The next night, which was the fifth night—not that Rachel was counting, or anything—Gabe had another surprise. But this one wasn’t fun. She stood inside one of the playrooms at Children’s Medical Center, appalled by the illness and misery she saw. This hospital was for very sick children, and many of them were just babies, although there were older kids as well.
Apparently the mobile patients were encouraged to move around the hospital. Those who could walk rolled their IV stands along with them. Those who were too small or weak to walk were pulled around in little red wagons by parents or volunteers. Many of the patients were bald from treatments, or had various tubes coming out of them, or heavy bandages.
The vast majority had the sunken eyes and washed-out complexions of the very ill. It was a look that Rachel remembered all too well, and it raised horrific memories. She glanced over to where Gabe, who had brought two large bags of new toys and books, was reading to a small crowd of children. His wonderful voice rose and fell, changing to match whatever character he was portraying. The children were entranced.
Rachel walked in that direction. Several kids she passed smiled shyly at her, and she found herself responding, although she couldn’t imagine what they had to smile about. She and Gabe spent two hours in the room, and she ended up playing with a few of the children, helping them to build Lego structures and do puzzles.
They were sweet and innocent, but she could hardly look at some of them, with their wounds and tubes, and the aura of impending death that lingered around them.
She was glad when Gabe was ready to leave. As soon as they got in the car, she said, “That place was awful! Why the hell did you take me there?”
He turned in his seat to face her. “It’s not awful. There are a lot of miracles that happen at Children’s Medical Center.”
“There’s disease and death there. Did you see those faces, those sunken eyes?”
“Of course I did. There are some very sick children there. When you looked at those faces and those sunken eyes, what exactly did you see, Rachel?”
She felt a cold fist creeping around her heart. “You know what I saw.”
“Tell me.”
She shook her head.
“Tell me, Rachel.” This time the compulsion was there. She didn’t want to, but she knew he wouldn’t let it go.
“I saw death. I saw bodies, stacked like wood.” She drew a deep, shuddering breath. “I saw despair and pain and no way out. No safe place, nowhere to run.”
He placed his warm hands over her cold ones. “You saw those things because of your life experiences. Let me tell you what I saw.”
One of his hands went to her chin, forced her to look at him. She stared into his deep blue eyes, mesmerized by the golden star-bursts in them. “I saw the resilient human spirit,” Gabe said softly. “I saw the fierce will to live, despite failing physical bodies. I saw hope, determination, fortitude, amazing inner strength. I saw love, happiness, joy, even in the midst of pain and illness and uncertainty. And I saw Her there.
“These bodies—” He gestured from him to her. “These are just shells, temporary homes for our souls, which are eternal. No matter what happens to you physically, Rachel, your soul will always live on.”
“You keep forgetting I don’t have a soul. I’m a vampire.”
“You do have a soul,” he said firmly. “And you’ve been given your body and a life on Earth. Your own religion teaches it’s a sin not to live that life fully, a sin to pass up opportunities for joy and happiness.”
“Sometimes those opportunities are taken from us.” She hated the quaver in her voice.
Compassion and wisdom glowed in his eyes. “Sometimes they are. Sometimes you have no choice over what happens to you or your loved ones. But you do have control over how you react to these things, and whether or not you choose to keep going. Those children in there live every moment to its fullest. They don’t complain, they play hard, and they fight to live. That’s what I want you to do, Rachel. Fight, and live.”
He started the car. “Lecture’s over. Let’s do something fun.”
Rachel was silent as they left the hospital, but her thoughts were whirling. Gabe was forcing her to think about things she’d never considered. To her amazement, one of those considerations was the possibility he might actually be right.
She’d never been bowling before. The thunderous noise of rolling balls and toppling pins was very disconcerting at first, especially since it reminded her of the sounds of war. But Gabe helped her breathe through it. When she was settled, he got her some bowling shoes. He was very patient as he showed her how to bowl, but she was sadly lacking in natural ability.
