Crashing Into Me (Crashing Into Me #1)

by R. L. Jackson

  The N.O.B association helped other countries with poor health services and she struggled with whether she should go. It would be nice to give back, but hitting “apply” had a lot of implications that came with it. She moved her mouse to a new tab and opened a search engine. In the search box, she typed: “Kayden Capshaw Wedding.” And there it was— a Page Six announcement of his pending nuptials to Kim. It had only been a month since everything went down and she had to hand it to Maureen.

  She knew her son better than Lana ever would. Kim swooped in just as she said she would and comforted him in his time of need. Maybe she was just a phase for him. She shook the thought away as her eyes welled with tears. Looking at her cell phone, she picked it up, turned it on, and hit the voicemail button for the first time since leaving Hamby. She put it to her ears and heard his voice and in an instant she was back in the house lying in bed with him, her head on his chest.

  His messages went from fear, to disbelief, to anger. Every human emotion a person could have, Kayden left on her voicemail. She could only hope that he didn’t spiral out of control and start drinking heavily like he did before. She pressed the phone for the next message and it was a woman’s voice. It was Paula. She explained that she had been looking in on the house over her vacation and had witnessed everything that had happened between her and Kayden but mostly Maureen and her.

  Paula explained that she had proof and wanted to present it to Kayden and show him what his mother had orchestrated. That message was three weeks old. Lana put the phone down and for a second she was happy to hear that. But her reality couldn’t allow her to believe that such a thing would make a difference. She didn’t have the stamina to fight with Maureen and Kim anymore. All her fight was gone.

  Hopefully he will see the videos and understand why I did what I did, she thought. But going back to Hamby was out of the question and there wasn’t much that would make her change her mind.

  ***

  Kim walked into the living room from the guest room at Paula’s wearing only panties and a pair of heels. She had been trying to get Kayden’s mind off that girl for weeks and nothing was helping. Finally, she thought she had to be bold and would surprise him. Kayden was sitting at the dining table going over the blue prints to his house and clearly his mind was preoccupied. He had bags under his eyes and his temper had been getting the best of him lately. Kim walked up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder startling him, he jumped.

  “Damnit Kim!” He spun around. She jumped back covering her bare chest with her hands.

  “I’m sorry. I wanted to surprise you,” she replied.

  “What in the hell are you doing? Put some clothes on!” He snapped.

  Her eyes filled with tears and she ran towards the guest bedroom, “her bedroom” and slammed the door closed behind her. Kayden returned to his plans, hunched over the table and continued to study them. He may have agreed to marry that girl but only on paper. Nothing said he ever had to touch her. His mother made it very clear that although she understood how he felt about Lana, the handing over of the company was only to be official after he married.

  Kayden knew deep down in his gut she had done something to cause Lana’s sudden departure. He just didn’t know what or how he would prove anything; at least not until he got his mother off his back. Until then it would be futile to even try. Maureen was going to leave town in a few days to go to New York and he was elated. The reopening of Aunt Mae’s was fast approaching and he’d rather not have her to deal with as well.

  Wherever Lana was he hoped she was safe, but he wished she were there with him. She was the motivating force behind him and the project and she deserved just as much appreciation as anyone did for the remodel. Sure it was just the entrance but it was grand and the team worked tirelessly to get it completed. He was proud of the work he was doing and couldn’t wait to share it with the people of Hamby.

  ***

  Paula arrived at Fort Lauderdale International Airport just after six p.m. Lana could ignore her all she wanted, but she was going to find her and make her listen. She didn’t want to just show up unannounced, but with no response to calls, texts, or email, she was getting a little worried herself. Paula had gone back to Hamby to check in on her brother and the house and found Kim taking up residence. As bad as she wanted to toss her into the street and spill her guts, she contained herself for the time being.

  Her brother had thrown himself into his work on the construction site at Aunt Mae’s, as well as laying the foundation for his new estate. She got to see her mother as well and partook in the formalities, talking about her vacation and of course the Capshaw Reality handoff to Kayden. Paula watched as her mother spoke so beautifully about how proud she was of Kayden and all he was doing for the community, it almost made her sick. If she hadn’t had the video evidence of what Maureen was really up to, she would have believed every word coming from her mouth.

  Paula wanted to make sure that when she revealed everything—all the key players would be there to witness it. She hired a lawyer to draw up papers regarding the legalities of her mother’s black mail concerning Rachel Brown and Lana’s possible license suspension. It was wrong on so many levels that her mother would threaten an innocent woman’s future to secure her son as a lap dog to the likes of someone like Kim. When Paula asked her mom about Lana, the distaste flashed over her face so fast, if you blinked you would have missed it, but Paula knew her mother.

  She claimed not to like the influence Lana had on him, and that she had been trying to convince him to leave his family business behind, in order to pursue his own goals. This convolution was preposterous to Paula. She did her best to come to Lana’s defense but Maureen wouldn’t hear of it. She promptly changed the conversation to the wedding that she and Kim were planning. Another sickening event Paula would make sure would never happen. She knew good and well Kim’s “love” for her brother had more to do with securing her bank account than anything else.

