FOREVER SERIES: COMPLETE BOX SET

by Lynn, Sandi

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he asked in irritation. “You don’t just go into someone’s refrigerator like that, lady.”

  “Which neighbor is nicer? The one across the hall or next door?”

  “What?” he asked in confusion.

  I sighed. “Sit down. I’ll be back in a second. Don’t think about shutting your door either. Because I can make some pretty good noise and I’m sure you wouldn’t want your neighbors to think you were having an affair with an older married woman.”

  He slowly sat down as he watched me prop the door open with a chair. I knocked on the door across the hall and an elderly woman answered. I told her that I was from across the hall and asked her if she had the two ingredients I was missing. She did and handed them over with a smile across her face. When I turned around and stepped back into the apartment, Lucas had his head down on the table.

  “You’re crazy. Do you know that?” His tone was muffled.

  “Funny, because Connor tells me the same thing. Where’s your blender?”

  “Why do you need my blender? What the hell do you think you’re doing? If I wasn’t so hungover right now, I’d kick you right out of here.”

  “Then I guess it’s lucky for me that you’re hungover.” I found the blender and put the ingredients in it. “Cover your ears; this is going to be loud.”

  Once everything was mixed, I poured it into a glass and sat down across from him, sliding the glass across the table.

  “Drink up.”

  He picked up the glass, looked at it, and then brought it up to his nose. “What the fuck is this? You’re crazy if you think I’m drinking this.”

  “It’s a hangover cocktail and I promise you that you will start to feel better right after you drink it. I make it for Connor and Collin all the time. If you don’t believe me, call him.” I pulled out my phone and held it out to him.

  He shot me a look as he brought the glass to his lips and drank the cocktail as fast as he could.

  “Fuck! This is nasty stuff.”

  “That it may be, but you’ll be thanking me in about fifteen minutes. Now, the reason I came to see you is to talk to you about your family.”

  He laid his head back down on the table. “I don’t have a family. I already told your husband that and I just want to be left alone.”

  “I’m sure you do because then you can wallow in self-pity about how your father abandoned you. That’s what you’re doing, right?”

  “You’re wrong, Mrs. Black. You know nothing about me.”

  “You can call me Elle. That’s what my friends call me.”

  “But we’re not friends.”

  A small grin crossed my lips, because at that moment, I had flashbacks of my first dinner with Connor. They were more alike than they both wanted to admit.

  “Let me tell you a little something about me. My mom passed away when I was a little girl. I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of sixteen and I tried to commit suicide. Hence the tattoos on my wrists to cover up the scars.” I held out my wrists to him. “Then, when I was twenty-three, I was diagnosed with cancer for a second time.”

  Lucas stared at me intently. “Two times at such a young age was too much to handle. There was no way I was going through chemo again, so I opted to let myself die. It was obvious to me that I wasn’t meant to live a long life, so I decided to enjoy what little time I had left. My boyfriend of four years broke up with me over it and walked out of my life. Then I met Connor. I saw him getting thrown out of a club because he was too drunk. I put him in a cab, and I helped him home. He’s the reason I’m here today. Despite me keeping that I had cancer from him, he never once turned his back on me. No matter how pissed off and angry he was, and believe me, I thought he was going to kill me, he stood by my side. Even when I was so bitter and angry and did everything I could to push him away, he refused to leave.”

  I could tell he was feeling better because he no longer put his head on the table, and he was sitting straight up. “So you ended up getting chemo?”

  “I flew out to California and participated in a trial study for an extremely aggressive treatment and it worked, and I’ve been in remission ever since. That was over twenty years ago.”

  “Congratulations, but I don’t understand what your point is.”

  “My point is that things could have been a lot worse for you. I understand your feelings and I’m sorry my father in-law was such an asshole. But just because he was, doesn’t mean that the rest of his family is. We Blacks help people no matter what and no matter the cost. You’re a lot like Connor. I can tell and I also can tell that you’re a good man. You’re broken like he was when I first met him and buried deep below that cocky piss-poor attitude and self-pity is a kind heart.”