“Uh, Rach?”
Dismayed, she stared down the lane. “Yeah?”
“Try to roll the ball, not throw it. Especially since you have superhuman strength.”
That was a pretty big hole in the bulkhead above the pins. She nodded. “Gotcha.”
Later that night, as she was strutting down Harry Hines, she remembered the look on Gabe’s face when her ball had crashed through the wall, and found herself grinning like a fool. Then she started laughing—really laughing.
Something she hadn’t done for more than sixty-five years.
The next evening, she was relieved when Gabe didn’t take them somewhere sad or depressing. Instead they went to the Pocket Sandwich Theatre and watched a live production like nothing Rachel had ever experienced. It was a spoof of Phantom of the Opera, and the actors responded to comments from the audience, even incorporating those comments into the play. The audience also participated by throwing popcorn at the actors.
It didn’t take Rachel long to get into the spirit of things, especially since Gabe paid for the popcorn. She munched a few pieces and gleefully threw the rest, some at the actors, and some at him. He laughed at her antics. She laughed with him, which seemed to surprise and please him.
But it was the warmth in his gaze, the acceptance and approval in his incredible eyes that crept inside her, made her feel special, like maybe she wasn’t really a freak. She felt more relaxed than she had in a very long time.
Later that evening, when he left her on Harry Hines with just a light brush of his lips on hers, she found herself disappointed that it hadn’t been a deeper kiss.
Or that he hadn’t tried to cop a feel.
The next evening, Rachel tried not to think about the fact that this was her last night with Gabe. After tonight, she’d have fulfilled her end of the bargain, and if he kept to his word—which she had no doubt he would—he’d be gone, out of her life. She’d be alone again.
She ignored the misery biting at her. It was her destiny to be alone, she told herself. It was better, safer, and less painful. Gabe was an angel. Sooner or later, he’d have to go off and do other angel things. She didn’t even know if he’d remain in a body. If she let herself get attached to him, she’d only be setting herself up for more pain. She’d had enough of that to last a hundred lifetimes.
The sight of a white Acura pulling in front of the tattoo parlor drew her from her dark thoughts. She walked over to the passenger side of the car as the tinted window lowered. “Hey, Caitria.”
Caitria looked tired, and she sported a black eye. But she managed a smile when she saw Rachel. “Ooooh, look at you, lil’ bitch. Who’d you knock off to get that dress and those killer earrings?”
Rachel fingered the dangling earrings, smoothed her hand over the satiny evening wrap. This would be the last night she wore the black dress and the accessories Gabe had bought her. “Just meeting someone.”
“Ooooh, girl. Is it that hot man with the great threads?”
“It’s the guy you met a few nights ago.”
“Oh, yeah, that’s what I’m talkin’ about. I bet he knows how to fuck a bitch right.”
Rachel couldn’t answer. The only sex she’d experienced had been more than sixty-five years ago—and it hadn’t been consensual. But something about Gabe told her he’d know what to d
o in bed.
“Lil’ bitch, you got a few to hang with me?”
“Sure.” She got in the car, concerned about Caitria. It was obvious Danyon had been whaling on her. “You don’t look too good.”
Caitria lit a cigarette, her hand shaking. “It’s been a tough few. Motherfuckin’ cops caught me in the act, blowing a john. Arrested both our asses. I spent two days at Sterrit afore my momma got me out. Said she was tired of keeping the kids.”
And Danyon had let her know he didn’t appreciate the lack of funds, or the inconvenience—with his fists. “Why don’t you leave him?” Rachel asked suddenly. She’d never brought it up before, had kept her distance from Caitria’s personal affairs, but she was really worried.
Caitria shook her head with a sad smile. “Girl, I can’t do that. Been with him too long.”
“You could go away, get a fresh start somewhere. Find another job.”
“There ain’t nothing I can do but whorin’.”
