The Power of Salvation

by Passarelli, Caterina

  Before I can ask more questions, the waiter brings two pieces of tiramisu to our table. I drop the subject and dig into my cake.

  Once we finish eating, we walk over to the Sky Deck hanging off the Willis Tower. This is a new feature since the last time I was here. Glass box ledges extend about four feet from the building. Luke walks out onto the glass floor and looks back at me with a wink, “Are you afraid of heights?”

  “Shouldn’t you ask someone that before you set up a date like this?” I laugh and join him in the glass box. “No, I am not afraid of heights, but it’s still slightly unnerving to do something you’ve never done before.”

  “Doing things you’ve never done will help you grow as a person.”

  It’s such a simple statement, like it could be on a Pinterest quote somewhere, yet his words mean a great deal to me in this moment. Everything about knowing him seems like I’m experiencing something new.

  I look out towards the dark night shining bright with twinkles of lights from the buildings in the city. It’s truly a breathtaking view. I’ve never seen anything like this. I’ve never taken the time to stop to see anything like this either—cooped up in the hospital taking as many shifts as I can get—there’s not much time for fun or views.

  “The view is striking,” he says, breaking our silence, reading my mind. I turn to face him to agree and notice he’s not looking at the view in front of us; instead his eyes are on me. “Yes, I mean you. I’m going to be bold here and try one more time. If it’s okay, I’d like to kiss you. Normally I’m not a man who asks, but I don’t want to take any part of you that you are not comfortable giving … yet.”

  He wants to treat you like a goddess.

  And with that it feels like a piece of my heart melts into a big gooey pile of mush. Damn it. My hands are sweating and my breathing is so quick—I bet he’s regretting his question, considering my awkward state.

  Do you want to live the rest of your life shutting people out? No. Do you want to be lonely right now? No. Do you want to continue to do the same things you’ve always done? No. That’s not how you grow. You can do this, Ariana. Try. He has battles too.

  Turning my body to face his, I suddenly feel small as I look up to him. Surprising us both, I reach my shaking hand out and place it on his chest, right over his heart. I feel it beating beneath his black suit—a suit I have a sudden desire to rip from his god-like body. I lick my lips, “You can kiss me.”

  I don’t have to give permission twice; he gently cups my face and slowly brings his luscious mouth to mine. Luke’s being very sweet and patient with me. My body reacts to his kisses and I surprise myself, taking matters into my own hands. Reaching up, I grab onto his shoulders and slam our mouths together with more intensity. He pulls back for a split second, to look me in the eyes, as if to double check I’m sure about all of this. He sees my desire and then returns to devouring my mouth. Luke sucks on my bottom lip and my body gives in. I moan, a reaction I’ve never given a man before.

  We hear the sound of someone clearing her throat, and we both push apart from each other as if we were high schoolers caught making out. We look towards the woman who sent us up the elevator, Pamela, who equally looks embarrassed for catching us.

  “I’m sorry, but we are closing for the evening now, Mr. Vulcano,” Pamela says in a sweet voice.

  Luke slips his hand into mine and tells her we’ll be right down.

  “Thank you for this gift,” Luke says as he brings my hand to his lips to place a kiss on top of it. The fact that Luke sees me allowing him to touch me as a gift makes my heart swell.

  Once down the two elevators we thank Pamela for being a gracious host as we leave the Willis Tower. This is a visit I’ll never forget.

  Chapter nine

  Tonight is the night of the Stand Up Against Abuse charity benefit and I’m already dragging ass. I’ve been at the hospital for ten hours—just two more to go! My bed is calling my name, but it will have to be for just a quick nap—I promised Gina I would help set up the banquet hall at the Grand Plaza Hotel before the event kicks off. Each year the event gets bigger and bigger, which is amazing but a lot of hard work.

  Stand Up Against Abuse is entirely run by volunteers—myself included. I found out about the organization during my first year of college and immediately joined—I felt I had a duty to the cause.