  How could a mother wish that kind of deceit on their child? Something in Maureen died when Joel died, and from the look of things, it wasn’t coming back ever again. Walking outside to the pick-up area, Paula had a driver waiting for her with a sign held up. She jumped in the car and the driver closed her door, rushed to the driver side of the car and took off into the traffic. Lana will listen to her if she had to sit on her and make her. She’d come too far to give up now.

  ***

  Hattie-Mae Smith was beyond excited to open up the new restaurant. Although the kitchen would be the same, the entrance and dining room were brand new and spectacular. Kayden said he didn’t want to modernize it too much, fearing the diner would lose its small town appeal. The snow stopped long enough for all the work to be done and the crew was finishing up final details so she and her workers could get acquainted with the new layout.

  The dining room had a retro fifties look to it with fifties themed menus and seating. Kayden even managed to find an old malt shake machine fully operational that he added as well. He really poured his heart into the project and took everything she wanted into consideration. When that young lady up and left him, Aunt Mae thought they were in for the old Kayden to return again, but not this time. He was more determined than ever to fulfill his promises and had truly grown up by keeping his word to the people in the town.

  One-day last week, after the crew had left for the day, only she and Kayden were left to lock up. She sat down at one of the new tables admiring the work, while Joseph took his time walking around inspecting the rest of the diner. He didn’t like change, but was easing into the new look with careful consideration and admiration.

  “Kayden, baby you outdid yourself,” she remarked, running her hands along the chromed edges of the table top.

  He smiled at her weakly. The rims of his eyes revealing he didn’t sleep much lately.

  “Sit down a minute and rest,” she said patting the table with her hand. He walked over to her and sat, looking around the room.

  “It�
��ll be beautiful once we’re done,” he said looking at the ceiling.

  “You miss her don’t you?” Aunt Mae asked.

  He looked at her and nodded his head as she reached across the table and held onto his hand.

  “Sometimes people come into your life, for a reason. And other times it’s just for a season,” she replied looking into his face.

  “What’s that mean?” he asked confused.

  “It means that she was exactly what you needed at the exact time you needed it.” Kayden shrugged, pulling his hand away.

  “I just don’t get it Aunt Mae, we were happy.”

  “I know you were, and I could tell by looking that she loved you. I don’t know what happened to cause her to leave, but this could be a blessing in disguise.”

  “Really?”

  “Really. She did her part and now you have to do yours sugar.” Kayden was beginning to get annoyed because he didn’t understand the parables Aunt Mae was speaking in and she could tell as well.

  “What I mean to say is, don’t you give up. Not on yourself, not on your dreams and not on her. You move hell and high water if you have to, to find your way back to her.”

  He looked up at her and smiled. If only she knew the money he’d blown through to find her already.

  “Happiness isn’t always a choice son, but when you find it, you hold on.”

  Aunt Mae stood from the table now and walked over to Joseph. They held hands and made their way to the new front doors and stepped outside. She hoped Kayden would eventually find a way back to Lana and prayed that her words gave him some peace.

  17

  The nightclub was packed and Lana had been dancing since she arrived three and a half hours ago. There was no mistaking it, she was very tipsy and was having a blast. At least that’s what she kept telling herself. She had just finished dancing with a tall handsy guy who wore way too much cologne and was walking back to the bar, to order another drink. He followed her, putting his arms around her waist. She didn’t like it but she was single and free. She could do whatever she wanted. Lana leaned over the bar, and waved at the bartender who walked up to her.

  “Can I get a long island ice tea?” she screamed over the blaring music.

  The bartender nodded her head and proceeded to mix the drink, flipping bottles, dancing and putting on a show. It was an impressive talent, Lana thought, swaying to the music as she watched the young girl twirl and throw bottles in the air. When she was finished, Lana handed her a twenty. Drinks were expensive but she didn’t care, she just wanted to lose herself in them and dance the pain away.

  As she started marching towards the dance floor, she took a huge gulp as Carmen approached her and seemed a little annoyed.

  “Let’s go Lana, I’m exhausted,” she said grabbing her arm.

  “Cologne guy” was still holding onto Lana and pulled her back, away from Carmen. Giggling, Lana took another huge gulp and tried to get back on the floor and dance.

  “Let her go!” Carmen yelled, pulling Lana’s arm, causing her drink to spill.

  “You see what you did you stupid bitch,” cologne guy screamed as Lana pulled her arm free from him.

  “She’s not a bitch,” she slurred.

  “Here, let me buy you another,” he demanded, grabbing her around the waist and turning her into a crowd away from Carmen.

  He leaned in and tried to kiss her, but even drunk, she knew she didn’t want that. She tried to push him away but he wouldn’t let her. He’s way too strong, Lana thought as she started to panic. Before she knew it he had stuck his tongue in her mouth. A mixture of cigarette and hard liquor. He started leading her away from everyone towards an exit.

  What’s happening, Lana thought as cologne guy seemed to have five arms around her. She couldn’t break free of his gross kiss and it was clear whatever he had in mind, he wanted to accomplish. Finally, she pried his face away from hers and yelled “help” but no one could hear her. It was way too loud, and no one was paying any attention.

