by Suzan Battah
“Alright, tell me what happened to your back.”
He got up suddenly, annoyed with her. “No.”
She was surprised to see the bruises close up. All sorts of ideas came to mind of what could have happened to him. A mugging, car accident, she didn’t know what to think. Chris started to unzip his pants.
“I’m going for a shower. Are you staying?”
The lump in her throat prevented her from responding. But she sucked it up. “I’m worried you’ve been bashed up by someone. Could you please ease my mind and tell me what happened?”
“When you tell everyone that we’re more than friends is when I’ll share everything with you, Jules. It goes both ways. If we’re just playing, it shouldn’t matter.”
She pulled out her phone from the pocket of her jeans, flipping it open and pressing speed dial. She pressed the loud speaker so he could hear the conversation.
“Mama, I won’t be long, so don’t worry about me. I’ve just stopped off to see Chris.”
“Julia, do you want Cole to pick you up. Where are you, at the Augustine? How is Chris, are you enjoying yourself? Bring him over, come, tell him.”
“I will tell him, but he’s tired. Remember I told you he went to Los Angeles. You know what the family is like, they’re so nosey. We’ll come over another time, when we’re free. Okay Mama, I won’t be long.”
Julia clicked the phone shut, hoping that would prove to him that at least her mother knew they were together. That she didn’t have to say as much as show them she cared about him.
“If you want to come over, come, it’ll be fun and I don’t care if my extended family starts harassing me. As you heard my mother say, you’re welcome. I’m just not ready to deal with all their questions, that’s the truth. Not a lie. I’ve never denied us being involved, I just don’t broadcast it. Now, if you want to share with me what’s happened, do it now or I’m walking out of here.”
He shrugged. “I was having a bad day in LA, went surfing and this happened.”
She blew out a breath. “Are you okay, have you been to a doctor? What if you’ve broken a rib? Let’s go, I’ll come with you.”
His eyes brightened, the lines around his mouth softening. “Baby, I’m fine - just a little sore. Aren’t you going to yell at me or tell me never to go surfing again?”
“I wouldn’t stop you from doing something you love. No, just be careful.”
She was satisfied they had overcome this drama. Her legs were a little stiff when she pushed her hands down on the mattress to get up, but couldn’t. Chris was by her side holding out his arm for support. She hated the weakness in her body. He was waiting for her. She took his arm, feeling almost weightless when he lifted her up.
“Forget about the cab, I’ll drop you over there. I won’t stay. And when you’re done, call me. I’ll come and pick you up.”
Chapter Thirteen
Work over Easter was hectic. They didn’t see each other for three weeks. Chris was needed in New York for several days. Once he got back, he spent the whole weekend making up for it. Whenever she had to do some work at the Augustine, they managed to spend some moments by themselves. Julia would spend every second weekend with Chris at the Augustine and on the odd occasion he would come over to her place. They were both on a very demanding schedule. Julia was working mostly from home with Randy giving her reports on what was going on in the office. But whenever Chris had free moments, he would spend them with her and she enjoyed the carefree nature of their relationship.
One evening while they were having dinner out on the balcony of the Augustine penthouse, Chris surprised her. “I’m taking next weekend off work and we’re going to look for a new place,” he said. “You’ll have the Key Biscayne condo ready for Ben in a few months. There’s no rush, but I’m giving up the penthouse as soon as I find a new place.”
“Why’s that?” she asked. “I can’t next weekend. I’ve got to meet the electrician for your condo, and the new furniture is arriving.” She watched the look of clear disapproval on his face. It was priceless. It amused her how easily he got riled because of their conflicting schedules.
“Forget that,” he grumbled. “Do whatever you have to do to cancel, or get someone else out there. We’re going to look at a new place for me next weekend. I need your opinion.”
“Why do you want to give up the penthouse?”
