by Sandi Lynn
“Yes. It’s peaceful there.”
“Good. I want you to get outside as much as you can. Even if you don’t feel good or feel like it. But don’t overdo it. I’ve spoken to Dr. Midfield. He’s going to be following up with you since I need to get back to Los Angeles. He’s one of the best here. But, if you have any questions or concerns, call me. Understand?”
“Yes.” I smiled.
“Good. I’ll have the nurse bring in the wheelchair and wheel you out of this place.”
He turned to Wyatt and shook his hand.
“Call me anytime,” Jamieson spoke.
“I will. Thank you again.”
“You’re welcome.”
****
A week had passed since my surgery, and I mostly slept. Wyatt and I went for very short walks a couple times every day, usually in the morning and in the early evening. The days were getting quite chilly and the need for sweaters was increasing. Coco Chanel loved the ranch, and as much as Wyatt wouldn’t admit it, he was starting to love her just as much as she loved him.
I stood in the mirror and stared at my fucked-up hair and scar. I had two options. I could stand there and feel sorry for myself and play the victim role, or I could smile and be grateful that I was alive. I chose the latter.
“What are you doing?” Wyatt asked as he walked into the bathroom and clasped my shoulders from behind.
“Being grateful that I’m alive.” I smiled. “It could have been way worse.”
“You’re right. It could have, and I thank God every day that it wasn’t.” He kissed the back of my head.
We stayed at the ranch for the first month of my recovery and then headed back to the city. As much as I loved the ranch, I was happy to be back at the penthouse. Wyatt and I were lying in bed, both of us on our laptops. I felt well enough to start writing about my surgical experience, but I was still having a little bit of trouble trying to convey what I wanted to say.
“There’s something I never told you while I was in surgery,” I spoke.
“What?” Wyatt asked as he glanced over at me.
“I had an out-of-body experience. I was out of my body and standing next to Jamieson while he was operating on me. I knew about the second tumor before he told me because I saw it.”
“Laurel, I’m confused.”
“Dr. Granger told him that it was too risky to remove it. I stood there and begged Jamieson to do it. I told him that I trusted him, even though he couldn’t hear me. Jamieson told Dr. Granger that he made a promise to me and he was going to keep it. He even yelled at him to get the hell out of his O.R. if he didn’t agree with his decision. After that, everything went black, and then I woke up.”
“Why wouldn’t you have told me something like that?”
“I don’t know. Maybe because you’d think I’m crazy.”
“Okay. I already think that about you.” He smirked. “That’s why I fell in love with you.”
“So you don’t think I’m weird?”
“No. I’ve heard of people having those types of experiences before. In fact, my mother once told me before she died that she had one. I just wish you would have shared it with me.”
“I’m sorry. The next time I have one, I’ll be sure to tell you.” I smiled.
He reached over and stroked my cheek with his thumb.
“I really don’t want to go back to the office tomorrow. I still think it’s too soon.”
“I’m fine, Wyatt. You’ve already been away for far too long. Besides, I’ll have plenty of company. You’ve already made sure of that.” I arched my brow. “Between my family and friends, you’ve left no one out.”
“That’s because I love you, and I worry.” He leaned over and kissed my lips.
****
Six weeks after my surgery, I was finally starting to feel like my normal self again, or semi-normal. The fatigue still lingered, which I could deal with, and the headaches were vague. So vague, I barely noticed them. My hair was starting to grow back, but since the cold settled upon New York, I kept my head covered with a knit hat when I went out. I was facing one problem that was bothersome to me and that was my attention span wasn’t all there. I was easily distracted and would forget what I was doing. It seemed to be happening a lot.
“Sweetheart, are you coming to bed?” Wyatt asked.
“Yeah. I’m just brushing my teeth.”
When I finished brushing, I wiped my mouth with a towel and looked at Coco, who was sitting on the counter staring at me.
