Sweet Hope

by Tillie Cole

  “Seattle’s perfect,” I said, excitement lacing every letter of my words, “I get the sense from his work that Elpidio is not in it for the fame or acclaim of other artists. It’s not the prestige of the place. It’s the exquisiteness of the art that’s the focus.” I smiled and dipped my head just picturing those sculptures I’d admired in pictures, only having had the pleasure of seeing one piece in the flesh. “It’s going to be amazing; life-changing amazing, for so many people.”

  “Spoken like a true curator,” Vin said fondly. I could hear the smile in his voice.

  “No,” I said and blushed. “That was spoken by a true fan.”

  Vin eyed me with curiosity. “You’ve perfectly described Elpidio, Ms. Lucia. A small museum is ideal for his first show, and you are ideal as its curator. I have a very good feeling about this partnership, Ms. Lucia. A very good feeling indeed.”

  Smiling, I replied, “As do I, Vin.”

  “My assistant will be in touch soon with all of the finer details. In the meantime, if you can get to Seattle as soon as possible, we can take it from there.”

  “Thank you, Vin,” I said again, and with the slightest wave of his hand he left the room.

  Minutes later, the same assistant saw me out of the museum. As I stood on the top of the Met’s impressive steps, I tipped my head back to gaze at the clear summer sky and tried real hard to stop myself from screaming out in happiness.

  I’d done it.

  I was about to start work with the finest sculptor in the modern era.

  I’d landed my dream job.

  Returning to the here and now, I pulled out my cell and unlocked the screen. For a minute I stared at the wallpaper, my favorite Elpidio piece, an unnamed white Carrara marble angel.

  A bolt of excitement flashed through my body as I pressed two on my speed dial, only to then hear a familiar and loved English accent say, “Hello, stranger!”

  “Molls!” I greeted excitedly. “You got a spare room in that mansion of yours? ‘Cause your very best friend is coming to stay!”

  Chapter Two

  Ally

  Seattle, Washington

  The cab pulled to a stop right on the edge of Lake Washington. I stared up at the stunning white stone mansion set beyond a couple of acres of land¸ protected by huge iron gates. Molly and Rome’s new home.

  Rome… I thought and smiled. No way would Molly choose this house.

  Grabbing my cases, I rolled them toward the gates, when they suddenly began to open. I beamed a smile and waved at a large camera atop an ornate post on the surrounding white stone wall.

  As I walked down the driveway, I marveled at the gardens: lush green grass, ornate water features, trees of every type, and a million flowers brightening up the grounds.

  A large set of paved steps came into view, which led to a white door entrance. It flew open just as my hand rose to knock. My lips spread into an ear-splitting smile as my cousin, Rome Prince, appeared in the doorway, his usual sandy long blond hair messy and his brown eyes bright. He was still the epitome of country-boy style as he stood, arms folded, rocking a fitted white T-shirt and faded jeans.

  “Hello, cuz,” he greeted with a wide smile, his thick accent as Bama as ever as he stepped forward, arms wide, and lifted me off the floor in a bear hug.

  I couldn’t help but laugh as I hugged him back.

  Rome planted me on the floor, and I kissed him on his cheek. “Hello to you too, Mr QB Almighty!”

  Rome rolled his eyes and moved past me to grab my luggage. I followed him into the house. My eyes widened as I drank in the foyer, because that’s all it could be described as, a foyer. The place was enormous.

  “Rome—” I went to say, when I was cut off.

  “Ridiculous, isn’t it?”

  My head turned to the sweeping staircase. Molly Prince was walking down, dressed in a long empire-waist sleeveless purple summer dress. Her long brown hair lay on her shoulders and her pretty face wore a happy smile.

  “Molls!” I shouted in excitement and, as Molly descended onto the last step, I wrapped her up in my arms. She immediately hugged me back. “I’ve missed you!” I confessed, and let her go so we could walk back into the foyer.

  “I’ve missed you too, sweetie,” Molly said, squeezing my hand, only to let go when Rome reached out and pulled her to his chest, his arms wrapping around her shoulders from behind. Molly’s hands lifted to hold his arms, and that look they both had when they were with each other drifted across their faces.