  Quickly pulling my head out of the clouds, a screaming man frantically carries a pregnant woman into the emergency room. “Help us! Somebody help us. My wife.” He looks toward the woman in his arms who is extremely pale. “She’s pregnant and she’s bleeding ... a lot!”

  Instincts kick in and the team gathers around to care for this woman. It’s moments like these where I’m proud to be a physician; I know we have one of the best medical teams in the country working here. All hands on deck.

  I end up staying at the hospital an extra hour; I couldn’t leave the pregnant woman behind. She was bleeding a lot, like her husband said. We ended up delivering her daughter, Eloise, by emergency C-section. Watching Drake and his team place baby Eloise into her mother’s arms almost brought me to tears. Almost—it takes a lot for me to show emotion in the hospital setting—but on the inside I felt the joy. I wish more than anything that my mom and I had a good relationship, but we don’t. We barely have a relationship at all. Same goes for my dad. Not since … anyway.

  “It’s been real, it’s been nice, it’s been real nice, but I’ve got to go, ladies and gentlemen,” I say, grabbing my jacket out of the locker room and waving goodbye to this wild group of people I’m lucky to call coworkers.

  Once in my apartment I don’t even make it to my bed—I crash on the couch. My feet couldn’t carry me those extra steps. Not today.

  It’s not until I feel Serena shaking me to ‘Wake up! Wake up!’ that I realize I’ve been asleep way too long. I check my phone’s clock and bolt off the couch and jump into the shower like a crazy person. I’ve got to hustle my ass or I’m going to be late—and Gina will kill me.

  I shower quicker than I ever have and grab my dress, shoes, and backpack with some makeup—I’m going to get ready in one of the hotel rooms with Gina after we set up. I wave goodbye to Serena who lets me know she already alerted the Driver app to come pick me up.

  “You are the absolute best! Thank you. I’ll see you tonight?” I ask her with one foot in the door, the other out.

  “Of course! See you then. Call me if you need anything.”

  And just like that, I’m out the door and getting into a BMW driven by Dante from California who takes me to the Grand Plaza Hotel.

  With strands of flicker lights hanging from the walls, gold and red martini glasses being passed around by waiters, red tablecloths, and gold vases with roses—this place is breathtaking. If I wasn’t down here running around to set it all up with Gina and the other volunteers, I would never know all the work that went into it. It’s like a fairy tale party.

  I match the room’s decorations in a long red evening gown that’s very slimming and backless. I love this gown and Serena who forced me to buy it. Sometimes I’m so indecisive when it comes to this stuff—I wear scrubs all day long and then switch into workout clothes. That’s pretty much it. But I do admit, I love doing girly things too.

  Speaking of Serena, I see my friend walking towards me with Gina. Serena’s wearing an emerald green gown with lace sleeves. I need to borrow that when she’s done with it. Gina looks remarkable in her little black dress paired with some purple pumps. I see a few guys turn their necks to get a glimpse of my friends. That’s right boys, these are rock star women.

  “This place looks da bomb! You girls did a fantastic job. Can I hire you out as party planners?” Serena eyes us both.

  “Count me down for no on that,” I say with a laugh, knowing I’d be no help in planning any parties. “The decorations are 100-percent Gina’s doing. She gets all the credit.”

  Gina smiles at us and says, “You guys, stop. You’re going to make me
blush.” She looks around the room and I see pride in her eyes. This event raises a ton of money each year, and Gina works hard to make sure it helps as many people who have suffered domestic or sexual abuse as she can. “I have to go look for our keynote speaker—he’s the biggest donor we’ve ever had. Also, check him out when he’s on stage; he’s very easy on the eyes. I’ll see you girls later, have fun!”

  And just like that she takes off to do more work.

  “Martini?” asks a gorgeous waitress, who lowers her tray so Serena and I can grab drinks. Taking a sip, I immediately know this vodka. “Is this Vulcano Vodka?”

