“Kade?” I’m not sure what is going on but he definitely has me worried. “Are you ok?”
“I just need you in my arms. I..I don’t know.” he shakes his head and looks to the ground. “Will you come to the hospital with me?”
“Yes, of course.”
He leads me to his car and opens the door for me. I get in not saying anything, and he gets into the driver’s seat. I’m afraid to ask any questions. The twenty minute drive is silent. When we got to the hospital I was expecting to go straight to the ER, but he parked and walked us to the OR.
It was empty, just a creepy hospital waiting room. I have hated hospitals since the day my dad died. I don’t blame the hospital or the staff, it just brings back so much sadness and hurt. I take a seat near the door while Kade goes to speak with the receptionist. After a few minutes of hushed words, he makes his way to sit across from me.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but we have been sitting here for three hours now and not a word on Mr. Graham. Kade has been staring at the wall like it is the most interesting thing he has ever seen. He hasn’t spoken to me. I don’t know why it has taken me this long to realize that we are the only ones here. I mean where are the twins and Mrs. Graham?
“Kade, where is your family?”
He looks from the wall to me briefly, then back to the wall. “My mom is visiting my aunt in New York for the week. I don’t know where my sisters are.”
“Did you call them? I can’t imagine them not wanting to be here for your dad.”
“Yeah I called.”
“Well it’s been hours, maybe you should call again.”
He looks back to me with an irritated look. He gets up and goes back to the receptionist.
It is almost 8:00PM and I decided I should text Spence because it doesn't look like I will be leaving the hospital anytime soon.
Me: Hey, I'm still at the hospital. Not sure how his dad is, but not thinking I will be able to get to the show tonight.
Spencer: For reals?
Me: Yes for reals. Kade is talking to the receptionist now.
Spencer: YOU SUCK!
Me: Really? Don't be an ass. His dad is in surgery. What do you want me to do? I can't just leave him here alone.
Spencer: He has a family. Why can't they deal with him?
Me: Well asshole, they aren't here. Stop being a dick.
Spencer: Whatever. I'll just spend all my time flirting with McHotstuff.
What a jerk. I can't believe he is being like this. I know he hates Kade but this is about Mr. Graham.
Kade comes back to his seat and stares at the wall again. What is so fucking interesting about that stupid wall. He has hardly said two words to me since we got here. He won’t even sit next to me. How am I supposed to comfort someone that doesn't want me near him?
"Kade?'
"Hmm?"
"What did she say? Is he ok?" I ask impatiently.
"I don’t fucking know. He is in surgery, what more do you want from me?" his voice is angry but still low.
With that I decide he is not in need of my attention so I grab my headphones and phone. I load up Dark on Netflix and turn on subtitles rather than watching it with the lips not matching the words. That has always made me crazy. Besides having to read it will distract me from the jackass sitting in front of me.
After the forth episode my stomach is talking to me. I haven't eaten since my tacos, and let's face it my life revolves around food.
"Are you hungry?"
He looks away from the wall like he knows I said something but did not hear the words.
"Are you hungry? I know the cafeteria is closed but I can go to the cafe around the corner to get us some dinner."
"No, I'm fine. You go eat." he says with no emotion and a blank face.
"Are you sure? We have been here for hours. Coffee?" I ask
"No, Em really I am fine. Go."
I make my way out of the hospital to the fresh air I have been craving for the past six hours. I walk down the street slowly so I can enjoy my time out of that prison of a waiting room. It's after 11:00PM and I know I have missed most of the show already. Still I can't help but wonder how good Jonas would look under those dim lights or in the spotlight center stage.
The cafe is open all night and has a few patrons when I arrive. I have no intention to take food back and eat in that place, so I find a table and look over the menu. I can't seem to focus on the words on the page because my mind keeps drifting to him, the man of my dreams. God why is he so perfect? This most definitely is not the time for me to be fantasizing about someone I will never have. I have never nor would I ever fantasize about Kade. What makes Jonas so different? Why am I so drawn to him?
After eating I make my way back toward the hospital. I see Kade standing at his car near the entrance.
"Hey, everything is ok?"
"Where the hell have you been? I was beginning to think you weren't coming back."
"I told you I was going to the cafe." I say pointing behind me.
"Well you were gone for over an hour. I know it doesn't take you that long to eat." he says as he opens the passenger door for me.
Are we leaving? He hasn't said anything about his father, I hope everything is ok. I give him a questioning look.
"My sisters are here. I know you guys bicker and I'm not in the mood for that shit. Let’s go." he says as he grabs my arm and practically pushes me into the car.
I know I say this a lot, but what a dick.
The drive is quiet and as soon as we reach his parents beach house I am out of the car and on my way to my Jeep. I have no desire to deal with him being an ass. I get in and head straight to the bar.
"Well, look who decided to grace us with her presence." Spencer says rolling his eyes at me.
"I’m sorry Spence. I know I have never missed a show, but I was at the hospital with Kade. It’s not like I ditched you to go have fun with someone else."
He stays quiet and rolls his eyes again.