  An ache momentarily stabbed at my chest. Looking at how happy they were only emphasized how lonely I felt. Working all the hours God sends could be a good distraction, but as much as I adored my job, it could never replace that heart-stopping, bolt of lightning love I so desperately craved.

  “Come on. Let’s go and get a drink!” I said cheerily, fighting back my moment of sadness, and let Rome and Molly lead the way to their white country-style kitchen.

  Molly must have seen me gaping at the opulence of the room and blushed. “It’s too much, isn’t it?”

  My attention was drawn to my timid friend and her embarrassed expression. “Not at all, darlin’. It’s beautiful.”

  Molly joined me in looking around the room. I adored that she still found it uncomfortable having money. I didn’t think she’d ever get used to it. But I couldn’t help but think it was an adorable trait to possess.

  “She fought me on buying this place, but I wanted somewhere safe for us to live… somewhere for us to start a family,” Rome stated.

  Molly’s eyes, which had been fixed on the table, then shot to her husband’s and began to fill with tears.

  Rome lifted Molly’s hand to his lips. I felt like an intruder on their private and meaningful moment. Molly appeared to shake herself to and cast me a ghost of a smile. “Ally, you must be thirsty. Can I get you a drink?”

  “Don’t worry, darlin’. I got it covered!” I declared excitedly and ran to my carry-on and pulled out the bottle of champagne I’d bought en route to their house.

  As I looked up, Molly had turned green and was rushing out of the room. “I… I’m… I’ll be back in a moment!” Molly ran out into the hallway. I stood in the middle of the kitchen, eyebrows pulled down.

  I turned to face Rome, who was fidgeting on his seat. “She okay, honey?” I asked. “She looked like she was gonna puke.”

  Rome’s eyes tracked the direction Molly had gone. “She’s fine.” I could see the concern on his face. But Rome had always been all serious and possessive of Molly. His need to keep her safe and cared for stood above anything else in his life.

  Feeling awkward at the silence that immediately followed, I asked, “Where are your champagne flutes?”

  Rome snapped out of his worry and walked to a cupboard. Reaching up, he pulled out two champagne glasses and set them on the table as I popped the cork. When I went to pour, I stilled.

  “Rome, you forgot one. There’s only two here.”

  Rome stiffened beside me, and when I looked up, his eyes were facing the direction Molly had gone. My eyes narrowed, and I nudged him with my elbow. “Hey, cuz! You with me?”

  Rome flicked his head to me and ran his hand through his hair. “Yeah, sorry, Al.”

  “What’s up?” I asked. “‘Cause y’all are acting real strange.”

  I stared down at the two champagne glasses and I let out an excited gasp. “Why isn’t she drinking?”

  Rome opened his mouth, but...

  “I’m pregnant.” Molly’s quiet voice carried from the entranceway to where I stood. Both Rome and I quickly turned our heads to face her. She was pale, and I could tell she’d just vomited.

  The air whooshed from my lungs and my hand flew over my mouth. Molly edged forward, and her lip curled in happiness. “I’m sixteen weeks gone…” She looked at Rome and tears of happiness filled her eyes. “Can you believe it? We’re pregnant again!”

  Tears then spilled down her cheeks. Mine did exactly the same as I ran to
my best friend, her hands now shaping the small round bump under her flowing dress. I took her into my arms.

  “I’m so happy for you, darlin’,” I whispered as I felt Molly grip me tightly.

  She was shaking.

  I pulled back and wiped her tears with my thumbs. “I’m so damn happy for you.”

  “Thank you, Ally,” she said with an excited laugh. Her whole face shone with excitement. But that expression faltered when her eyes drifted to Rome, who still hadn’t moved from his hunched-over position by the countertop. He was watching us closely, but there was pain in his dark stare.

  Molly walked away from me, gently squeezing my arm in thanks before she let go and made her way to her husband. Dipping her head, she placed her fingers under his lowered chin and lifted Rome’s head before pressing a kiss to his lips.

  “I’ll be fine,” she hushed soothingly.

