by Danes, Ellie
Two nurses in beige scrubs came running through the door and flanked either side of the bed, pushing me aside. The attending doctor quickly followed them into the room. “Mr. Dunning, please stay calm and we’ll remove the tube from your throat.” Dad’s jerky movement subsided as an anxious look came over his face. The doctor performed a quick check on his breathing and determined everything seemed good. “Ok, on three I want you to exhale as hard as you can. One–Two–Three!” The doctor pulled the long tube from his throat as Dad coughed and gasped for air.
“Wh-at hap—” Dad tried to speak but only a faint croaking sound came out as the nurses urged him not to talk. They explained he was in an accident and began checking his vitals. I stood in the corner and watched, trying to make eye contact with Dad as he blinked and looked around the room at the scrambling nurses and doctor.
Finally the chaos subsided and the doctor pulled me to the side and explained that they were going to need to run more tests to see the extent of the damage, if there was any, to his brain. My mouth hung in disbelief of what I was hearing as I stared at Dad.
“Jen…” Dad whispered with his croaking voice. “Cynthia?” Dad’s eyes were big as he waited for my answer.
“I’m here.” Cynthia walked through the door and stared at Dad as we both began to cry.
I looked at the doctor through my misty eyes. “That’s a good sign, right? He remembers.”
He simply nodded.
* * * * *
For a man of Dad’s age, he was very resilient. After only a few days he was moved from the intensive care unit to a room on the rehab floor of St. Francis. They wanted him to begin using his arms and leg. His broken leg would eventually require physical therapy, but for now, he was content with the wheelchair and eventual crutches he would have to use for a while. Dad had no memory of the accident other than getting into the car with Cynthia, likely a good thing. Otherwise, his sharp mind, wit and attitude were intact.
Cain, Cynthia and I took turns getting him back and forth to physical therapy after he was released. The large aluminum frame still wrapped around his leg for support made him appear more of a robot or a super athlete than an aging, injured man. He poured every bit of energy he had into his recovery, even after being urged to slow down by the doctors. He was a man on a mission that couldn’t be stopped. He made me proud. If he wasn’t working on his recovery, Dad was with Cynthia, enjoying life. The accident slowed him down for sure, but it also gave him a new perspective on things. Less time in the office and more time to live. It gave me a new perspective as well.
I sat on the balcony of the twenty-third floor and watched the strong current of the river pull and push the group of people in their over-inflated tubes. It was the simple things that made me smile now more than ever; people out enjoying a warm weekend day. Since Dad’s accident I cherished every minute I had with him, Aimee, Cain and even Brice. There always seemed to be catastrophic events in mine and Cain’s lives that somehow pulled us together and made us realize how important we are to each other. We both slowed down our own work lives to focus on us and our future.
The habit I started of praying and speaking to my mom continued. I felt closer to her now in ways I had never felt before. She never answered me, but I knew she was listening. I knew she had listened that first night when she had sent Dad back to us just eight days later. I look upward and smiled. “Thank you.” I whispered as I closed my eyes and leaned back.
The glass patio door opened and startled me as Cain joined me with a glass of white wine. “You’re father is truly amazing.” Cain chuckled. “He’s making great progress. I just dropped him off.”
I cordially took the glass of wine and sipped it. “I know. I feel good about it.”
Cain smiled. “Good enough to take a short trip with me to the west coast?” Cain eased himself into the seat next to me. “I promise, just a few days and it will be mostly relaxation. I just have a few small things to take care of.” Cain reached over and placed his hand gently on my leg. “I promise, your dad will be fine. Cynthia will be taking good care of him.
Hesitantly I agreed. “When?”
“We leave tomorrow.”
Chapter Fifty-Seven
I had to scramble in order to make sure I had everything packed. I had left some of my casual clothes at the condo in San Diego, but my nicer eveningwear was always something I brought with me. Thankfully I didn’t have to worry about the size of my carry on. One of the perks of Cain’s new company was the use of a corporate jet service. Cain realized for the amount of travel that he and the rest of the executives made every year, buying into a private jet club made more sense. I couldn’t have agreed more as I sank into the soft, beige leather seat and sipped the champagne, a bright red cherry bobbing in the glass.
Cain smiled at me from across the small table between us. “I promise, only a little work and the rest relaxation.”
“I know.” I starred out of the window and wondered about Dad. I worried about him. Even though he had made a full recovery and was now just working on his leg, I hated to leave him.
“He’ll be fine, Jen. I promise.” Cain tilted his head to the side and reached for my hand across the table. “It’s only a few days. You’ll see him before you know it.”
