by Rhonda James
His arms circle my waist, and like a magnet, I’m drawn into his warm embrace. “They’re all for you.”
“I love you, Superman.”
“Love you more,” he says with a parting kiss and promise to call every day.
I stand staring at the closed door long after he leaves, wishing he would come dashing back inside. After I’m dressed, Laney comes to the door and knocks once before entering.
“Cassandra Rivers! You naughty girl, you! What if that had been your momma barging in the room? She’d have gotten a nice shot of your man’s fine ass, that’s for sure. Holy crap. I thought Derek’s ass was toned.” She blows out an appreciative whistle. “I can see now why you compare him to the Man of Steel.”
I open my mouth to respond, but one look at her reddened cheeks and all I can do is laugh, and soon we’re both laughing too hard to stop. Before long, Skylar, Rebecca, and Mom join us, and it must be contagious, because without even knowing what’s going on, they start giggling, too. I tell myself if I can just keep laughing all week, I won’t miss him so much.
Who am I kidding? He’s only been gone ten minutes and already I miss him like crazy. When you love someone so much, you feel empty inside when they’re no longer there… To me, that’s what true love is.
CHAPTER TEN
CASSIE
The rest of the weekend seemed to pass by in a blur. Once Brantley left for New York, Mom and Rebecca made it their mission to keep so busy I wouldn’t have time to dwell on the fact that he was gone. After shopping for a dress, we all went out to dinner and my Dad and Jonathan met us at the restaurant. By the time Monday rolled around and they left for the airport, I’d been pampered at the salon, stuffed full of delicious food, and practically had a whole new wardrobe hanging in my closet.
It’s not as if this is the first time Brantley’s been away for a game. The season officially started six months ago and they travel regularly, so we’ve had time to develop a routine when he’s out of town. He texts first thing every morning before getting out of bed, and those are usually accompanied by a selfie of him lying in bed with the sheets pulled back just enough for me to see everything but the essentials. He doesn’t need to reveal those; I already have a perfect visual that’s been forever burned into memory.
I overslept this morning and missed his text, but today’s photo was similar, except this time, he’s wet from the shower, the sheet is visibly tented, and there’s a handwritten note placed across his stomach that reads, ‘We Miss You.’
The sun is shining brightly through the window, casting a glow across the end of the bed. Throwing back the covers, I crawl to the edge and snap a photo of the sun shining across my face. I send it to him with the comment ‘I’m here waiting.’
Due to winter break, I don’t have classes this week, so I end up spending most of the morning sitting in front of the piano with a stack of music sheets and a pencil, messing around with an idea for a song that came to me last night while alone in bed. For me, the arrangement is usually the easy part; it’s the lyrics that generally give me the most trouble. Music invokes so much emotion for the listener; I like to play off that and take it to the next level, ensuring that they not only feel something while listening but also carry it with them long after the music stops.
Gripping the pencil between my teeth, I play through the first half of the arrangement, stopping to change up the transition on my music sheet, but my phone rings before I can finish my thought. Caller ID flashes a number I don’t recognize, so I ignore it and finish what I was writing. It immediately starts back up, and this time I answer it.
“Hello?” I answer on a sigh.
“Cassie? It’s Sebastian Miles. Did I catch you at a bad time?” he greets me, sounding for everything like he’s riding in a convertible.
It takes a few seconds to pick my chin up off the floor and reply. “Hi! No, it’s not a bad time at all. I was just working on a new piece. How are you? Where are you?” I let out a shaky laugh, mildly freaking out that Sebastian Miles just called me. I’ve been waiting to hear back from him; I just wasn’t expecting it to happen so quickly.
“Sorry, I’m in my convertible on the 405 heading to the airport. So, I’ve listened to your demo and took the liberty of sharing it with the rest of my band.”
Oh, God. It’s a good thing I’m already sitting down, because I suddenly feel like I may throw up. This is it. Either he loved it or hated it. I draw a deep breath and let it out slowly, hoping to calm my nerves.