"Are you really going to be mad at me for this?" I say as I pull out a chair across from Sam and sit.
"Don't be such a baby. You didn't even stay on stage so you can be mad at her for not being here, you heartless bitch." Sam says coming to my rescue.
Spence gives him a death glare and sips his drink.
"Let's get you a drink, baby girl." Sam says as he waves at the waitress to come get my order.
"Em, you missed the host for tonight. He was H.O.T. hot. Like I almost wish I was a straight woman so I could get some of that, kind of hot." Dan says as he fans himself and gains a glare from Sam.
"Really? I am sitting right here." Sam says with attitude.
The whole table laughs at the lovers.
"Oh, she knows exactly what she missed." Spence gives me a sideways glance and rolls his eyes yet again.
Fuck. Yeah I am well aware of what I missed. I would have much rather been here eye fucking Jonas than spending my night with Kade at the hospital being ignored.
"Yes, I'm sure it was a sight to behold." I spit at Spencer.
"He was wearing this black mesh t-shirt and black skinny jeans that hugged his nice ass!" one of the other guys says as he licks his lips. "And those tattoos. Fuck! He was sexy."
I can't help but laugh as they all tell me how sexy, hot and totally fuckable he is. Like I don't already know all this.
"So, are you going to stay mad at me?" I whisper into Spencer’s ear
"No." he says with a smile. “Spending time with Kade is punishment enough.”
Finally! I hate when he shuts me out.
The rest of the night the queens keep me entertained with stories from the night and a few pictures they snapped throughout the show. Surprisingly none of them had a picture of their delicious guest host.
The bar closed at 4:00AM and we all tumbled out the door, some in worse state than others. As Spence and I make our way to my Jeep I can’t help but feel eyes on me again. Scanning the area, I don’t see anyone
other than the group from inside. It still makes my skin crawl.
Chapter 8
Ember
Today is beautiful, spring is not quite over but it is exceptionally warm. The trees blow as the warm salty ocean air comes inland. My hair swirls around and whips me in the face as I get out of my Jeep, thankfully it is casual Friday and I don't have a dress to keep from flying up. I open the back door to grab my work bag and head to the office building.
I work for the largest event planning company in Shoreline, called Event on Point. The office is in a large building in uptown Shoreline, the rich side of the city. The entire top two floors of the building house our many offices and two showrooms. I take the elevator to the 23rd floor where the showroom I will be using today is located.
I spent a good portion of yesterday setting it up for the meeting today. I filled the showroom with different fabric options, table decor, centerpiece designs and anything else I thought I might need today. This is the first time I have been requested by a client, I am excited and terrified at the same time. Melanie told me the client was so impressed with the North Winds Gala that he just had to have me for his launch party. That is really all I know at this point, it is a newly decided event so she wasn't given much to go on.
I walk into the room and set up the projector incase I need it later, I don't want to look unprepared. I still have about half an hour till the meeting so I busy myself by going through emails. Melanie startles me when she clears her throat to get my attention. I turn to see her and my client.
I feel my stomach drop when I see him, my breath quickens and I have to stop myself from letting out a squeal of excitement. I can't believe he's the one that requested me, he didn't really seem that impressed with the theme from the Gala when we spoke last. I take a deep breath and walk toward the doorway where they stand.
"Jonas, what a pleasant surprise."
He smiles and my heart melts, I don't know how I will hold myself together today, especially once Melanie leaves me alone with him.
"Oh, so you two know one another? Well that makes this easy for me. Ember, here is the venue information and you two have a nice day." she hands me a file and walks out the door waving her hand over her head.
Shit. I thought she would have stayed longer, at least long enough to get my thoughts together. I am pulled out of my thoughts when he speaks.
"I hope you don't mind that I requested you. When we decided to have a launch party here in the states I knew I had to have you." his voice is deep and his accent makes it almost seductive.
"I am flattered that you thought of me. Thank you, really. So, what is this launch party for? Is it for the line you said you had started?" I say as we walk to the work desk against the back wall
His face lit up, "Yes, it is actually. I forgot I had mentioned that to you. My partners and I have just signed a deal with an American shoe company. They will be showcasing the new line. We have had to take some of the most popular designs from sales back home and tweaked them to Americans' liking."
"Congratulations, that is amazing. Is there a release date yet?" I ask, trying to stay on topic.
Shaking his head, "No not yet, there are still a few designs they want changed. It will most likely be winter before production can start, but we are not waiting till then to celebrate."
"No, of course not.'' I say through a small laugh. "Well we should get to work, what exactly are you wanting?"
"Something that will be remembered, you know? Like a room full of gold." he said playfully with a laugh.
"That's not funny." I try to sound serious, but end up laughing with him. "I promise no gold; how do you feel about glitter?" I toss a glittery spool of ribbon at him.
He raises his eyebrows and turns it in his hands before setting it down on the desk. "That may take some convincing." we both laugh.
