He flinched. Without so much as a glance back, Gael left the cafeteria and my heart hurt worse than it had before. I wanted to scream for Gael to come back. Tears accumulated in my eyes as I tried to stay strong for Steven and Amelia.
Harris strode in from the side door a minute later. “Good girl. I think you may have convinced the fucker. I’ll be stopping by later today to bring some dinner. We’re starting our reconciliation.”
This was going to be my life with Harris until I found a way out—permanently.
The operation had been a success. We were sitting in the mauve colored waiting room while Amelia was in recovery. Steven was going to be allowed to see her anytime now. Everyone was becoming restless.
Amelia’s dad, Winston, came to sit by me, placing his hand on my knee. He was a fit man with a head of silver hair. “It means a lot you’re here. You’re like a daughter to us.”
Putting my hand on top of his, I responded, “You guys have always been like parents to me, too. Thank you for that, always.”
I looked across to the loveseat in front of the chairs. Steven and Colleen, Amelia’s mother, were talking. She looked like Amelia with her dark and expressive eyes.
Taking another sip of coffee, Winston asked, “Has Harris bothered you anymore? Amelia had filled me in on your suspicions.”
“He’s reached out a couple of times. We’ll see.” It was near impossible to lie to a lawyer, especially, Winston. Telling the truth without all the details was what I’d have to do to make it past his internal lie detector.
The nurse came out. “Steven Hill, you can come back now.”
Standing and heading that way, Colleen called out, “Tell her we love her and we’re here for her.”
Steven turned around right before he passed through the doors, tears in his eyes, he said, “I will.”
Winston moved to Colleen’s side as she cried into his chest. We were all functioning on hardly any sleep. With the hurricane, I was dealing with even less. At some point, my body was going to say enough and crash.
We were all waiting for Steven to come out for us to be able to see Amelia. The dinner hour came and I knew I’d have to play nice. I hoped Winston chewed up Harris’ ass and spit it out.
My phone vibrated.
Harris: I’m headed up. Time to make nice.
Me: Okay.
The fight was out of me. And I couldn’t take a chance on Amelia’s recovery. Harris had preyed on my emotional state—knowing I’d be desperate to save my friend. Unless, I found a permanent solution to keep him out of my life this would become my story. Harris would wait in the corner until he was able to force me into action like he’d done yesterday.
That’s what I’d been thinking about when everyone in our group grew quiet—what can I do to get leverage over on Harris? Leverage would be the only thing that was going to work. Something that threatened the empire he coveted more than anything. I sounded like a broken record as I kept going through all my thoughts.
Harris walked in wearing a black pristine suit, carrying two huge bags. There honestly wasn’t a word I could think of that described how truly horrible he was. “Evening, Mr. and Mrs. Chandler. I heard about Amelia and wanted to do what I could to help.”
It was hard not to scoff, knowing he’d been ready to walk away from Amelia earlier without so much as a second thought. Winston looked my way then back to Harris. I greeted Harris, hoping to diffuse the situation. “That was very thoughtful. Thank you.”
Harris came to sit beside me and I fought the urge not to move far away from him. If he touched me, it would take a divine act to not pull away.
Shaking his head like it wasn’t a problem, he gave a heartfelt reply. “Amelia and Steven are like family.”
LIAR! LIAR! LIAR!
Winston looked between us and I kept a pleasant smile on my face, thanks to the training of living with Harris. It had been awhile since I’d had to pretend to be okay and it was harder than I expected. Gael made me feel real and that I could freely express myself at all times. I missed him. I loved him.
Clearing his throat, I could tell Winston thought Harris was up to something. “Well, thank you, Harris. We appreciate it.”
“Well, I need to get back to the office.” Harris turned to me. “It was good seeing you again. You look well. If it’s okay, I’ll bring lunch by for you guys tomorrow. I want to make sure you’re taken care of.”
Fucker. If only, I could replay for everyone the cold menacing man who gambled with Amelia’s life earlier downstairs.