“And?” I manage to squeak out.
Great job, Cass. Way to be professional.
“Girl, why the hell do you sound so nervous? Your song is amazing. We all loved it, which brings me to why I’m calling. I hope you don’t have plans, because I am about to board a plane to come and see you. I’ve booked us a recording studio for the next two days,” he states in that signature deep voice that I’ve spent years listening to.
“I’m sorry, did you say you booked us a studio? I don’t understand.”
“This song is killer and needs to be recorded, and if it’s okay with you, I’d like to join you on vocals. I think our voices will mesh well. If you prefer it to be a solo project, I’ll fully support that, too, but I’d still like the opportunity to sing with you. If that’s okay. That is okay, right?”
“I’m sorry, but I’m seriously at a loss for words. I just can’t believe you actually like my song. This is incredible. And to hear you want to record it with me… That would be a dream come true. You have no idea how many times as a teenager I sat in my bedroom using a hairbrush for a microphone while I sang every one of your songs,” I gush like the fangirl I am.
Rich laughter rumbles through the phone, and even that sounds like a beautifully composed melody. This man is so incredibly talented.
“My flight is scheduled to get in around six thirty. Text me your address, and I’ll grab a cab and come into Ann Arbor to take you and Brantley out for a late dinner.”
“Brantley’s been out of town for a game, but he’s scheduled to arrive sometime around seven. Forget about the cab. I’ll drive to the airport and pick you up, then we can swing over and grab Brantley. There’re some amazing restaurants just down from the arena.”
“Well, as long as you don’t mind…” he says hesitantly.
“Are you kidding me right now? Do you think your biggest fan would pass up the opportunity to tell everyone she picked you up at the airport?” I tease.
He laughs again, and I hear the car downshift. “Sweetheart, if that excites you, just think of the tales you’ll be able to tell after we’ve spent two days recording that amazing song of yours.”
Holy crap on a cracker. I hadn’t thought of it that way.
“Seriously though, I’m incredibly flattered but I’m also in awe of your talent. You’ve got some mad piano skills and your vocals are on point. I’ve worked with many musicians who would kill to have your natural talent. I’m looking forward to working with you.”
I swear if he could see me now he’d know I’m blushing. “Wow. Coming from you, that means everything. Thank you.”
We end the call with the agreement that I’ll just wait outside of baggage claim and text him when I get there. I check the time and try reaching Brantley before he boards the team plane. It goes straight to voicemail, but I opt to not leave one. This is definitely news I want to deliver personally. I don’t want him hearing it in a voicemail.
I try passing the time by diving back into the song I was working on, but I’m no longer in the right mindset. I’m too wired from the anticipation of singing a duet with a man I’ve looked up to for so long. Sebastian is legendary in the music industry. He formed the band, Paradox, thirteen years ago with his older brother and two best friends. During that time, they have recorded ten award-winning albums, eight of which have gone multi-platinum. Every song recorded has been written by Sebastian, except for a couple penned by his brother, Travis. He’s also written songs for many other artists that have
gone on to win awards.
That being said, this is a major opportunity for me. I just hope I don’t blow it.
When it’s finally time to leave for the airport, I take one final glance in the mirror and smile sheepishly at my own reflection.
I’m on my way to pick up Sebastian Freaking Miles!!!
Traffic heading east on 94 is insane this time of evening. I have to drive eighty just to keep from being run off the road. Despite traffic, I pick up my phone to try Brantley one more time. I’m not expecting him to answer since he’s still in the air, but it’s been four hours and I have to tell someone my news before I burst from holding it all in. Besides, I need to let him know that we’ll be picking him up and going out to dinner; that way, he won’t head home and miss out on seeing Sebastian. Those two have developed quite the friendship since meeting a little over a year ago.