“You are the cutest kitty in the world and I love you so much,” I spoke as I picked her up and hugged her.
Taking her to bed, I set her on Wyatt’s chest.
“Did you really have to do that?” His brow arched.
“She wanted to see her daddy.” I smiled. “I’m going downstairs to get a bottle of water. Do you need anything?”
“Grab me one too.”
“Okay.” I leaned over and kissed his lips.
I went downstairs to the kitchen and grabbed two bottles of water. My phone, which was sitting on the counter, dinged with a text message from my mother.
“Just checking in to see how you’re doing.”
“I’m doing good, Mom.”
“Good. I just needed to know before I head to bed. Good night, Laurel.”
“Night, Mom.”
As I was walking out of the kitchen, I saw my laptop sitting on the table. Picking it up, I took a seat on the couch and began browsing the web.
“What are you doing?” Wyatt asked as he walked down from the stairs.
“Just browsing the web.” I smiled.
“Aren’t you coming to bed? You said you were going to get water and bring it back up.”
“I’m sorry. You’re right. I did get the waters and then my mom text-messaged me, and I got distracted.”
“It’s okay. Come up to bed. I miss you.” He held out his hand.
****
Hannah and I slowly accomplished wedding plans. Taking things one day at a time as to not overwhelm me, which I found myself getting from time to time. I told Jamieson and he said that was normal and my brain was still in the process of healing. I’d spent quite a bit of time with my mom and Bella, and Alfie facetimed me a couple times a week to check up on me. My dad was having more and more business meetings in New York, so each time he was here, he’d stop by, and we’d have lunch or dinner and catch up. As for George, I saw him just about every day, even if it was for only a few minutes. He was as bad as Wyatt in the worry department. Jamieson told me that it was okay for me and Wyatt to start having sex again, but to take it slow and easy. I wasn’t thrilled with the slow and easy part, but Wyatt was taking anything he could get, and it was just as beautiful as it was prior to my surgery.
I was sitting on the couch with my laptop writing my article when I heard the elevator door open and Coco jumped off and ran to Wyatt.
“Hey.” I smiled. “What are you doing home already?”
“I got a letter from the insurance company today. I need to have a physical if I want to continue being insured by them.”
“Okay. No big deal. Did you call the doctor?”
“It is a big deal, Laurel. I need to have bloodwork done.”
“For what?”
“Cholesterol and some other shit. Fuck them. I just won’t have insurance.”
“Really?” I arched my brow. “You’re going to let the health insurance go because you need bloodwork done? Like I said before: baby. Told you it wasn’t the tumor talking.” I smirked.
“I am not a baby.” He pointed his finger at me. “Needles just make me uneasy.”
“When do you have to have it done?”
“Within two weeks,” he spoke as he ran his hand through his hair. “I’ll have Tamara schedule the damn appointment tomorrow.”
Another week had passed, and it was the day that Wyatt had to visit the doctor. From the minute he got up in the morning, he was grumpy as hell.
“Alright
, Mr. Coleman, I need you to roll up your sleeve so we can draw some blood,” the nurse spoke when she walked into the room.
“Is this really necessary?” he asked in an irritated tone.
“Are you afraid of needles or something?” she asked.
“I don’t like them.”
“Ah.” She smiled. “Well, you don’t have to look. I’m very good at drawing blood and I’ll be in and out of your vein as quickly as possible.”
Suddenly, he turned as pale as a ghost.
“What’s wrong? She hasn’t even done anything yet.” I spoke. “I had a tumor the size of a tennis ball removed from my brain seven weeks ago along with a smaller tumor and he’s afraid of getting his blood drawn.” I rolled my eyes.
“Really?” She raised her brow at him.
He sighed as he rolled up his sleeve.
“Wyatt, look at me.” I smiled as I took hold of his hand. “Just concentrate on me. Nothing else. You’re such a brave and big boy, and when you’re all done, I’m going to take you out for ice cream,” I spoke in a baby-like manner.