Rachel felt a rush of desperation for Caitria. “You can do something else. And there’s got to be a decent man out there…somewhere. One who will treat you right.”
“I don’t got that kinda choice. Where would I go? How would I support my kids?”
“There’s always a choice.” Rachel sat back, stunned she’d just said that. Damn. Gabe was really getting to her. Speak of the devil. He was approaching the car, wearing the same suit he’d worn to The Meyerson.
“Ooooh, he do know how to dress.” Caitria rolled down the passenger window as he walked up. “Sup, sexy man?”
Gabe leaned down. “Good evening, Caitria. How are you?”
“Things lookin’ up, with your fine ass here.”
“Not sure Rachel would agree with you.” His tone was light as he opened the car door. “You ready to go?”
“That depends.” She thought about the visit to Children’s Medical.
Gabe flashed his killer smile. “Just a good time tonight.”
“Sounds like fun.” Caitria gave Rachel a thumbs-up. “Go for it, lil’ bitch. Check you later.” She started the car and roared off.
“Gabe, did you see her?” Rachel couldn’t ignore her distress. “That bastard boyfriend is killing her.”
He put his arm around her. “I know.”
“You need to do something!” She whirled on him, suddenly furious, and knocked his arm away. “How can you stand by and let that happen?”
He sighed. “We’ve been over this.”
“Fuck free will!”
“You may not believe this Rachel, but there are forces at work to help Caitria.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
He took her arm, gave her a little tug toward his car. “Has it occurred to you that maybe you and Caitria are friends for a reason? That you might be able to influence her to make some positive life changes?”
“Me?” she scoffed. “I’m not in a position to help anyone.”
“You underestimate yourself. Caitria likes you, and the two of you share a bond. She might listen to you.”
“I already said something, and she blew me off.”
“She might listen eventually, if you keep talking to her about it.” Gabe stopped by the car. “Although sometimes all you can do is be there, be a good friend.”
“Maybe you could help her,” Rachel said hopefully. Gabe was pretty good at getting his way, as she well knew. She thought about the Ferris wheel and grimaced.
“I’m not part of her destiny. You are my sole challenge right now.” His warm gaze swept over her. “And may I say you look beautiful.”
His intense stare flustered her. “Thank you.”
He stepped closer, his scent and heat drifting around her. His hands settled on her shoulders, sent tingling sensations down her arms.
“Tonight, imagine you’re completely grown up. You’ve graduated from college, and are now a professional businesswoman.” Humor tinged his husky voice as he leaned closer. “You have a date with an experienced, sophisticated man who knows how to treat a woman right.”
His breath whispered over her hair, along her cheek, and she shivered, but not from cold. “Tonight,” he whispered. “Anything could happen.”
Chapter 6
GABE took Rachel to the West End, an area of downtown Dallas that had been restored and sported both trendy and funky stores and restaurants. Per their agreement, it was their last night, although he hoped that wasn’t the case. He was a little anxious about the evening, because he was still feeling his way big-time, even though he was thrilled with Rachel’s progress.
She’d adopted Gertie, not that she would admit it. She’d cried, she’d laughed, she’d expressed a wide range of emotions that had been bottled inside her for decades. She’d begun overcoming her terror in crowds, ridden a Ferris wheel, played games with sick children, and thrown popcorn during a theater production.
She had let him kiss her, with a sweet, hot response that had singed his wings. Still, he wasn’t sure of the outcome—or if he should push her toward the next step; that of acknowledging her value as a woman, her innate sensuality, realizing she deserved to be loved. They hadn’t dealt with the issue of her being raped, either. So much left to do. Gabe sent up a prayer for guidance, as he and Rachel parked and started walking.
They went to the West End Marketplace and browsed the shops. True to form, she didn’t buy anything, but she did enjoy watching fudge being made at The Fudgery. She tasted a sample, and he had to laugh at her enthralled expression; she definitely liked chocolate. He bought her some chocolate pecan fudge to take home, loving her smile of delight.