  He got up from the table and took his glass to the kitchen. “I’m nothing like him. So stop thinking I am because it’s really annoying.”

  “But you are, and if you would just get to know him, you’d see for yourself. I’m welcoming you to the family, Lucas, whether you like it or not. We are a very close-knit family and we’d like for you to be a part of that.”

  “What’s wrong with your kid?” he turned around and asked.

  “Connor didn’t tell you?”

  “No. He just said she was sick.”

  “Julia and her husband were in a serious car accident a few months ago. The doctor had to remove one of her kidneys because it was severely damaged, and her other kidney is failing.”

  “Wait a minute,” he said as he pointed at me with his finger. “Are you asking me to give your kid one of my kidneys?”

  “Yes. Yes I am.”

  “You’re fucking crazy, lady. Oh my God,” he said as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I can’t believe the nerve of you people. And how do you know that I would even be a match?”

  “What’s your blood type?” I asked.

  “Type O.”

  “So is Julia’s.”

  He placed his hands on the kitchen counter and pushed back, straightening his arms. “You already knew that, didn’t you?” he asked with a furrowed brow.

  “Are you going to get pissed and start yelling if I tell you the truth?”

  “Damn it!” He pushed off the counter. “I suppose Connor had me all checked out. Found out everything about me, including my fucking blood type. That’s the only reason he came here. He wants something. My mother said that’s what my father used to do before I was born. He’d disappear for a while but always came back when he wanted or needed something. He was a son of a bitch and your husband is no better!” he yelled as he slammed his fist on the counter.

  I bolted up from the table and pointed my finger as I made my way over to him. “Don’t you ever talk about my husband that way again! You don’t even know him. He’s nothing like his father and neither is anyone else in my family. Tell me something, Lucas. When you first found out about your father’s other family, how did you feel?” I waited for his response as he looked down in anger. He didn’t respond. “Tell me!” I demanded.

  “I was pissed! I hated him for choosing them over me. I hated that I had to grow up an only child,” he yelled as I could see the tears spring to his eyes. “I had a brother and a sister, and I wasn’t allowed to get to know them!”

  “Exactly! And that’s how Connor feels right now. He’s pissed. Not at you but at his father. He needs time. You had years. He’s only had a few months. You were in his position once. You felt what he’s feeling now. The anger, the rage, and the hate that consumes you because of one person’s actions. I’m here because you don’t have to be alone anymore. You have a family that wants to meet you and get to know you.”

  He looked away. “You need to leave.”

  “I’m leaving, Lucas, and I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything you went through and I’m sorry for us coming to Vegas. It was wrong and we never should have. Julia is our daughter and she’s our world. We can’t stand to see her suffer anymore. It’s tearing Connor apart. Imag
ine if she was your daughter. I know you would stop at nothing to help her get better.”

  I grabbed my purse from the table and walked to the door. I placed my hand on the knob and turned around. “I hope you find what you’re looking for, Lucas. You deserve closure and happiness.”

  Chapter 40

  Collin

  A couple of weeks had passed since my dad got back from Vegas and he was still acting weird. He told me it was because a business deal went sour, but I didn’t believe him. I knew every business deal Black Enterprises was in negotiations with and from what I could find, not one of them had gone bad. I knew he was up to something and I was sure it involved Julia.

  “Dad, can I come in?” I asked as I slowly opened his office door.

  “Sure, son. Have a seat.”

  I walked over and took a seat, not caring what was about to come out of my mouth.

  “What’s up, Collin?”

  “You’ve been a real asshole lately, Dad. I’m sorry, but I want to know what the hell is going on with you. I know you made up that story about the bad business deal and I want to know what’s going on. Did you find a donor for Julia?”

  His eyes diverted up at me as he threw his pen across the desk and leaned back in his chair.

  “I thought I did, but he won’t do it.”

  “Who?”