“Because as a single man, I can deal with living in my hotel, but as part of a couple, I don’t like bringing my girlfriend to the Augustine penthouse. It’s where I work, not my home. We’re going to look for a new place,” he said, determined. “That way we can feel like we’re actually staying at my own place, not a hotel.”
Julia blushed, hearing him refer to them as a couple. It sent a scurry of pleasure through her veins. It felt good, though a little scary for Julia to acknowledge. She had never heard him call her his girlfriend before. Clearing her throat, she murmured, “You just called me your girlfriend.”
“Yeah, so?” He looked surprised. “What?”
“That makes you my boyfriend?” Julia uttered, thinking how dumb she just sounded.
Chris chuckled. “Welcome to the relationship, sweetheart! As much as you wish we weren’t.” He ended a little sarcastically.
Julia looked at him sharply. “Chris! I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just not used to it. I told you. We’re still getting to know each other.”
Chris shrugged, staring back at her blandly. The shudder of hurt in his eyes tore at her heart.
She responded quietly, leaning over to him across the table to touch his hand. “My boyfriend lives in the most amazing room, with a bed that’s massive. It doesn’t matter to me where he lives, as long as I’m with him.”
She watched as his eyes lit up when she referred to him as her boyfriend.
“What if it matters to him?” he asked.
***
So Chris arrived at her house the following weekend bright and early. They had a few appointments with agents, and there were a few open houses he wanted to check out. He had everything organized and planned.
“Are you ready, Jules?” he asked.
“Yeah, let’s go.” She took the hand he held out to her and walked to the front screen door, but then halted when she saw the woman standing there on the front porch, fist raised ready to knock.
“Irene!” She clutched her chest from the sudden shock at seeing her mother-in-law. She had never expected to see Irene at her house of all places.
But she should have known the day wouldn’t go as well as it started. Chris had shown up; smiling, good-looking Chris. She felt alive in his company. He made her feel too good. Now, Irene had to show up, ruining her day. She knew exactly why Irene was here and she didn’t want to discuss the matter. Julia wanted to close the door on her, but being rude wasn’t how she was brought up.
Instead, Julia pulled her hand away from Chris, and asked Irene warily, “What do you want?”
Curious, Chris raised a brow at her because of her sudden rudeness. Julia realized her mistake in an instant. He wanted to know why she was so defensive.
“Is everything alright, Irene? You don’t normally come over.” Julia opened the screen door, but then leaned against it to keep it open, blocking further entry.
“We need to talk, Julia,” Irene said in her prim and proper tone.
Julia blanched. Irene was really upset with her. All her life, Irene had been so good to her. But her worlds were about to collide and she couldn’t let that happen. Chris looked between the two of them. She just shook her head in reply to the silent question. Secrets that had been well hidden would come out in a rush if she didn’t put a stop to Irene.
“I really can’t talk now, Irene. We’re on our way out.” But when Irene pushed past her to enter the house, Julia threw up her hands in defeat. “Well, come in.”
Shooting Chris an apologetic look, Julia followed Irene into the house, telling Chris. “I think we might have to…”
&n
bsp; “Reschedule our meeting with the agent?” Chris guessed, flipping his cell phone out to make the call. He went out to the kitchen, leaving them in privacy.
“What are you doing here?” Julia snapped, closing her eyes as turmoil began boiling within her body. In a softer voice, she continued, “Irene, please don’t do this now.”
Irene was looking around the living room, a stiff look of disapproval on her face. She took a seat in the oversized armchair. Her slender frame was engulfed by the cushions on either side of her.
“My son’s thirtieth birthday is on Wednesday night. You will be there to celebrate, or so help me, young lady, I will find it very hard to forgive you. Carlos loved you so much.” Irene’s voice shook with underlying emotion.
“Would you please lower your voice? I can’t be there.” Julia wiped at the tears beginning to form in her eyes. “Please don’t ask again.”
“You will be there. I’m not asking. I’m telling you!” Irene cried.
