by Dena Blake
He picked up the remote and clicked on the TV. “Mind if I watch the game?”
“Sure. Whatever.” The hard conversation was over. She knew he’d been wanting to know since the accident. He wasn’t happy when he found out she and Shay were splitting and even more unhappy when he found out why. She’d asked him to stay out of it, and he had for the most part. She couldn’t blame him for being curious about her next move.
They sat in silence as she finished the whole bowl of soup and then relaxed into the couch. She could barely keep her eyes open. Last night had been rough. She’d woken up every time someone had come into the room, which was about every hour.
When she woke up again, the TV was off, and the table was clear, except for a small, five-by-eight leather book. On top of it she found a note from Jackson.
Going home to check on Ginger. Be back later with Whitney. Text if you need anything. Found a stack of these in Shay’s closet while I was searching for Ginger. This looks like #1 for you two. You should read it.
Chapter Four
Jackson was so sweet, and Chloe knew she didn’t have time to worry about anything but Shay right now. But she hadn’t expected him to find the journals. She knew they were there, and another stack remained in the closet at the beach house as well. She’d never felt the need to invade Shay’s privacy to glimpse her thoughts or see what she might have written about her. Especially during the past few months.
Chloe stared at the leather-bound book in her lap, afraid to open it, afraid of what she might find inside. It wasn’t really a book. It was a ledger of her daily activities. Shay was so analytical it was unreal, but Chloe had learned to accept and come to love that trait in her. When she’d first found out that Shay kept a journal, she was surprised. She’d thought that most people who kept them did so because they had no one to talk to. Maybe that had been the case for Shay before they’d met, but they’d been together for the better part of the past five years. Chloe thought they’d communicated well through most of it, except the last six months or so, when neither one of them had confided their feelings of loneliness to the other. Why hadn’t Shay just talked to her? Why hadn’t she just talked to Shay?
Between the leather bindings were Shay’s innermost thoughts—writings from the soul, perhaps even confessions. The journal was staring back at her, begging her to open it, turn the pages, and discover things about Shay she’d never known and possibly some she’d never known about herself as well. She opened the cover and read the date, which was June 23, close to five years ago. The day they met. Her heartbeat raced as she read the first line.
Now I believe in love at first sight…
The girl of my dreams stepped into my life tonight. I don’t know how or when, but there will be something between us, and whatever it is, I’m positive it will be spectacular. She’s an artist. Her name is Chloe, a beautiful name, and it fits her perfectly. She doesn’t look at all like her brother, Jackson. Her hair is raven black, and her blue eyes were enough to mesmerize me the moment she looked at me. When I touched her arm, her porcelain skin felt creamy-soft. She looked as though she’d never spent a day in the sun. Tonight, my life changed in just one moment. To think that I almost didn’t go to the wedding, and then, once I got there, I debated about leaving early. Thank God I didn’t.
When the reception got too loud, I walked down the steps to the beach. I was sitting in the sand watching the waves crash into the shore when I first saw her. She strolled by with her friends, red dress pulled up in one hand off the ground, strappy, silver shoes dangling from her fingers in the other. Legs to die for, she was simply gorgeous. Too gorgeous for me to think she’d ever be interested in someone like me. I watched her stroll down the beach away from me, stopping momentarily and squealing when the icy ocean water crashed across her feet. She glanced back over her shoulder but didn’t seem to notice me until she and her friends were on their way back. My eyes were glued to the water when she stopped and said hi. I was so nervous, I’m not even sure I answered. She asked me what I was doing on the beach all alone. I managed to tell her I was enjoying the view and the sound of the waves, which had been totally drowned out by the sound of my heartbeat pounding in my ears. I love the serenity of the ocean. It helps me stay at peace with myself. Chloe kept eye contact for longer than I was comfortable with, and then she suddenly turned to her friends and told them to go on without her, that she’d be up in a bit.
My heart pounded faster when she sat in the sand next to me. I had no idea what was coming next, but she didn’t say a word, just stared out at the ocean. We watched the sunset together, and when the stars came out, Chloe whispered, “Thank you for enjoying that gorgeous sunset with me. You made it so much more special,” and then she stood up.
My tongue doubled in size, and anything that spilled out of my mouth seemed primitive. Chloe leaned forward, her brows furrowed as she tried to interpret what I’d said. Then she smiled slowly and offered me her hand. She was too gracious to make me repeat what I had barely managed to choke out.
My hand tingled as she took it and led me up the beach and inside to the reception. The warmth of her hand spread throughout me, and I felt things I’d never felt before. We found a table in the corner, where we talked for the rest of the night about anything and everything. All I could see were her beautiful blue eyes and gorgeous smile. Her laugh penetrated my very core, and I knew right then if anything ever came of our chance meeting, I was going to fall hard for her.