  She was only somewhat tipsy a little while ago, but now she felt like she had drunk way more than she did. Then, she realized what was happening. He must’ve slipped me something! As the room began to spin around her he pushed on the exit door, but struggled while trying to hold her up. All she could see was black and the slow fading of the red exit light. The music got quieter and quieter and suddenly she hit the floor with a thud. With her eyes barely able to stay opened, she saw Carmen and the bouncer who then tackled the guy to the floor. This is out of control, she thought as she slipped into unconsciousness.

  ***

  The next morning Lana woke in the hospital, her head on fire. She opened her eyes and the light shot a pain straight to the back of her head. She shut them back and covered her face with her hands. She rolled over onto her pillow and buried her head deep, then she felt a hand on her head.

  “Who is that?” she muffled into the pillow.

  “It’s me honey,” Carmen replied. “You’re ok, but you got roofied last night. Do you remember?”

  Then, it all came crashing back and she remembered the guy, the drink and the feeling of losing consciousness. She started to sob into the pillow as Carmen stroked her hair, which was a tangled matted, mess. There was a knock on the door and then it swung open as a police officer walked into the room. He nodded at Carmen who stood up.

  “It’s the cops Lana.”

  She forced her eyes to open through her tears to look at him. She could barely see anything, as everything was way too blurry to make out more than shadows.

  “I’ll give you some privacy,” Carmen said as she walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.

  ***

  Carmen waited patiently in the hallway as Lana spoke with the police. He had been taking the report for the last twenty minutes and wished he’d hurry up so Lana could rest. She sat in a chair outside the room thankful that her friend was OK and exhausted from staying up all night to watch over her. Just then, a woman came stalking down the hall, nose in the air, dressed to kill in Vera Wang. You could tell she was important and didn’t take shit from anyone.

  Paula breezed up to the door and started to push it open as the police officer was walking out. He stopped for a moment to look at her, but she hurried past him closing the door behind her promptly.

  “Lana!” She exclaimed, seeing her friend such a mess.

  Last night’s makeup was all over her face, her hair was atrocious and she was sitting up in bed, covering her face with her hands sobbing. Paula stopped, taking the situation in. She walked over to the bed and sat next to her friend and couldn’t help crying herself. What was happening to the people she loved?

  “Shh,” Paula soothed and sat on the bed.

  She held Lana as her best friend cried on her shoulder. Lana knew it was Paula before she said a word. She couldn’t look her in the face, mainly because she couldn’t see anyway, but also because she didn’t know what to say. When Paula sat on the bed, she unloaded the pain from the night before as well as everything she had kept hidden away over the last month. Paula stroked her head and held her friend tight as she cried for hours.

  ***

  Paula opened the door to Lana’s town house and helped her get in the door. She was still slow on her feet from the drug and coordination was a bit of a problem. Lana headed to the bathroom and turned the shower on, leaving Paula in the living room. They didn’t say much on the way there. As Lana closed the door to the bathroom, Paula had a seat on the couch and looked around the room a bit. Her friend wasn’t rich by any means but she had good taste.

  A familiar feeling came over Paula at that point. Lana was spinning out of control, making poor decisions and nearly put her life in danger last night. It reminded her of Kayden after Joel. She wouldn’t let her best friend go down that path. Paula stood from the couch and took a closer look at her friend’s place. She saw pictures of her family, her nursing degrees on the walls, then her eyes landed on the computer screen on the
desk. It was the wedding announcement Kim had put in the Page Six magazine.

  She heard the shower turn off and closed the browser on the desktop computer. She sat back down on the couch when Lana came out the bathroom and she looked a hell of a lot better without the running mascara and eyeliner streaming down her face. She flopped down next to Paula and looked at her.

  “How long you been in Florida?” She asked.

  “A couple days. You wouldn’t answer my calls Lana, and then you moved. I finally decided to check the hospitals and there you were. I’m glad I checked when I did, or I’d have never found you.”

  “That was a coincidence.”

  “Yeah, a lot of that going around lately.”

  “I can’t go back to Hamby Paula.”

  “Yes you can. You have to.”

  Lana rose from the couch slowly and walked into the kitchen. She opened the cabinet above the stove and pulled down a box of hot chocolate. She turned to Paula.

  “Want some?”

  “In this heat, are you insane?” Lana smiled and turned back around. She grabbed a mug from the counter and opened her microwave.

  “What’s going on with you Lana? And don’t B.S me either.”

  Lana knew it was useless and fresh tears were already coming down her face.

  “I don’t know how to move on I guess,” she managed to say.

  She put the mug in the microwave and hit the button. Paula got up, walked to the small kitchen and sat at the tiny breakfast table. When the microwave beeped, Lana sat next to her and sipped the chocolate.

  “You shouldn’t have to move on honey. What I saw on those tapes was beautiful, with the exception of the sex all over the house.” Lana laughed a little.

  “Sorry,” she replied embarrassingly.

  “You didn’t know. I wish I had told you and saved my self some serious therapy,” Paula replied.