“Laurel! Ouch!” He flinched. “Do you really have to do that?” he spoke through gritted teeth.
“All done, Mr. Coleman. Enjoy that ice cream.” The nurse smiled as she walked out.
“That’s it?” he asked.
“That’s it. You were such a good boy. I can’t wait to tell everyone how brave you were.”
“Laurel, I’m warning you.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Laurel
Three months post op and I was finally cleared by Jamieson to go back to work, but only on a part-time basis for now. The distractions and some memory loss were still there. Jamieson said it could take a good year before my brain fully healed and got back to normal functionality.
I sat across from Eric’s desk in a debate about an article he wanted for the magazine.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea, Eric. It’s boring and women don’t really care.”
“Says you!” He pointed at me. “Have you forgotten who the boss is here?”
“No, but just because you’re my boss doesn’t mean I have to agree with you. The topic is stupid and a waste of everyone’s time here. You want it, you write it.”
He leaned back in his chair, placed his hands behind his head, and smiled.
“Damn, it’s good to have you back.”
“It’s good to be back.” I smiled as I got up from my seat. As I began to walk out of his office, I stopped and turned around.
“The article is dumb, Eric. Let it go.” I smirked.
When I got back to my office, I picked up my phone and noticed I had a missed call from Craig. After dialing his number, I took a seat behind my desk.
“Laurel,” he answered with an excited tone.
“Sorry, I missed your call. I was in a meeting with Eric.”
“Maddy went into labor. We’re at the hospital now.”
“Oh my god, Craig! This is so exciting. How is she doing?”
“She’s doing great. She’s in a lot of pain, but she’s hanging in there. The doctor said the baby should be here within the next few hours.”
“Call me the minute she has her. In fact, facetime me. I want to see her.”
“I will. I better get back in the room. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Love you, friend,” I spoke.
“Love you too, friend.”
I was so excited for Craig and Maddy and I couldn’t wait to tell Wyatt. As I started dialing his number, George walked into my office, so I put my phone down.
“It’s so good to see you back behind that desk.” He smiled.
“It feels good to be here.”
“Would you mind taking a look at this article I wrote?”
“Not at all.” I grinned as I took the paper from him.
“Thanks. Lunch later?”
“Of course.”
After George and I had lunch, I wanted to see Wyatt, so I sent him a text message.
“Hi, handsome. I was thinking about coming to see you at the office. Are you free?”
“Hi, sweetheart. I’m in a meeting and will be tied up for a while. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah. I just was going to come for a visit. No big deal.”
“Okay. I’ll see you when I get home.”
The last place I wanted to be right now was home. I was so tired of being cooped up and I wanted to take advantage of this day while I still had some energy left, so I decided to go and relax and have afternoon tea at the Whitby Hotel.
“Hello, I’m Carla. What may I get for you?” she asked with a pleasant smile.
“I’ll have the chamomile tea and a raspberry crème tart.”
As I was sipping my tea and eating my tart, Craig facetimed me.
“Is she here?” I beamed with excitement.
“She sure is.”
He turned the camera on Maddy and their baby.
“Laurel, I want you to meet Avery Elizabeth Pines.”
“Oh my gosh, Craig, Maddy, she’s beautiful. Maddy, how are you feeling?”
“Relieved.” She smiled.
“I bet. Aw, I can’t wait to hold her.”
“When can you fly?” Craig asked.
“I don’t know. I’ll have to ask Jamieson. I’m sure I can by now.”
“Then come anytime you want. You and Wyatt are always welcome here. We can’t wait to see you again.”
“I’ll talk to him and we’ll set up a time to fly out. Congratulations. I love you both so much.” I blew them a kiss.
“We love you too, Laurel. The doctor just walked in, so I need to go.”