She stayed with me for the rest of the reception, talking about art, culture, and so many other things. By the time the night was over, I felt like I’d known her forever. Before we left, she sought out her parents and introduced me to them as an old friend. Oddly enough, after only a few hours with her, that’s the way I felt. The look she gave me made me shudder as though an invisible pulse of electricity was hovering between us, and there was exactly that. I walked her to her car, and as I opened the door for her, I wondered if I should chance a kiss on the cheek, but I didn’t have the guts. While I was letting my nerves get the best of me, she hovered closer and brushed my cheek with a kiss that was gentle and warm. I breathed her in, a mixture of sea air and spice that’s still with me now. I can’t describe the incredible feeling I had tonight, but I know it’s something I’ve never felt before.
Chloe had never forgotten it either. She remembered the night like it had happened only yesterday. She’d noticed her, all right. It wasn’t by chance that she’d come across Shay sitting on the beach that night. She’d seen her arrive and had been stealing glimpses of her all evening. Shay had spent most of her time with people whom her brother, Jackson, had invited from work. She couldn’t imagine why he hadn’t told her about Shay before. She’d managed to pull him away for a few minutes and fire questions at him about her. He’d given her minimal information before his attention had returned to his bride, Whitney. But it was enough to start a conversation, if she had the nerve. Shay was new to his insurance company, an actuary just like him. He’d said she seemed to know her stuff and was great with numbers. Who knew an actuary could be so beautiful? Her brother was a horrible wingman. He didn’t know if she was gay or even if she was single. She’d shown up solo, and Chloe had witnessed her refuse to dance with her coworkers more than once. She’d thought her odds were good.
She’d watched her leave the reception and head down to the beach. Shay had descended the steps leisurely and paused at the bottom to glance at the ocean before she’d stepped into the sand, moved to her right, and walked out of Chloe’s view. Dressed in a black dress that accentuated her thin, slight figure, Shay was a gorgeous sight, someone Chloe knew she had to meet. She couldn’t help herself. She’d immediately rounded up two of her best friends from college and made them come with her to the beach.
They’d made one pass in front of Shay, who hadn’t looked up. So, with the help of her friends as they turned and walked back up the beach, she worked up enough nerve to talk to her. Then she’d done something to
tally out of character. She’d made the first move. She’d sent her friends on their way and sat down next to her.
Conversation had been sparse. They’d only spoken a handful of words to each other. No meaningless conversation about the weather, the waves, or anything else. They’d just sat and enjoyed the sunset together. Any other time she would’ve been extremely uncomfortable sitting in silence with someone, especially a stranger. She remembered glancing sideways and catching Shay’s sandy-blond, shoulder-length hair as it flew up and scattered with the wind. The way the sunset reflected on Shay’s face and in her amber eyes was stunning. She’d never seen such a gorgeous sight.
Later, after they’d rejoined the reception, their conversation started, and it hadn’t stopped until the party was over. The chemistry between them had been electric from the very beginning. She’d wanted to spend the rest of the night with her, would’ve if she’d asked. Instead she’d let Shay walk with her to her car, brushed her cheek lightly with her lips, and held back on the first kiss that eventually changed her life.
She’d thought about Shay for days after the wedding until she’d finally gained the courage to drop by Jackson’s office and pretend to pick up something, anything, just to run into her. She hadn’t had her phone at the reception, so she hadn’t gotten Shay’s number. She would’ve absolutely died if she’d had to wait another week for Jackson to get back from his honeymoon before she could see her. That day she went to his office, she had, indeed, run into Shay. The encounter was a little awkward at first, but they’d recovered quickly. She’d gotten Shay’s number, and they’d also had lunch that day. Not a day had passed since then that they hadn’t talked…until recently. How had they traveled so far from a moment that had affected them both so deeply?
Chapter Five
When Chloe woke, Shay’s mother, Mary, was sitting on the couch thumbing through Shay’s journal. She bolted out of the chair and snatched it from her hand. “What do you think you’re doing? That’s personal.”
“It was on the floor. I picked it up.”
“And then decided to invade Shay’s privacy.” The woman had no boundaries.
“Seems you have too.” Mary twisted her lip into a smirk.
“She’s my wife.”
“She’s my daughter.” The fuck-you tone in Mary’s voice told Chloe she was in for a fight.
“You lost all parental rights when you didn’t support her.”
“I supported her in everything.” Mary’s voice rose sharply before she took in a breath and said softly, “But not the things that went against my beliefs. I could never do that.”
“No, but you expected her to conform to them. Shay told me all about the so-called summer camps you sent her to trying to make her into someone she isn’t.” Just the thought made her blood boil.
“You have no idea what you’re talking about.” Mary denied her callous actions as though they had never occurred, but Chloe knew better.
“I know that’s not something a loving mother does. Do you even love her?”
“Of course I love her.”
“Did you ever tell her that? Or were you too busy trying to change her?”
Mary narrowed her eyes. “Being married to you has kept her away from me more than I’d like.”
At least she’d acknowledged that they were married. “Her choice, not mine.”
“I’d like to take her home with me and work on that.”
“Absolutely not. If she decides to see you during her recovery, you can come see her at our house.” Our house. The words had come out so naturally, like nothing had changed between them. She guessed her need to protect Shay from going back to a home void of unconditional love was affecting her.