  “Lucas. He’s the same blood type as your sister.”

  “You talked to him?” I asked in shock.

  “Yes. He lives in Las Vegas. He flat out said no and then called me a few choice words.”

  “Do you blame him, Dad? I mean, come on. You don’t know him. He doesn’t know you or Julia and you just show up one day and ask him for a kidney. To be honest, I’m surprised he didn’t punch you.”

  He arched his brow. “Thanks a lot, son. Don’t you dare tell your sister about this. Do you understand me?” His tone was authoritative.

  As I got up from the chair, I sighed. “Yeah. I understand. I have a meeting to get to.” Before walking out, I looked at him with sympathy. “You can’t save the world, Dad. Some things just are the way they are. You can’t fight every one’s battle.” He turned around and faced the window as I walked out of his office.

  I was already running late for my meeting downtown, and Ralph was being occupied by my mom, so I hailed a cab. I climbed in and looked at my watch.

  “Sorry, buddy, but you need to step on it. I can’t be late for this meeting.”

  He nodded his head and gave me a small smile through his rearview mirror. I sat back and checked my phone as he moved in and out of traffic with finesse. He didn’t drive like the normal cab drivers of New York City. He drove with precision and seemed to glide on the streets of New York like a swan glides gracefully across the water.

  “How long have you been driving?”

  “About ten years now. I just moved here last month from L.A.”

  “So you’re used to this kind of traffic.” I smiled.

  “Yeah. I am. The family I used to drive for back in L.A. split up. He went to prison for embezzlement and the IRS took everything they had. Needless to say, they didn’t need a driver anymore.”

  Now he had really caught my attention. “What’s your name?”

  “Tommy. Tommy Johnson.”

  “Nice to meet you, Tommy. I’m Collin Black.”

  He looked at me through his rearview mirror. “I know who you are, Mr. Black, and it’s nice to meet you.”

  He pulled up to the curb of the Waldorf where the meeting I was attending was being held in one of the conference rooms. I pulled some cash from my pocket and paid the fare, then looked at my watch.

  “You got me here with five minutes to spare. Thank you, Tommy. How would you like to work for me as my personal driver?”

  “Seriously, Mr. Black?”

  “Yes. I’ve been looking for one for a long time and no one seemed right. But for some reason, you do. Here’s my business card. Come by my office tomorrow morning around ten o’clock and we can discuss the details of your employment. That is, if you’re interested?”

  “Why, yes. Of course I’m interested.”

  “Great. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I smiled as I shut the door and strutted into the Waldorf. Jackpot! I finally found myself a driver and I couldn’t wait to tell Amelia.

  Chapter 41

  Connor

  I took Julia to her dialysis appointment and spent a couple of hours with her before I had to attend a meeting at work. Jake was at the office and, as soon as I got back, he was going to spend the rest of the day with Julia. I took hold of her hand and brought it up to my lips.

  “How are you doing, princess?”

  “I’m okay, Dad. Listen, you don’t need to be here. You’re so busy at work and I’m fine.”

  “Collin can handle the company. The way I look at it is, this is some good father/daughter bonding time. We really don’t get to spend any time alone together.”

  “I talked to the doctor and I’m thinking about doing dialysis at home. Jake and I talked about it and we think it would be better and more manageable.”

  My heart sank at the thought. It would be more manageable for her, but it would also seem more permanent, and it saddened me that there was nothing I could do. Actually, there was something I could do, but I made a promise to Julia that I wouldn’t get involved and I’d never broken a promise to my daughter.

  After a couple of hours had passed, Jake walked into the room. I gave Julia a kiss on her forehead and headed to the office.

  “Goodbye, princess.” I winked.

  “Bye, Dad.” She smiled.