“Is everything alright?” Chris walked into the room then, putting his arm around Julia’s waist, he could sense the tension in her body. Julia shifted away. Irene smiled tentatively, shifting her gaze from one to the other. Julia knew the moment Irene recognized they were more than just friends.
Julia nodded briefly to Chris’ question. Heart thudding out of control, she introduced them. “Chris, this is Irene Carpone. She’s a very close friend of my family.”
Irene stood, a brilliant smile on her face as she held out her hand in greeting. “It’s so nice to meet you, Chris. I’m so sorry to disturb you this weekend. I was just driving by when I noticed Julia was at home. In fact, she hadn’t told me she’d moved, had to get her new address from her mother. It’s so hard to catch up with Julia. I’ve been meaning to stop by and the opportunity just presented itself,” Irene elaborated.
“I know what you mean.” Chris chuckled, shaking Irene’s hand. “Look, you ladies catch up. I’ll be back in a couple of hours, sweetheart.” Bending down, he gave Julia a quick kiss on the cheek. But he was distracted and glanced back at her as he left. She could see he was trying to make the connection.
The silence that followed Chris’ departure grew tense between the two of them. Julia refused to be bullied into attending a celebration that she felt would be too painful.
“What happened that you’re suddenly trying to keep me out of your life? You’re recovering, is everything okay? Do you need anything?” Irene’s tone was clipped, her habit of pressing her lips together when she was concerned hadn’t changed.
“I’m fine, some days are better than others.” Julia waved her hand in dismissal.
“You made Carlos so happy, Julia. He will be at peace knowing you have found someone. I love you as a daughter still. Carlos’ celebration will be at about 6.30 but come over early. You and your family are all welcome,” Irene insisted. “Bring Chris along.”
The room felt like it was spinning. Julia cringed as if Irene had cut her deep. “No, he doesn’t know about Carlos,” she said roughly.
Irene stood up, her jaw set with determination. “He doesn’t know? You can’t build a relationship based on lies, Julia. Carlos was part of your life.”
“Yes, Irene, he was a part of my life, and now he isn’t. I would rather forget the painful memories of losing my husband and move on with my life. I’m just trying to move on after he left.” Clearly, Irene didn’t comprehend her aversion to attending a celebration for Carlos.
Taken aback by her anger, Irene frowned, deep in thought. “He didn’t die on purpose, Julia. He was very sick.”
“Stop it! Stop explaining to me what happened like I don’t understand. What I know is that Carlos was taken from me. Why would I want to celebrate his life…it’s too painful to remember,” she snapped forcefully, hoping Irene would get the picture.
Instead, Irene just looked sad. “Oh, my darling, you haven’t grieved for him. It’s been two years. How can you possibly go into a relationship with this new man in your life when you haven’t let go of Carlos?”
When Irene came over to give Julia a hug, she pushed her away. She declared with finality, “Chris isn’t looking for love, just the way I’m not. My chance for love was with Carlos, and it was over before it begun. Chris and I, we are just having fun with each other and that’s all.”
Irene shook her head with pity. “You don’t realize it, but you are going to hurt him. I’ve only seen you with him twice, but anyone can tell that man is head over heels for you. He cares a great deal about you. You’re going to hurt him badly when he finds out you don’t believe in love.”
“Get out!” Julia was shaking, so angry at Irene for spelling out her greatest fear. Trying to take a breath in, she clutched at her stomach to ease the raw pain throbbing there.
“I’m sorry I upset you. But I can’t go on without being honest, my darling. You will come to the celebration. I’ve already spoken to your mother. It is what Carlos would have wanted.”
“Please just go.”
The rush of tears wouldn’t stop. Maybe Irene was right that she hadn’t let go of Carlos. It was possible she hadn’t grieved for her late husband, but Julia didn’t believe that. Her relationship with Carlos had been such a loving companionship, but also very fragile due to his debilitating illness. Julia had been the strength between them. Her memories of love still hurt. But the truth was, Julia was afraid of letting go of Carlos. Letting go of the pain would leave her vulnerable to feeling love again. And now, she didn’t believe in a love that nurtured and didn’t hurt.