“Her recovery is going to take some time, which will take your focus from your art. It would benefit us both if she comes home with me.” Mary stood up. “Think about it.”
“You’re not listening, Mary. I said no. Shay is much more important to me than any piece of art.” The funny thing was, it was true. Even after everything that had happened between them, she felt her words deep in her heart. She could never let her go back to that environment, whether they were together or not. No. She would make sure Shay got the care she needed while she recovered. After that, she had no idea what would happen.
* * *
The sky was dark and overcast. As Chloe stared out the window, she wondered if a storm was coming in off the ocean. She knew it was at least twenty degrees hotter outside than it was in the hospital. The clouds were deceiving. She opened the weather app on her phone and watched red, yellow, and green radar motion travel across the screen. A storm was indeed on its way.
When she turned to check on Shay, she was startled to see Lila standing next to the bed.
“What are you doing here?” She rushed across the room. “And how did you get past the nurses’ station?” A nurse was stationed just inside the double doors of the wing. They didn’t let just anyone past that point.
“When I got word about the accident, I drove back immediately.” She seemed to ignore the second question.
Drove back? From where? Wasn’t she waiting for her somewhere yesterday? Their apartment, her apartment? Millions of questions swam in her head. Had Shay really stopped seeing her? Had she been telling the truth when she came to the beach house? “She said she was done with you.” Chloe had to know if it was true.
“She also said you were done with her.” She rolled her eyes. “You think she’s analytical, unemotional, and boring.”
“I’ve never, ever thought that at all.” Were those Lila’s words or Shay’s? Had she ever done anything to make Shay think she was unemotional or boring? Chloe shook her head as the back of her neck heated. No, she hadn’t. “She’s still my wife and my responsibility.”
“So, you’re not?” Lila took Shay’s hand in hers. “Done with her?”
She saw sadness in Lila’s eyes, something she hadn’t expected to have to deal with. Something she didn’t want to deal with. She shrugged off the compassion that threatened to overshadow her anger. “What happens between me and Shay is none of your business.”
“Oh, but I think it is now.” Her eyes hardened. “Last I heard, you permanently moved out of the apartment to that beautiful place she bought on the beach.”
Who the fuck does she think she is? “We bought that together.” She gripped the side rail of the bed to steady herself. It had been a surprise, and Shay had made the down payment, but they’d made the payments together.
Lila glanced up at her for a moment and raised an eyebrow. “Right. She worked sixty hours a week while you played at your gallery, but you bought it together.” Her gaze went back to Shay, and she stroked the back of Shay’s hand with her thumb.
Jealousy flooded her as she watched Lila caress her hand. “You should go.” She forced herself not to round the bed and physically remove Lila from the room. “Now.”
Lila gently placed Shay’s hand back onto the bed and went to the door before glancing back. “Just so you know. Whether or not your marriage is finished, I’m not done with her.” She pulled the door open and was gone.
She turned back to the window, grabbed the windowsill, and let the tears flow. She would certainly have more than one storm in her future.
* * *
The hospital was quiet for the time being. The nurses had been in and out several times throughout the day, checking Shay’s IV and vitals. She hadn’t turned the TV back on since the last nurse had left about ten minutes ago after delivering an elegant rolling table with dinner. Although the shrimp fettuccine looked delicious, she still didn’t have an appetite. The nurse had urged her to spend some time in the other room of the suite, which had a larger TV and more comfortable furniture. She’d appreciated the suggestion but remained sitting in the recliner next to Shay’s bed, staring out the window. It was a beautiful view that Shay would enjoy if she were awake. She was very grateful for the care Shay was getting and thankful her parents had been able
to arrange it. They were both on the hospital board and were willing to pay any extra cost incurred.
The door pushed open, breaking her thoughts. “Hey, how’s she doing?” Jackson stepped into the room and handed her one of the coffee cups in his hands before he wrapped his free arm around her and squeezed.
“Thanks, but I really don’t need any more caffeine.” She set it on the bedside table. “I haven’t slept much at all.”
He swiped it back up, handed it to her, and lifted his cup. “It’s a special blend of decaf. I think you’ll like it.” He took a drink and smiled.
She gave in like she always did with her brother and took a small sip. When the sweet nectar of fermented grapes filled her mouth, she almost choked. “Wine?”
He shrugged “I thought you might need something to take the edge off.” He held his up and winked. “Cheers.”
“Oh my God, Jackson. You don’t know how much I need this. I’ve had the day from hell.” She snuggled under his arm and squeezed him. Jackson was the most awesome brother a girl could ask for—a rule-breaker with all the right intentions, who also had the smarts to stay out of trouble.
He pointed his cup toward Shay. “Everything okay with her?”
“Yeah. No change there.” She took another drink and let the taste wash over her. “Her mother came by again today.” She held back telling him about Lila’s visit.
“She still wants to take her home?”
She nodded. “Not gonna happen.”
“I’m glad you’re taking control of this, sis.”
“I have to. That toxic environment would be hell on her.”
The door opened again, and Whitney walked in. His eyes widened, and he held his finger to his lips.