They left the Marketplace and just strolled, taking in the sights and sounds. Rachel seemed more comfortable outside, with the fresh air and nighttime swirling around them. He hailed a horse-drawn carriage, and she eyed it warily as it pulled up beside them. “We’re getting in that?”
“It will be fun.” He helped her up, got in and slid his arm around her as the carriage jolted off. “While all males are basically cavemen, your more mature and experienced man will pick a romantic setting like this to make his next move.”
“Next move?”
He answered her by leaning over and kissing her. She tensed, but she didn’t resist him. When his tongue gently prodded her lips, she even opened her mouth for him. He sensed she’d been expecting him to kiss her, maybe even hoped he would, but she still wasn’t sure about it.
Despite her occupation, she was innately innocent. He explored the softness of her mouth, savoring the taste and texture of her. When her tongue tentatively pressed back against his, a jolt of pure testosterone shot through him. He eased away before he did something crazy, like feel her up in public.
She stared at him, her eyes huge and her lips damp. “Did you like that?” he asked, brushing her hair from her face.
She touched her lips. “I don’t know.”
Gabe smiled wryly. “Good thing my ego’s not too fragile.” He sat back in the seat, but held her hand the rest of the ride.
After that, they went to a classy jazz club on the edge of downtown. The club was plush, with muted lighting provided by wall sconces and table candles. A soulful saxophone was conversing with a trio consisting of a piano, a double bass, and drums. A small dance floor was already catching some action. They got a cozy corner booth, and Gabe ordered wine.
Twisting her hands together on the table, Rachel stared at the couples on the dance floor. “Ever been dancing?” Gabe asked.
“No.” She accepted her wine from the waiter, took a gulp.
“You’re supposed to sip that.”
A rebellious expression crossed her face, and she took another healthy swallow. Thoughtfully, he glanced from her to the dance floor. “What’s got you so on edge?”
“Nothing.”
He leaned forward, placed his hand over hers. “You know, I’ve been totally honest with you during our time together. In return, I’m asking the same from you. If you have any respect for me, then d
on’t lie to me.”
She drew back, pulling her hand free. “Why should it matter? This is our last night together. Isn’t it?”
“I don’t know. You tell me.”
She was silent a long moment. “Yes,” she said finally. “This is it, Gabe. Nothing has changed. I’m still a vampire—a monster. I have no future, and I basically have no past.”
He felt like he’d been gut-punched, even as another part of him knew she’d come much farther than she realized. But she didn’t yet recognize her progress, couldn’t yet accept the truths he’d presented. That was her choice. He wasn’t allowed to interfere further, once she’d exercised her free will.
“All right, then.” He picked up his wine, took a gulp of his own. He drew a breath, shelved his deep disappointment. “But I have you until the stroke of midnight, à la Cinderella. So what makes you nervous about this place?”
She gestured around. “These people are normal. They’re human.” She looked at the couples so intimately entwined on the dance floor. For the first time, he saw longing in her eyes. “They have loved ones, families, lives.”
“You could have that.” You could, Rachel. You could.
“No.” She shook her head vehemently. “Never again.”
“Why?”
“You know why. I can’t change what I am. I’ll never have my family back.”
“No, you’ll never have your family back,” he agreed quietly. “But you can change your life. You can forge new relationships. The only thing standing in your way is you.” Choose life, Rachel.
She looked away, and he felt her grief.
“Dance with me,” he said.
Her gaze swung back to him. “I don’t know how to dance.”
He held out his hand, used compulsion. “Come on.”
“I know what you’re doing. It doesn’t work on me.” But she put her hand in his and let him lead her to the dance floor.
Her body was stiff and unyielding as he pulled her into his arms. “Relax, Rach. Just relax and move with me.” He pressed her flush against him, using his body to guide her. She was graceful and light on her feet. She quickly adapted to his moves, and some of her tension eased.
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