We stood and Bridgette kissed Vivian’s hand. “We’ll be right outside the room,” she said.
We both left, and as soon as we exited, Vincent was on his feet coming towards us. A grin spread across my face. I was glad that he was here with me. All the anxiety and worry diminished when I saw him.
“Bridgette, this is my boyfriend, Vincent.”
He took her hand in his, and with his most charming smile, kissed the top of it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Bridgette. I’ve heard a lot of great things about you.”
She blushed crimson and turned her head to hide the embarrassment. He released her hand and wrapped his arm around me as he kissed the top of my head.
“How is she, babe?”
I shrugged my shoulders as we walked to the waiting room. “She’s not well. They don’t know what’s wrong with her yet. This morning she went into cardiac arrest. Now she isn’t breathing on her own and is sedated.”
“Damn. I’m sorry. I can’t believe she took a turn for the worse so quickly. Do they have an idea of when a doctor will be in to check on her and give another update?”
“No. I’m not sure when we will know more. I’m assuming it won’t be until later or tomorrow,” Bridgette said.
“Bridgette, have you eaten today?” he asked.
“No, but I’m fine. Thanks for asking. I’ll eat later.”
“How do you expect to be healthy for your mom if you’re not taking care of yourself?”
She looked shocked by his statement. He was a no nonsense kind of guy. He kissed me on the forehead and stood.