Giving a pleasant non-emotional straight face, I responded, “Good seeing you, Harris. Have a good evening.”
That was all the nicety he was getting. He told the Chandler’s good-bye one last time before leaving.
Of course, Winston asked, “Are you okay with him stopping by?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “As long as he’s nice, I don’t care.”
Satisfied with my response, Winston and Colleen ate. I’d rather eat dog shit than a thing Harris’ money paid for.
Glancing down at the screen, I saw Harris’ latest text.
Harris: Good job. Keep it up.
I didn’t respond.
Napping in a waiting room chair, a hand shook my shoulder lightly. “Ashlin, hunny. Do you want to go back and see Amelia?”
Steven’s words had me jumping up. “Yes, that would be wonderful.”
This morning, I didn’t have the heart not to let Steven, Winston, and Colleen go first even though they’d offered. No one had said anything about the baby yet. Either Steven didn’t know or he wasn’t discussing it until Amelia woke. Last night, Steven had stayed with Amelia until right before visiting hours were over. Colleen and Winston had gone back one-by-one. By the time they came out, I wasn’t able to go back. They’d felt awful, but I was okay with it. I was here for Amelia and that was all that mattered. She needed to be surrounded by her husband and parents. This morning, Steven had been the first, followed by the parents again at my insistence. I knew I’d get my time.
I walked into the room. Wires and tubes came out of my friend. Machines beeped and pumped. Her right arm and leg were both in giant casts. A bandage wrapped her head. Her body was bruised—broken. Silent tears fell down my face and the sacrifice I was enduring seemed small compared to the uphill battle my friend faced.
Sitting in the chair, next to the bed on the left side, I touched my fingertips to Amelia’s. It was the only place that didn’t look bruised or hurt. “Hey, there. We’re rooting for you. You’re so brave, my dear friend. So very, very brave. You’re going to get better. You’re a fighter, Amelia. Unlike anyone I’ve met. Come back to me, my sweet friend. I need your zest to kick Harris’ ass. You’ve been my best friend for as long as I could remember. I’d do anything for you, Amelia. Absolutely anything. All I ask is you come back. We’ll work through everything else—together.”
My throat tightened and I knew I was on the verge of losing it. Amelia needed positivity. Instead, I changed the subject, still wanting to talk to her and pulled out my phone. “Okay, let’s see what Cosmo is saying this week.”
Amelia loved Cosmo.
“Oh, looks like there’s a faster way to get flat abs. Let check this out. Gael’s cooking is not friendly to the waistline.”
Four days had passed and I felt like I was on repeat. I still hadn’t left the hospital. Winston and Colleen had brought me fresh clothes and I’d showered in the bathroom they allowed people to use. It was gross, but I couldn’t leave. Staying at the hospital also limited the time I would have to potentially see Harris. Outside these walls, he could stage run-ins with the paparazzi, lunches, the list was endless.
Gael had made no further contact with me. Now, I knew what Sophia felt when she thought Daniel had died, because I felt the loss of Gael—acutely. To no avail, I still hadn’t figured out how to be free of the bastard, Harris’, tyrannical reign.
Harris texted me. It was only seven in the morning, which was too early to de
al with his shit.
Harris: When do you plan on leaving? I want us spotted at lunch together.
All he cared about was a PR stunt. My patience had reached its end, but I still had to play nice.
Me: Harris, let Amelia wake up. Let me start feeling like a human again. If I met you now looking like I did, they’d think I was miserable being with you. There’s no amount of makeup or pleasantness than can hide how distressed I am. Let me deal with things. You’ve forced my hand. You’ve won. Give me at least a week.
Harris: You have three more days and then I expect a lunch date.
Me: Like I said, you’ve won.
Harris: I’m glad you’re finally ready to take your rightful place.
There were not enough bad words in the English language to describe how I felt about Harris Huntington.
Amelia’s parents had gone back to their hotel to rest. Steven walked out. “I’m going to get some lunch. Would you mind keeping Amelia company?”