  “Yes, all of the alcohol tonight is from Vulcano Vodka,” the blonde hair, blue-eyed waitress says.

  “Are you a Vulcano girl?” Serena asks the woman.

  “A … what?” I ask in utter confusion. What the hell is a Vulcano girl? Sounds like something you’d see in a porn.

  “Yes, I’m a Vulcano girl,” the waitress says with a smile on her face and a hand on her hip. It’s then I really take in her appearance and all of the other waitresses in the room. They’re all tall with long blonde hair wearing tight black dresses and black high heels. And they look the exact opposite of me with my long light brown hair and gray eyes. They look like they should be models, not waitresses.

  Maybe they are also models?

  That I don’t know. What I do know is they work for Luke. How often does he see these Vulcano girls?

  Okay nerves, calm the fuck down. I’m going to need to finish this drink, stat. I sip the martini as I head over to the silent auction section of the room. I need to step away from the hot waitress before my mind thinks the worst.

  Many of Chicago’s most talented artists have donated their artwork for this event. I scan my eyes down the row of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. I place my bid on a few pieces that speak to me. I can’t bid a lot. I’m sure I won’t win anything, but I have to try. The money is going to a good cause anyway.

  “There are way too many hot guys in this room,” Serena squeals into my ear as she joins me in the bidding section. She turns my body towards the crowd of people now filling up the room; I scan my eyes around and confirm she’s right. I know she’ll stake her claim soon enough. But no one catches my attention like the man who took me on a private date at the Willis Tower. And his stupid ‘girls’ are also filling up this room of hot people.

  I haven’t heard from Luke since our date and, to be honest, it makes me a little bummed. I thought we had a good time, but it’s been a week and a half. Maybe that’s a normal time to wait before calling someone again? I’m not familiar with dating, and I sure as hell am not going to ask Serena because she’ll make a huge deal about it. I’m also not going to be the one to reach out to him first. If he didn’t have a good time, I’m not going to make myself look like an idiot by reminding him I still exist.

  “Let’s take our seats. It looks like Gina is about to get on stage,” I say, pulling Serena away from a few guys staring at her.

  “You are no fun!” she protests but gives the guys a little wave and follows me to our seats, which are a few rows back, center to the stage.

  “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Gina Potter, and on behalf of the Stand Up Against Abuse organization I’d like to thank you for spending your Saturday evening with us. According to the latest statistics, one in four women aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Like many of the people our charity helps, I too am a victim of abuse.”

  It makes me heart swell with pride to hear Gina share her story. She’s incredibly brave; it’s something I could never do. Open my wounds up like this in front of anyone, let alone so many people.

  “But like many of the people in this room, I don’t use the word victim anymore. I’m a survivor. This charity means the world to me and I know it means the same to those we help. When I needed support, there was a helping hand reaching out, but for many they have no one—and that’s where we try to come in.

  “Tonight we are having our first silent auction.” Gina points towards the artwork and announces, “Please take a look at all of the pieces of art that so many talented Chicago artists have donated. Your donations will be going towards providing food, shelter, health care and basic needs to many abuse victims and their families. As well as for helping to keep our advocates highly trained in providing lifesaving tools and immediate support to those who need us.

  “And now, without further ado, I’d like to introduce our highest donor … yet. I asked if he’d share a few words about why this charity means so much to him as well. Please give a warm welcome to … Mr. Lucas Vulcano.”

  The room erupts into applause as Luke strides up the steps to take the stage next to Gina. My jaw drops. Serena turns to me to give me a “did you know he would be here?” look and I shake my head no.

  Luke is here? Stand Up Against Abuse means something to him too? Why didn’t he tell me?

  And good god, does he look marvelous. He’s wearing a black tuxedo with his longer hair styled back. He looks like James Bond.

  “Hello,” Luke says in his deep voice commanding the attention of everyone in the room—if they weren’t already staring because of how sexy he looks, they would be now. “I had no idea that I was the highest donor for this organization—hopefully someone else can claim that title this evening,” he says as the crowd laughs.