After five rings, his voicemail finally picks up. “Hey, you’ve reached Brantley. If this is a sales call, you’re wasting your time. If you’re a friend and need to reach me, you can always call Cassie. If this is Cassie, I just want to say I love you, Dimples, and I’ll see you soon.” Beep.
I shift the phone to my other hand and ease up on the accelerator. “Hey, baby. How’s my Superman? I have to tell you, I loved your message and I love you, too. Listen, Sebastian’s in town and I’m heading to the airport to pick him up, and then we’re coming to get you. Babe, I have really big news and can’t wait to tell you all about it. We should be there aroun—Dammit! I dropped the phone. Hang on.”
I switch on my blinker to move over to the slow lane then fumble around with my right hand to try and retrieve my phone. Where the hell is it? Aha! There it is! Taking my eyes off the road for only a brief second, I stretch my arm across the center console and finally wrap my fingers around it.
“Got it! Sorry about that, I—” I right myself in my seat in time to see that all traffic in front of me has come to a complete stop and I don’t have enough time to react. “Shit!”
The last thing I hear is the harsh sound of metal crashing against metal before my head smacks against the glass, and everything goes pitch black.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
B
The plane touches ground, bringing us home right on time. That’s one of the perks of traveling on the team’s jet. The pilot runs a tight schedule, which all of us appreciate, because many of us have wives and families waiting at home. Cassie may not be my wife on paper, but she might as well be, because heart and soul, that woman owns me.
It’s been a long week and we totally blew the first game but came back strong the second night and managed to pull out a win. I grab my duffle and join Rivers on the drive back to the arena to grab our cars.
“Man, I’m wiped out. I slept for shit last night and ended up not being able to sleep on the plane. I just want to go home and crash for two days,” Rivers complains.
“I usually have trouble sleeping when Cass isn’t next to me. With the way everything went down today, I haven’t had a chance to talk to her. I just need to hear her voice. That’ll make everything better.”
“The big day is getting closer. You sure you’re ready to be a married man?” he asks, purposely giving me shit because he already knows the answer to that question.
“More than ready. I’d have married her the night I dropped to one knee, but I didn’t want to be selfish. Your sister talks as if she doesn’t want any fuss, but your mom and my mom would have killed me if I cheated them out of that right. Honestly, I think they’re driving Cassie crazy with all the phone calls and pictures of table decorations they keep sending. But in the end, it will have all been worth it. She’ll get the day she deserves, and I’ll finally get to whisk her away on that honeymoon I’ve been secretly planning.”
“You ever gonna tell me where you’re taking my sister? I need to know in case something happens and I need to come kick your ass again,” he winks at me.
“Wait a minute, asshole. I seem to recall equal ass kicking taking place that night. Do I need to give you a friendly reminder?”
His hands go up in mock surrender. “I’m good.”
“Uh, huh. That’s what I thought.” I smirk, pulling out my phone to call Cassie and let her know I’m on my way home. I’ve missed two calls from her and a voicemail. I start listening to the message and smile at the excitement in her voice. She’s going on about Sebastian and some really big news.
Rivers stops walking and waits for me to get off the phone, and his face is the last thing I see before the crunching sound of metal jars me out of my tired state and Cassie’s screams rock my entire existence.
“No! Oh God, no!” I scream before collapsing into the arms of my best friend.
“Cage? What is it?” The sheer panic in his voice sends me even further over the edge. “What’s wrong?”
“Ca-Cassie,” I stutter, the sound of her screams ringing like a siren in my ears. He has to pry the phone from my hand and listen for himself, because I can’t bring myself to tell him everything I’ve just heard. I’m too fucking terrified to say the words out loud.
His face crumbles momentarily before going stoic. “Let’s go!” he orders, taking charge and literally carrying me to his car. He had to have carried me, because at this point, I can no longer feel my legs. All I’m feeling is an ache in my chest at the thought of losing her, and then I remember part of her message. “Dammit! I dropped the phone,” and realize this is my fault. If I hadn’t forgotten to pair her phone, she never would have dropped it and the accident wouldn’t have happened.