“No, not at all. There are some new Cosmo articles to read.” I put aside the magazine I had been reading.
As I passed Steven, he stopped me. “Are you and Gael having problems? I haven’t heard you talk to him and thought he was coming. Now with Harris coming by, something feels off.”
Covertly, I checked around. The last thing Steven needed was to worry about my love life and trying to mend something that couldn’t at this point. No one was here except us. Giving Steven a hug, I whispered to be on the safe side. “Don’t worry about us. Erica fractured her hip. He’s been helping his mom and hopefully can come soon. I think Harris is trying to help.” He’s helping in a fucked up psychotic twisted sort of way, I added mentally.
“Oh, I didn’t know that. Okay. I’m glad Harris isn’t being such a dick. He’s seems like he used to back in the day, ya know?”
If only Steven knew the truth.
I nodded my head. “Yeah, I’m glad he’s been nice.”
Walking back, I greeted the nurses who were becoming familiar faces to me. They’d been beyond gentle and kind to the family. Amelia’s bruising was lessening and her color was returning. The doctors were hopeful as the swelling in her brain continued to go down.
Sitting where I’d been for the last two days, I spoke, “You’re looking good, Amelia. I see you getting stronger. I think what we are in need of is a little more Cosmo. Today, we get to learn how to tell if a guy is really into us. I’d say you have this one in the bag.”
Three-quarters of the way through the article a scratchy voice spoke, “Ashlin?”
I froze. Hoping, I heard her I stood up next to the bed. Her eyes fluttered. “Amelia! Amelia! Are you awake?”
“Head hurts …” The voice was weak but it had definitely come from Amelia.
I hit the button above her bed. “She’s awake! My best friend is awake! Please come! Hurry! Call Steven!” Turning my attention back to my friend, I spoke more calmly, “Hey, sweetie. You got a nasty bump on your head. Doctors are going to check you out. We’ve been worried about you.”
She was weak and tried to speak. I stopped her attempts. “Shh, Amelia. Don’t waste your energy. Steven and your parents are on their way. We’ve all been here.”
She nodded as the doctors came rushing in and looked her over. Steven followed shortly and fell to her side. “Oh, thank God you’re here. Baby, I’ve missed you. I’ve missed you so much. I love you.”
Steven cried and tears came from my face as I watched the love unfold. The doctors continued to look Amelia over and asked us all to step to the far side of the room. Colleen and Winston arrived as they finished their initial assessment.
They addressed the room. “She’s tired, but this is excellent progress. Her motor functions are intact and she’s remembering the wreck. As of now, it doesn’t seem like she’s got amnesia which is common in these cases.”
Everyone heaved a sigh of relief.
Amelia’s weak voice spoke, “Baby. How’s the baby?”
This was the one thing I couldn’t fix. The baby was gone and I wanted to take the hurt that was about to happen. If only the sacrifice I made could make this better too.
Colleen and Winston drew in shocked breaths. They hadn’t known. Steven got on his knees beside the bed. “Hunny, the baby has gone to Heaven, but you’re here. We’ll have other chances to have a baby. Let’s get you better.”
A sob came through her hoarse voice. “No, not the baby. Please, no.”
As weird as this may be, I asked silently, Sophia, if you can hear me, please take care of Amelia’s baby until she can see her one day. Please take care of her. Sophia knew the pain of losing a baby.
Hours later, I left the hospital with Winston. Colleen and Steven were still with Amelia. She needed them as she grieved for the loss of her child. I’d be there for her when she needed me. After Winston and I had left the room, he’d insisted on taking me to Amelia’s house for a real shower and rest. With the resolve in his voice, I knew there was no winning. I’d been putting him off for four days.
Making it to the entrance where Harris had blindsided me, Winston touched me on my back. “Let me go get the car. Wait here. You look exhausted, Ashlin.”
Fatigue encapsulated me. Amelia coming through put me one step closer to being able to break away from Harris. I couldn’t yet with all his other threats looming over my head. Plus, looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life was no life at all. A nurse approached. “Is your name Ashlin?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t go. I have something for you.”