I enjoyed Cain’s reassuring ways. He always had a way of making feel confortable and at ease. Deep down I knew we both needed some time away. There had been very little time for just us since the accident. I thought back just how long it had been. Months, even though they flew by. I squirmed in my seat as I thought about alone time with Cain again. Time for us to reconnect and no matter what, I was going to hold him to his promise of just a little work. I closed my eyes and relaxed as we taxied down the runaway and made our way across the country.
The sunny San Diego weather always made me smile. I watched as the palms zoomed past the car on our way to our final destination. We had already made a few trips together this year but it still felt like vacation to me, especially since it had been a while since I had been out here.
Cain held my hand as we quietly sat in the back seat of the town car. He stared out of the window and appeared preoccupied. “I’m going to see if I can get some things taken care of once we arrive. How about I drop you off at the condo and then I’ll come back for you and we can head to dinner? I’m going to run by the office.” Cain looked at his Cartier watch. “It’s two-fifteen. Maybe around five-thirty? I should have everything wrapped up by then.”
I agreed, although I was disappointed that we wouldn’t be able to spend some initial time together like we had in the past.
Cain returned his gaze out of the window until we arrived, still not saying much. “Are you alright, Cain? Is something bothering you?” I squeezed his hand and looked him in the eyes, trying to subtly read his body language.
“Me? Yeah, I’m fine.” Cain forced a smile through his pursed lips. “Just a lot I need to get done, that’s all. I have a lot on my mind. I don’t want to forget anything, but I’m good.” He leaned in to kiss me. “I promise.” His warm lips touched mine but lacked the feeling they usually had.
The driver opened the door and helped me out of the car as Cain followed. The driver had already unloaded my bag.
“The rest can stay for now.” Cain ordered the driver and I gave him a curious look that he quickly defended. “I’m going to keep mine with me, I’m not sure what I’m going to wear tonight and thought I’d just change at the office.”
“Oh, Ok. Well, I guess I’ll see you in a few hours.” We kissed again and I made my way to the condo, wondering what had just happened. First he lied in the car and then he decided to keep his bags with him.
I occupied my afternoon by unpacking and then taking a short trip to the pool for some relaxation. My day felt very empty without Cain sitting by my side at the pool. I grabbed my phone and tried to check in on Dad. I knew that would take my mind off of being alone, if only for a moment, but my attempted failed. Straight to voicemail. I
sneered at the phone and was surprised when Dad texted back so quickly.
Can’t talk. Mtg. Call you later. Dad
I laughed that he felt the need to sign his name after his text. At least he said “Dad” and not “Jack Dunning.” I lay around the pool for another thirty minutes and decided it was time to get ready. After a quick shower I made my to the large empty closet. Only the few things I had packed hung on one side. The other side of the closet looked like a fine men’s clothing store. Expensive suits hung in a color-coordinated fashion followed by shirts. The end of the closet boasted a large wall of shoes. I smiled at the sight. I was impressed at the number of shoes Cain owned. My collection was dwarfed by his.
The small, red sundress was the perfect choice for the San Diego summer heat. Cain hadn’t been specific about what or where we were going for dinner, but this dress would fit just about any occasion. I held it in front of my naked body and debated what to wear underneath. A mischievous smile reflected back at me in the mirror and I knew I already had my answer as I slipped the dress over my head. Nothing.
At five-thirty sharp, the black town car with dark tinted windows appeared outside of the condo. I had hoped that whatever was bothering Cain was left at the office and that we would be able to enjoy quiet, romantic dinner together. The driver smiled and tipped his cap as he opened the door to reveal an empty car. “Where is he?”
The driver smiled tightly. “He said he would meet you there, ma’am. He was running behind.” He shut the door and left me in the dark back seat to fume at the news I had just received.
I held off trying to call or text Cain because I knew I would let my anger get the better of me. First the ride out here and now meeting him at the restaurant; this wasn’t the trip I had imagined. I took in the sights as was we drove toward whatever destination Cain had picked out. It was still a mystery to me and quite honestly I was beginning to lose interest. I tapped on my phone nervously before finally sending Aimee a text.
Hey, you around? Need to chat.
My phone sat silent. No response from Aimee. I imagined that she was likely on a hot date with Brice, or at least spending some quality time with him. I let my imagination get the better of me as I picture Cain, still at the office, running late.
We finally arrived at an exquisite, waterfront restaurant with a sweeping roofline and amazing views of a marina packed with expensive yachts. I slipped out of the car without waiting for the driver as he stood just outside of his door and motioned across the roof of the car as he gave instructions. “He said he would be just inside, ma’am.”