  “Abuse can happen to anyone and, from my experience, I know most victims suffer in silence. They carry their shame alone.” His eyes grow dark and then he spots me in the audience staring so intently at him on the edge of my seat. He smiles and cocks his head to the side. He’s just as surprised that I’m here, as I am to see him.

  “We have to do our part to give a voice to those who do not have one. To lend helping hands to those who face hurtful ones. Stand Up Against Abuse has been doing just that for years, and I know they will continue to. Thank you.”

  He nods his head and walks off the stage to join a table closer to the front of the room. I watch him take a seat next to yet another gorgeous blonde woman and she whispers something into this ear. Is he on a date? I’m an idiot; he never said we couldn’t date other people. Actually he specifically told me he didn’t want to end up with anyone.

  Gina introduces a few more speakers who quickly say their speeches and then the live band takes over playing music. People dance, drink, bid on artwork, and have a great time. I should be happy for another successful event under our belt, but I can’t get a certain man’s belt out of my head. It’s then I notice Luke walking directly towards me—as the crowd in the room parts for him.

  “Hello Ariana. I’m happy to see you here. Serena, you both look lovely,” he says.

  “Thanks! We clean up well,” Serena jokes before excusing herself to find those cute guys from earlier as I head towards the bar. I don’t know what it is about Luke, but he drives me to drink. Maybe that’s a sign I should stay away.

  “You did a great job with your speech. I had no idea you were involved with this organization,” I say, waiting for the bartender to make my drink.

  “I haven’t taken part in many of the volunteer activities, but I do what I can in donating. I know it’s not enough, but that’s what I have time for right now,” he says with a shrug and a look of sadness in his eyes.

  “Hey,” I say feeling brave and putting my hand on his bicep, “that’s okay. Your money is going to be put to good use to help so many people. Gina knows what she’s doing and she does it well.”

  “So you volunteer? How did you find this organization? Through the hospital?” He asks the questions so innocently. I could easily blow it off and say yes, but his quote about doing things you’ve never done—and Gina’s admission to the entire room—ring true in my ears.

  “No, I found the organization before the hospital. I was looking for something to do with my time when I was in my early years at college, and this one stood out
as something I should care about.”

  “Why?”

  I take a deep breath in, noticing my hands are shaking as I bring my glass up to my mouth for a quick sip of liquid courage. “Because it’s something I wish was around when I could have used someone to talk to.”

  I’ve never spoken to anyone but Gina, Serena, and Drake about this stuff. But none of them knows the entire story. I did tell my parents after it happened, but that was a huge mistake. I look up to meet Luke’s eyes and they grow darker than I’ve ever seen them. A mix of anger and grief flash across his face.

  “Someone … abused you?” he whispers in an angry growl. “That’s why you don’t want to be touched?” A look of understanding flashes across his face as he works out what he just said.

  I don’t think I can do this—keep sharing my history with him. And I don’t have to worry about this conversation going any further because the blonde from his table walks up to us and slips her skinny arm around Luke’s waist, pulling him close to her side. It’s then I recognize her as the notorious blonde he is seen in Internet pictures with.

  “Where did you run off too?” she practically ogles at him while fluttering her fake eyelashes, completely ignoring me standing right in front of them.

  “Excuse me,” I whisper, ducking away to dash to the bathroom. I fly into the first open stall and take deep breaths as I’m having a panic attack. I feel intense pain all over, and it’s extremely hard to get in any air, so I lean over the toilet and throw up all the liquid courage while dizziness washes over me and panicked tears roll down my cheeks.

  “Ariana? Are you in here?” I hear Serena’s voice from the other side of the door. “Come out, please. Luke told me you ran in here. I can see the bottom of your dress under the stall. I know you’re in there.”

  I open the door and she sees my face. Hers looks back at me in shock. It’s very rare when I show emotion of any kind. She hesitantly opens her arms up to me, offering a hug, yet knowing I don’t like touching.