The brunette headed nurse in purple scrubs headed to the front desk. Intrigued, I followed. She handed me a bag. “A man gave me your picture and asked that I find you to give this to you. He said it was important for you to get it. He gave me your name, a picture, and your number. My son got sick with pneumonia and it’s been in the back of my car. I was going to call you today. I’m so sorry.”
“Picture?” There was no telling what this was about. I hoped Harris wasn’t up to something. I still had three more days before my required lunch date.
The nurse reached in the bag and showed me the picture. I gasped. It was of one Gael had taken of me from the door of his house as I looked out onto the ocean. He’d said my name. I’d turned his way and gave him an adoring smile as he took it. Since then, he’d carried it with him everywhere in his wallet.
“Thank you—” I glanced at the nametag—“Nurse Ronnie. I appreciate this. I hope your son is doing better. By chance, do you remember when he dropped this by?”
“He is. The gentlemen came by three days ago.” The nurse’s station phone rang as Winston pulled under the covered area. I waved good-bye and headed to the car.
As I got in, Winston looked at me. “You seem to have new life in you.”
Knowing Gael had left me something was exhilarating. “I do. Amelia’s going to be fine and someone I care very deeply made my day.”
We drove out of the covered entrance area. “Amelia told me about Gael. We can’t wait to meet him.”
“Hopefully you’ll be able to soon.”
Winston nodded and we drove in silence the forty-five minutes to Amelia’s home. We both had a lot to think about. Their house appeared down the street as we entered the neighborhood. My car sat in the driveway at Amelia’s. Harris had it delivered along with the rest of my belongings. Steven’s truck had been in the shop and they’d been using it lately.
Once I rested, I’d head back up to the hospital to help where I could.
Parking in the driveway of the small blue siding home outside of the city, Winston handed me a house key. I loved it here. Steven and Amelia both worked in the city, but loved having a small yard and being away from all the hustle and bustle.
“Get some rest, Ashlin. Let us know if you need anything.” Winston patted my leg.
Reaching for the door, I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze before he let go. “You too, Winston. We have a lot to be grateful for today.”
“Yes, we do.”
I got out of the car and unlocked the door. Winston stayed in the driveway until I was safely in the house. Being here and knowing that Amelia was awake was easier than if she’d been in a coma.
The open floor plan was furnished the same as I’d remember. A small gas fireplace was in the corner. A red couch with a black and red chair furnished the living room. The kitchen had the table for four.
On weekends, when Harris had worked straight through, I’d come here and stay. Running to the couch, I opened the gift bag. It was the journal.
Daniel’s journal.
I exhaled quickly as I ran my fingers over the engraved letters. Right below them, was a sticky note.
My heart knew that there was hope for us. Gael, be patient. I’m working on coming back to you. It was time to finish this journey. First, I needed to feel human again. I shuffled to the bathroom to take a shower.
The hot water helped loosen my tensed muscles that were simply running on adrenaline. Finding some of Amelia’s sweats and a sweatshirt, I made myself a cup of coffee. The journal called to me like a beacon as I made my way back.
Sitting, I opened it and finished this journey where I’d found love.
SITTING ON THE bench, I watched as Colett sat on the grass and played with Annabelle. Colett reached over and placed her hand on Annabelle’s cheek and said something to her. My heart felt as if it would burst within my chest as I watched the two of them. A part of me was jealous that Devlin had a part of Sophia and I did not.
Clearing my throat, I said, “I found out why Sophia and my parents never received the letters and telegrams.”
Devlin turned and stared at me. “Truly? What of it?”
Leaning back against the bench, I let out a sigh. “Sophia’s mother, Emma, had bribed the postal carrier to intercept the letters and telegrams. Apparently, when the first letter arrived Emma opened it and found that I was alive. Fearing Sophia would leave you, she made arrangements to have all letters and telegrams from me or Colett destroyed.”
Predestined Hearts Page 32