  * * *

  Julia

  I kissed Jake goodbye before he left for work and took Brayden back to bed with me. I took the next couple days off because the exhaustion was overwhelming. In a few days, I would start in-home dialysis and I was thrilled. Not thrilled about the dialysis part, but thrilled that I could do it in the comfort of my own home. After Brayden and I slept for a couple of hours, I decided to take him to Central Park since it was a beautiful day. He loved it there because he loved to be outside. I didn’t tell anyone in my family that I was going because I just wanted to spend some time alone with my son. I packed the diaper bag, put Brayden in his stroller, and headed to Central Park.

  I found a spot in the plush grass, spread out a blanket, and took Brayden from his stroller, setting him down amongst some of the toys I brought. The sky was clear, and the sun was shining brightly. It was a warmer than usual day for this time of the year and, for the first time in a long time, it felt peaceful. As Brayden was playing with his toys, I pulled my ringing phone from my purse.

  “Hey, Collin.”

  “Hey, sis. What are you doing?”

  Shit. If I told him where I was, he’d want to come.

  “I just put Brayden down for a nap and I’m going to lie down for a while.”

  “Oh. I was going to see if you wanted to grab some lunch.”

  “Maybe another time, Collin.”

  “Are you feeling okay, sis?”

  “I’m fine. Just a little tired.”

  “Okay. Get some rest. I’ll talk to you later.”

  I felt bad for lying to him, but I just wanted to be alone in the park with my son. If I would have told him I was here, he would have told my dad, who would have called my mom, and the three of them would have shown up. As much as I loved my family to death, I just needed some time alone. An hour passed, and as I fed Brayden his bottle, he fell asleep. I adjusted his stroller seat and laid him down so he could sleep comfortably. Bringing my knees up to my chest, I looked around the park at all the people who were there relaxing, sunbathing, exercising, and just enjoying the beautiful day. I noticed a man jogging by and suddenly, he collapsed to the ground, falling to his knees. I got up and ran over to him, taking hold of his arm.

  “Are you okay?” I asked.

  He turned his head and looked at me while trying to catch his breath.

  “Thanks. I’m fine. I t
hink I just need some water.”

  “I have plenty of water over here. Come with me.” I helped him up and took a bottle of water from the small cooler I had brought. “Here, drink this.”

  “Thanks.” He gave a small smile as he opened the water and took a sip.

  “You shouldn’t be running on this warm day with no water. Please sit down and rest until you’re hydrated.”

  He sat down on the blanket and thanked me. “I left my wallet at home and I didn’t realize it until I went to buy a bottle of water.”

  He finished the bottle and I handed him another one. “Drink up.” I smiled.

  “Thank you. Is that your baby?” He pointed to the stroller.

  “Yeah. That’s Brayden. He’s my world.” I yawned.

  “Am I boring you?” He chuckled.

  “Oh my God, no. I’m so sorry. I’m just really tired. I’ve had a major life change recently and it’s really taken its toll on me.”

  “I’m sorry. Do you mind if I ask what happened? That was rude. I’m a complete stranger and I shouldn’t have asked that.”

  He was right. I didn’t even know his name, but that was okay. There was something about him that made me feel comfortable. I couldn’t tell you what, but it was just something I’d felt.

  “Sometimes talking to a complete stranger is the easiest. I was in a car accident a few months ago and both my kidneys were severely damaged. The doctors had to remove one of them and, as for the other, I’m on dialysis.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Thank you. I’m trying to adjust but between the exhaustion and the other effects from it, I just feel crappy all the time. I think a lot of it is depression as well. I put on this brave front for my family, especially my husband, because I know how bad this is hurting him to see me go through this. But on the inside, I’m a total mess.”

  Brayden woke up and started to fuss. “Excuse me a moment,” I said as I got up and took him from his stroller. “Not too long ago, I was hospitalized with a bacterial infection and couldn’t see him for a few days. I think that was the absolute worst thing I ever had to do. A woman came forth and she was going to donate one of her kidneys. Once all the initial workup was done and everything was all set, she got a call from the lab saying they thought they had made an error and asked her to come back in to be retested. It turned out she had cancer, so she could no longer be a donor.”