***
Chris returned, as he promised, two hours later, and found her in the bedroom. “Julia, are you okay?” He asked, inching closer.
Julia didn’t take her hands away from her eyes, which were starting to sting from all the crying. She didn’t want him to see her pain, so she just lay there sniffing, with crumpled tissues on the dresser beside her. She knew she looked a mess, but she couldn’t help it.
“What’s wrong?” he pressed. “Why didn’t you call me? What’s wrong, honey?”
When she sat up, he swore under his breath at her swollen, red eyes. His arms automatically wrapped around her in a comforting embrace, guiding her head to his shoulder. He kissed her temple, brushing her hair back from her face. They stayed like that for a few moments.
Julia had never felt so protected, so safe before in her life. But she couldn’t give into this weakness. She needed to get up and walk about. She let him go and headed for the bathroom to wash her face. Chris followed her into the bathroom.
“What happened?” Chris demanded.
“Nothing, I’m fine. I just heard bad news.”
“Julia?” he persisted.
“It’s nothing, really. I can’t talk about it.”
Chris frowned. He closed the lid of the toilet and sat down while Julia took out a washcloth and started to clean her face. “Could you do me a favor?” she asked, as she began to wet the fluffy pink cloth under cold water.
“What do you need?” He stood up, running a hand down her back. To her surprise, his gentle touch eased her tension and she relaxed. She squeezed the excess water out of the cloth in her hand.
“Could you get my moisturizing cream? It’s in my dresser, bottom drawer.”
A few minutes later, he came back, handing her the tube. She squeezed his hand, and then he sat back down on her toilet lid. The plastic creaked in protest at his weight.
A loud cracking noise revealed he’d just broken her toilet lid. “I’ll replace it,” he grumbled, making her laugh softly. He muttered something in French, getting up to sit against the edge of the bath tub, looking even more uncomfortable.
He sat quietly brooding while she washed her face. He didn’t ask again, but she could tell he wanted to. The water in the tap dripped off when she closed it. Patting her face dry, she felt refreshed and calm, and she watched him in the mirror as he kept fidgeting. She noticed the moment he couldn’t hold it in anymore.
“Are you g
oing to tell me why you’re upset? Did that woman upset you? Because if she did, I’ll, I’ll…” He struggled to find a decent retribution.
Julia wished she could share how she felt. She needed him to be there for her. But she couldn’t say it outright, so she said lightly, “Hold me, kiss me, adore me.”
The space in the bathroom began to fill with the thick, hot air of passion. She turned around, leaning against the bench, wanting to show him that she was still in control.
“I will hold you. Kiss every inch of you. Adore your body. I will comfort you until you are no longer sad,” he murmured softly. “Tell me what’s wrong, sweetheart.”
“Chris, no I can’t.” She tried to break free of his hold.
“Okay, okay.” He soothed. “Don’t worry, I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
The man was making her tingle all over, saying the right things. She needed him and he gave without question.
He smiled that angelic smile that warmed her heart. “Julia.” Slowly, he reached out and caressed her thigh. Then he clasped her hand in his to pull her closer, his knees parting to allow her closer between them. Julia felt her insides drop to her toes and shoot back up to her belly. She was sitting half in his lap and pressed against his hard body.
His fingers traced over her face with gentleness, and brushing over her puffy eyes, he placed butterfly kisses there.
“I know you’re hurting right now. Let me comfort you,” he whispered. Julia could see the truth in him. “Whatever the problem is, let me fix it.”
“You can’t fix it.”
Chris’ arms tightened around her waist. “Then let me hold you.” His hand squeezed the swell of her hip.
She bent her head to the side, kissing his neck, needing the physical intimacy. She trailed soft kisses up to his lips.
His tongue flicked out to slip between her parted mouth, tasting the flavor of sweet soft appetite.