I nodded and found my way through the large elaborate double door entrance. The restaurant was completely empty except for the petite hostess standing at the entranceway. I looked around for Cain, but he was nowhere to be found. I quickly realized that the entire restaurant was empty as well. “Can I help you?” The hostess’s overly pleasant tone immediately added to my already agitated state.
“I’m looking for my boyfriend.” I tried to calm the tigress that was ready to escape inside of me.
“I see. Cain Parker?” She smiled and looked over her shoulder. I followed her gaze to see Cain, standing, staring out of the windows at the water and overlooking the yachts and pier. I nodded and found my way toward him without saying a word.
My heels clopped across the tile floor of the restaurant alerting him that someone was approaching as he spun to greet me. “Hey, gorgeous! Sorry about the mix-up.” He smiled. “You look–”
“Cain, this is not what I expected today.” I didn’t want to pick a fight, but the tension I was feeling overwhelmed me. I took a deep breath and stared at him. The view of him in his perfectly tailored summer suit took away a bit of the edge I was feeling, but I continued to vent. “The way you were in the car, then not showing up…I wanted it to be us today.”
“Jen, please, bear with me.” Cain extended his hand. “It’s been a busy day and I promise, I definitely don’t want to fight. I reserved the entire restaurant tonight, just for us.” Cain motioned to the elegantly decorated restaurant and we noticed the staff taking in our discussion. “Come, let’s take a walk.” Cain opened the double doors and he led me outside. “I absolutely love the view from here. It’s so calming…” He squeezed my hand and leaned in for a gentle kiss. “I’m sorry if I frustrated you by taking off today and leaving you alone.”
I knew he was sincere as I looked into his electric blue eyes. I felt myself melting and wanted to hide for the way I had just acted. I nodded and accepted the apology, wanting to give him one of my own as he continued.
“There were just a few things that I really needed to handle on my own today and I needed some time to think.” We turned the corner and Cain led me down a pier toward a white gazebo perched at the end. It was decorated with flowers and small white lights that set the perfect romantic mood. “This view,” Cain pointed toward the water as we approached the gazebo walked inside. “is absolutely beautiful.” The sun had begun to set, creating a bright burnt orange glow on the water and illuminated the white flowers on the posts of the gazebo. “But it doesn’t come close to you, Jennifer.” Cain leaned in and kissed me with his full lips and the remainder of the anger and frustration I held had disappeared.
“Thank you.” I smiled at him.
I wanted another kiss, and I wanted to feel his warm skin against mine, but he pulled away. “Jen, this has been a very difficult year for us in so many ways.” I felt my stomach sink as I heard those words. My mind raced as I pieced together the way he had acted today and now how he just pulled away from me. He had been sending me mixed signals all day and my normal ability to read people, even him, had seemed to vanish. I could only think the worst. How could he have possibly brought me all the way out here to break up with me? I fought back tears as he reached for my hand. “Actually, it’s been difficult for more than a year, and from the very start.” Cain’s hands trembled as he swallowed hard. “I always believed that I was meant to be alone. My family’s gone, my best friend is in prison. The only thing really keeping me on the east coast is you.”
I replayed the last six months in my head. The new business purchase, the new condo, the adrenaline club he joined with Brice. Even Brice’s comment about how all Cain talked about was me and…and who or what? I shook my head. “But Cain–” I wanted to beg him to change his mind, to not do what I believed he was about to do. The faint sound of footsteps approached down the walkway as I glanced briefly backwards and then did a double take.
Dad, walking with a barely noticeable limp, escorted Cynthia down the pier followed by Aimee and Brice. I looked at Cain, unsure exactly what was happening as Cain smiled.
“Jennifer, I am glad it’s you that is keeping me on the east coast and no matter where you are, I want to be by your side, forever. I wanted your family and friends to be here to see and hear just how much I truly love you from the bottom of my heart. I wanted them to be a part of the most important day of both of our lives, assuming just one thing.” Cain dropped to one knee as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small boxed which held an enormous diamond ring. Dad, Cynthia, Aimee and Brice had now joined us under the lights and flowers of the gazebo and stood silently taking everything in. A tear formed in the corner of his eye as he held my hand and looked up at me. “Will you give me the honor of being your husband?”
Tears gushed from my eyes as I looked at Cain and then at everyone that was witnessing what was happening. It sank in why Aimee and Dad hadn’t answered my calls or texts. My mouth opened and nothing came out. I fumbled for the words finally they came. “I will.”
The End – For Now… Click here to be notified when the next installment is available.
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