  Rome stared at her for what felt like an age before pulling her onto his lap and wrapping her in his arms. Molly saw me watching in confusion and explained, “I have Preeclampsia, Ally. The pregnancy could be tough, since I shouldn’t have developed Preeclampsia this early. Our doctor has given me a list of things I have to do to help myself, but this one here is terrified.” She ran her hand through Rome’s long hair to emphasize her point. “It’s the reason we haven’t told anyone sooner. You know, just incase something went wrong again. Lexi and Austin know, but I wanted to wait and tell you to your face. Of course Rome can’t stop worrying.”

  That twist in my gut was back again.

  “I’m terrified of losing you,” Rome’s deep, rough voice said quietly. “No baby is worth that.”

  Molly’s head tilted slowly to the side as she watched him. “You won’t lose me. It’s all going to be okay. We’re going to have a baby and everything will be fine.”

  They stared into each other’s eyes and seemed to speak to each other simply through their connection.

  I rocked awkwardly on my feet and moved toward my cases. Molly saw me from the corner of her eye and stood up from Rome’s lap.

  “Rome, show Ally to her room, baby. I’m going to go and lie down.” She rolled her eyes at me. “Doctor’s orders. Lots of rest and no stress.”

  I smiled at her and watched as she headed out of the room. Molly then stopped and turned round. “Oh, I nearly forgot. We’ve organized a celebration dinner for you tonight, sweetie. Everyone’s coming. A big hello to you and your arrival in the Emerald City.”

  “Molls, I—” I went to argue, worried it was pushing her too far.

  “Not you too, Ally! I have enough from my brooding hulking Football stud there, treating me like I’m a fragile doll.” Molly pointed at Rome and playfully gave him a scowl. Rome’s eyes tightened, being playful back. “I’m fine.” Her hand went to her stomach. “We’re both fine, and I won’t have everyone stepping on eggshells around me for the next several months!”

  “Yes, ma’am,” I said and mock-saluted her.

  Molly laughed and shook her head. “And later I want to hear all about this new gallery you’re designing at my school, okay?”

  “Sure thing,” I replied, amused.

  Molly nodded in triumph, then carefully walked up the stairs, leaving me alone with Rome. Rome picked up my luggage and quickly headed for the stairs, and I followed.

  He led me to a room at the end of a long hallway. When he opened the door, my mouth fell open. It was beautiful; light and airy, an all-white room with a huge en suite featuring the biggest tub I’d ever seen.

  “Rome… this is…” I whispered and turned to my cousin, who was leaning against the doorframe, arms folded across his chest.

  “Now you stay for as long as you want, you hear? Molly loves having you around. And I don’t find it too shabby either.”

  I stared at my cousin, hearing the catch in his voice as he tried to cover his apprehension over his wife with a joke. I walked over to his tall frame and took hold of his tense arms. “She’ll be okay, you know. This baby is a good thing. It’s a blessing.”

  Rome looked down at the floor. “I know it is, Al, and I am happy. We’ve wanted a baby for so long. You know we have. But, Christ, Al, listening to that doctor talk through the risks again and being constantly reminded that her momma died from the same thing Mols has… and…” Rome stopped speaking, and I squeezed my hand on his arm. His nostrils flared and he went on. “And remembering my girl in that damn hospital bed, broken and lost, just kills me. It could happen again. Or it could be worse.”

  “It won’t be, Rome. Everything is different this time. You’re in a much better place, you’re older, you don’t have your parents breathing down your neck and all that stress to contend with. And I know you. You won’t let anything happen to that wife of yours ever again.”

  Rome’s lip hooked up into a reluctant grin, and I smiled back.

  “I’m gonna be an aunt!” I squealed excitedly, and Rome started laughing. My heart broke at how worried he was but then how excited he was when he finally let his happiness shine through.

  “Yeah, yeah, you are. Aunt Ally.”

  “And you’re gonna be a daddy.”

  He blew out a breath and ran his hands down his face. “Yeah… fuck…”

  “And you’re gonna be a damn good, one, Rome. The best damn daddy on the planet.”

  Rome gave me a huge thankful smile, and I could see the pure joy in his expression. I could see just how much he wanted that little baby Molly was carrying.

  Rome shook his head in amusement and mussed up my long brown hair with his hand.