Once I have the screen up at the work desk, I go to the venues webpage and look at the space that will be available. He stands close to me and watches as I skim through their rules and regulations. Everything looks pretty standard, aside from some off the wall restrictions that God willing I would never come across. I can smell his sweet scent, it fills my nostrils and makes my stomach flip. I want so badly to reach out and touch him. Come on Em, focus.
"This is a great space, how did you come across it?" in all honesty, I have wanted to visit my whole life but never had a chance to.
"Janessa actually found it. She saw the billboard on the way from the airport and looked it up. She made me take her to check it out before she would let me take her home to get settled in. She booked it right then and told me to figure out the rest." he shrugged and smiled.
Oh, right, the Amazon beauty that would give Wonder Woman a run for her money. I remember being awestruck by how breathtaking she is. Of course, two perfect people would find one another.
"I have been meaning to call her. How is she?" I have actually been avoiding her calls, I'm so intimidated by her. Not just her beauty, she was so sweet when we met. Talk about the whole package.
He smiles, obviously knowing that I am lying. "She is good, lonely, but good. She misses home and can't wait to get back." sadness fills his voice. "She doesn't much like the people around here, they are not like us."
I give him a confused look.
"Sorry, I don't mean to offend, but where we were raised it is much different. Coming from a poor family and working your way to the top is not easy, but you have your family and community to help you, push you to do your best, be your best. Here people use their wealth as a shield, use people as tools to get what or where they want then dispose of them." his tone was full of disgust.
He must be talking about my mother. "You could never offend me, Jonas. I understand better than you may think." what he said breaks my heart, I have to stop avoiding her calls. I should just suck it up and call her. I mean I did promise her a good time.
He steps closer to me and raises my chin so I am looking into his eyes. I feel my pulse quicken and I hold my breath. If I breathe him in now it's all downhill. "I know you are not like that, I can see it when I look into your eyes, you have a beautiful heart and soul."
Things are getting foggy, not sure if it is from holding my breath or his touch but either way it is too much for me. I finally exhale slowly and smile trying to stay calm and somewhat professional. I take a step back and try to find something, anything to distract me. I see my tablet on the desk so I quickly pick it up.
"We should get started. What are you thinking you want the overall theme to be? I know we have to incorporate the shoes but is there anything else you want?" I forbid myself to look up from the tablet in my hands. Easier said than done.
He steps back, turns and walks to one of the display tables. As he looks down he rubs the back of his neck, then runs both over his head smoothing his already slicked back hair. "I was hoping you could help me with that. It will not be an overly extravagant party, but I want it to be memorable. Janessa has a guest list in the works, but we are thinking around 300 will attend."
I watch him as he turns a small crystal vase in his hands not really looking at it. I study his form, muscular and perfect, with his snug t-shirt taught on his biceps. God, he looks so good in all black. From this angle his Egyptian features stand out, so does his ass. Crap focus, focus, focus.
"I'm sure we can come up with something that will suit yours and Janessa's taste. Why did she not come with you today? I hope it is not because of me.” I feel so guilty already. I hope there is another reason.
He smiles at me, the sexist smile I have ever seen, almost devilish. "It may have something to do with you, but I would not worry about that if I were you." he sets down the vase and picks up a spool of red satin ribbon. "Red, I would like red to be the prominent color." he cocks his head sideways to look at me. "What do you think?"
"Red?" he smiles when I question it. "Ok, red it is. What else do you want?"
"I will let you decide. I trust that you have good taste and it wil
l turn out fantastic." he sets down the ribbon and walks to the next table picking something else to distract his hands.
"I will set up a time for the three of us to visit the venue and go over the overall feel you are going for and decide where on the plantation you want to hold the event. My brain seems to work better at visualizing when I am actually in the space. For now, I just need to get some basic information." I walk to where he stands, perhaps a bit to close. "Why don't we go to my office to hash out some details."
I place my hand on his arm and feel my stomach drop again, my hand lingers, my fingers trace the tattoo of some ancient symbol. He smiles, his eyes watch as my fingers dance on his skin. What the hell are you doing Em? I stop and point to the door, he moves so I can lead the way.
∞∞∞
"Knock, knock" Melanie says as she opens the door to my office. "Oh, I am so sorry, I didn't realize you still had a client." she gives me a questioning smile.
I look at my watch, we have been in my office for over two hours now. I don't normally spend nearly this much time at the first meeting. Especially when there is more than one host, but not all present. This easily could have been a thirty minute meeting. We just kept getting off track, it is so easy to get distracted by him.
"We got a bit off track, but I have all I need from him. Did you need something?"
"I am heading out for lunch, just wanted to see if you had plans."
"No, no plans. I am starving, what did you have in mind?" I ask, rubbing my belly
They both laugh at me "I have really been craving seafood, Mr. Drakos, would you care to join us?" she asks as she gives Jonas an inquisitive look.
"Thank you for the invitation, perhaps another time." he says politely to Melanie, then looking at me. "I am sure Janessa is expecting me by now, I should be on my way." he stands, "It was very nice to see you again, Agápi Mou. I will see you soon, I hope?" there he goes with that again.
Ribbon of Fate: Love or lust? Page 7