“This is all my fault,” I croak out as Rivers careens down the highway as fast as the Charger will go. At some point, he manages to learn that Cassie has been rushed to the hospital, but we don’t know the details of her condition.
“What the hell are you talking about? You weren’t even there. How can it be your fault?” Somehow, I manage to tell him the details of how I failed the woman I love more than anything else in this world. “Cage, this isn’t your fault. You don’t know what happened. Let’s just get to the hospital and find out what’s going on,” he says with authority.
“I can’t lose her. Our life was just beginning. It can’t end now. Not like this.”
“That’s not going to happen. She’s going to be fine,” he deadpans, leaving little room for doubt.
There are moments in life when something happens out of your control and you’re left feeling utterly helpless. That’s how I feel right now, so I do the only thing that feels right. I start praying.
Please, God. Please don’t take her away from me. Not now.
Not ever.
I wait an hour before a nurse agrees to take me back to see her. It’s been the longest hour of my life and during that time, I’ve done more bartering with God than I ever thought possible. I’d offer my own life if I thought it would save hers. Hell, I’d die ten deaths if that’s what it takes, so long as Cassie is okay. I just know if the unthinkable happens and I lose her, then I’ve already lost the only thing I’m living for.
The ICU is located at the end of a long hallway, and when we get there, the nurse escorting me points to a door just on the other side of the nurse’s station.
“Cassie is just on the other side of that door, but before you go in there, the doctor would like a few words with you,” she informs me before writing my name on the small whiteboard hanging to the left of the door. A man wearing blue hospital scrubs approaches, and I assume he’s the doctor who’s been waiting for me.
“Are you family?”
“I’m Brantley, her fiancé.” We shake hands and move to the other side of the hallway. “Her parents are on their way from Chicago.”
“Hello, Brantley. I’m Doctor Ryan, and I wanted to try and prepare you for what you can expect to see when you get in there.” There’s a certain calmness in his voice, and I suppose it’s intentional to help soothe me, but the mere fact he has to ‘prepare’ me for what I’m about to see increases my fear tenfold.
“Cassie’s suffered a pretty nasty concussion. As of now, her tests came back showing no sign of fractures to the skull or bleeding in the brain. As a precaution, with head injuries of this nature we will typically keep the patient sedated to help combat any swelling of the brain.”
“How long will she be sedated?”
“That depends on how she responds. We’ll perform daily scans of her head and continue to monitor swelling to see if there have been any changes. If there’s no change, then we’ll slowly try weaning her off the medication until she wakes up on her own. Right now, you’re going to walk in there and things are going to look pretty bleak. She’s been involved in a serious accident, so that’s to be expected. We’ve inserted a tube down her throat to help her breathe while under the sedation. She’ll be hooked up to various monitors with a lot of wires and tubing. It’s a lot to take in, and it will be difficult to see. She has several lacerations on the left side of her face and arm but for the most part, those are minor. One laceration required stitches and bruising has already begun to set in. Her body was badly jarred during the accident, and she’s going to feel it. It will take weeks for her to fully recover.”
I brace myself against the wall and allow his words to sink in. He’s right, just listening to all of it is overwhelming, but so far everything he’s telling me leaves me with more hope than I had ten minutes ago.
“Is there a chance that when she does wake up she may not know me?”
Please say no.
“I can’t answer that definitively, but there’s always the possibility of mild to total amnesia after blunt trauma. In most cases, the memory loss is more short-term and directed toward the accident itself, or even a few hours prior to the accident. The brain is a complex organ, and at this stage of her injury it’s too soon to make those assumptions. We’ll keep her in ICU until she no longer requires the breathing tube and her vital signs and neurological status are stable enough to move her to acute care. After that, we will reevaluate and see if she’s stable enough for discharge.”