  “Rome!” I yelled. “Get the hell off!” I tried to slap him away, but he jumped back out of my reach.

  “Glad you’re here, cuz. It’s been too fucking long since we saw y’all,” he said, becoming more serious. “We’re going out to celebrate in a few hours, so be ready about seven.”

  Rome walked off before I could say anything, leaving me in this huge guest room. I sat down on the bed.

  I was in Seattle, about to take on the exhibition of my life, and to top it all off, I was gonna be an aunt.

  This move felt so perfectly right...

  Chapter Three

  Ally

  A few hours later we entered the restaurant, and the waiter took to us to a private room at the back. I was glad, because when we walked through the busy dining room, people began staring at Rome and whispering to one another—star struck on recognizing the Seahawks' starting QB. Molly ducked her head and tried to rush forward, clearly embarrassed, but Rome grabbed her hand, keeping her close to his side. He hated the limelight too.

  As we entered the private room, which overlooked the vast beautiful evening view of the Sound, I exhaled, smoothing out my sleeveless black column dress, only to hear my name being called from across the room.

  “Ally!”

  I beamed a smile at Lexi—one of my best friends—who had risen from her seat and rushed toward me. My heart swelled as she approached, still petite and slight in frame, but looking healthy now that she’d filled out some since College. Her black hair was now long and straight, and grown to the middle of her back. She was wearing a knee-length green dress with long sleeves and ankle boots.

  She looked beautiful.

  Reaching out, I took Lexi’s hands in mine and leaned in to kiss her on her cheek. I squeezed her fingers tightly and stepped back. I had to suppress the urge to pull her in for a hug. Lexi couldn’t be touched that way because of her anorexia. Although she was in recovery, it was still a trigger for her to be touched on her back.

  “I’ve missed you,” Lexi said softly, cutely smiling up at me.

  “I’ve missed you too, darlin’. I can’t believe y’all are living in Seattle now too! It’s crazy! Two Bama boys playing for the Seahawks!”

  At that moment, Austin Carillo, Rome’s best friend, appeared behind his wife and leaned over her to kiss me on my cheek. “Ally,” he greeted and, edging back, wrapped his fully tattooed arms around Lexi’s shoulders and pulled her
against his chest. Austin was the one exception to Lexi’s triggers, the only person who could touch her. Austin had saved her life five years ago when she almost lost the battle with her eating disorder, but their love for each other proved to be stronger. He was her reason to live, and she his.

  Spotting a messy head of fair hair lingering behind Austin and Lexi, I leaned round, only to see a handsome young guy standing awkwardly. He was well built and athletic. He casted shy eyes my way, and my mouth dropped when I realized who it was…

  “Levi? Little Levi Carillo? Is that you, darlin’?” I asked. I met his gray eyes as he raised his head, a deep red blush immediately coating his olive-skinned cheeks.

  “Hey, Al,” was his quiet reply as I ran to him and threw my arms around his waist, squeezing him hard.

  Levi exhaled a quiet laugh from above me, hugging me back. I pushed back and held out his arms, studying how much he’d changed.

  “Levi, you got so big and grown up on me!” I joked, and he dipped his eyes to avoid my gaze, a shy smile spreading on his lips. “How old are you now, darlin’?”

  “Nineteen, ma’am,” he replied. Rome walked behind him and ruffled his hair. Levi nudged him off.

  “Well, shit! Nineteen!”

  “And one of the best wide receivers you’ve ever seen,” Lexi praised as she reached up to pat his cheek with her slender hand. Levi beamed a wide smile at her, and you could just see the love he had for our little friend radiating out of his every pore.

  “Just like your brother, then, huh?” I teased, seeing Austin take a seat at our table next to Rome, Molly and Lexi moving to sit beside each of their husbands.

  Linking my arm through Levi’s, I said, “Well, looks like you’re my date tonight, Lev. You can sit beside me.”

  Levi fell into step beside me and we sat down. “So you at college, Lev? Are you here in Seattle visiting Austin and Lex?”

  “No, ma’am, I still live with them. I attend the University of Washington now; I transferred from UCLA.”

  I stared at him, feeling somewhat confused. “You didn’t wanna stay in LA?”