Happiness filled me, and I couldn’t wait to tell Wyatt. I paid my bill, grabbed my phone, and headed to the lobby. I heard the ding from the elevator, and when I looked over, I saw Wyatt and a tall blonde-haired beautiful woman step out. An instant sickness fell over me as my heart started rapidly beating. I took cover behind the concierge desk and the tall man dressed in a black suit with red hair glanced down at me.
“Excuse me, miss?”
“I need to stay here for a second,” I whispered.
I got on my hands and knees and carefully peeked around the corner of the desk. Wyatt and the blonde were standing in the middle of the lobby. They lightly hugged, and Wyatt kissed her cheek. She smiled and then walked away in her Prada heels. I watched him follow her out and he climbed into a cab alone. Where the fuck was Ryan? Why didn’t he drive him here? He didn’t want Ryan to know what he was doing. That snake.
“Miss. Are you okay?”
“No, I’m not okay.” Tears filled my eyes. “That man is my fiancé.”
“I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“No.” I began to cry. “I’m sorry for invading your space.”
“Not a problem, miss.” He held out his hand to help me up.
I thanked him and slowly walked out of the hotel in a state of shock. I needed George, so I texted him.
“Can you meet me at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in about fifteen minutes?”
“Why?”
“Please, George. I need you.”
“Laurel, are you okay?”
“No. That’s why I need you to meet me.”
“I’m on my way. Are we just meeting at the entrance?”
“No. Meet me in the Chinese Garden Court.”
“I’m on my way.”
I couldn’t even comprehend what I’d seen. He was in a meeting, my ass. I arrived at the museum and headed to the Chinese Garden Court. I took a seat on the one of the benches and waited for George to arrive.
“Laurel, what’s going on?” George asked as he rushed over to me.
I placed my hands over my mouth and began to sob.
“Jesus Christ, tell me what happened?”
“I went to the Whitby Hotel for afternoon tea after our lunch, and when I was leaving…” I began to sob even harder.
“When you were leaving what?”
; “I saw Wyatt with another woman step off the elevator into the lobby. He hugged her and kissed her cheek.”
His jaw dropped as shock overtook him.
“No, Laurel. There has to be some explanation. Wyatt would never do that.”
“Well, he did! I saw it with my own eyes.”
“Did he see you?”
“No. The moment I saw them, I hid behind the concierge desk. He left the hotel and climbed into a cab.”
“A cab? Why didn’t Ryan pick him up?”
“Exactly!”
He pulled me into an embrace as I sat there and cried on his shoulder.
“I’m not believing this. You two are getting married.”
“Maybe the brain tumor was too much, and he was seeking comfort from someone else.” I cried harder.
“Calm down.” He rubbed my back. “You can’t get all worked up. You just had surgery three months ago.”
“How can I not get worked up?”
“What are you going to do? Are you going to confront him?”
“I don’t know. There’s only one reason two people meet at a hotel, George.”
“I’m so sorry.” He held me tight. “Do you want me to talk to him?”
“No. I will handle this as soon as I get myself together.”
He held me for a while until I started to calm down.
“Laurel, you don’t need this type of stress. Especially right now. You’re still recovering from a major surgery.”
“I know.” I sniffled.
My phone dinged and there was a text message from Wyatt. My hand was shaking as I held the phone and opened his message.
“Sweetheart, I’m home. Where are you?”
“Doing some shopping. I’ll be home soon.”
I blew my nose with the tissues I had in my purse, composed myself, checked my face in my compact mirror, took in a deep breath, and George and I left the museum.
“Call me later. Okay?” He hugged me.
“I will. Thanks for being here for me.”
“You know I’m always here for you.” He kissed my forehead.
As I sat in the back of the cab, I needed to figure out a plan of action. I couldn’t let Wyatt know what I saw. Not yet anyway.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Laurel
The cab pulled up to the apartment building and I gave myself one last look over. I paid my cab fare, climbed out, and took the elevator up to the penthouse. My heart was rapidly beating, and my head was killing me.