by Jamie Beck
David wrapped his arms around her calves and briefly rested his head in her lap. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, but don’t read more into my decision than what it is. You need me at the wedding because I’m the only one with whom you can be truthful about Janet, so I will be there for you this one time. It doesn’t mean things between us are fixed. I’m not falling back into old patterns with you.”
“Understood.” He sat upright, looking slightly less sick to his stomach than he had minutes earlier. “You look exhausted. You should rest.”
He stood and then followed her back to his room. After she crawled beneath the sheet, he drew the comforter up to her chest. His gaze locked on hers, full of warmth, as he ran a hand over her hair. “Sleep, Muñequita.”
In the morning, Vivi woke up alone, wondering if her concussion caused her to hallucinate the discussion with David in his study. She licked her lips as she replayed the scene in which she’d agreed to go to the wedding with him.
He walked into the bedroom carrying two cups of coffee just as she sat up.
“Here, sorry it’s decaf. Doctor’s orders.” He handed her a mug and sat beside her on the bed. A strand of her hair fell in front of her eyes, so he tucked it behind her ear. “How do you feel today? Groggy, nauseated? Is your vision normal?”
“I’m tired. My head hurts.”
He set his coffee on the table. “Are you hungry?”
“Surprisingly, not yet.” She frowned, thinking it odd since she usually woke up starving. Then again, she wasn’t usually waking up in David’s bed with a massive concussion. The reminder of Justin’s rage stopped her short. “Have you spoken with Cat today? Is she okay?”
“Yes. Funny how she’s taking my calls now.” His tone conveyed irritation and hurt. “She’s fine, other than being worried about you.”
“You do realize she and Jackson are trying to force you to make up with your dad by avoiding you? She hates doing it, just so you know.” Vivi peered at him. “Now that you’re going to the wedding, things will improve.”
“Thank you again for agreeing to go with me. I could never go otherwise. ” He glanced out his window. “I guess I should talk to my dad first. I know I’ve got to find a way to forgive him.”
“Yes, you do.” Vivi sipped her coffee, her heart thawing with each minute she spent near David.
“He hasn’t asked for my forgiveness, which may be part of the problem. It won’t be easy to take the first step.” He glanced at her and grinned. “Why are you smiling?”
She looked at him and bit her lip. “It’s nice to be the one being leaned on for a change.”
He cocked his head before shaking it in apparent disbelief. “Why have you always believed you needed me more than I needed you? That’s never been true. I’ve always relied on you, on your love and friendship, on your ability to make me lighten up a bit.”
“I already agreed to go to the wedding, David, so you don’t need to pour it on so thick.” She patted his hand, smirking.
He grabbed her hand and kissed it. “I mean every word.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
David finished cleaning the lunch dishes and went to his study while Vivi slept. He sat at his desk, staring at the phone. He’d been avoiding his father since returning from Hong Kong. He couldn’t procrastinate any longer. If he didn’t call now and accept the invitation to the wedding, he might chicken out. Blowing out a breath, he dialed the phone.
“Hello, David.”
“Dad.” His posture stiffened; his heart thudded inside his chest. Neither spoke for several seconds.
“I take it you’re settled in at work and a new apartment.” His father’s typically authoritative voice faltered.
“Yes.” David paused, uncertain of how to begin. Five seconds later, the words tumbled from his mouth. “I’m calling about the wedding. I thought we should try to clear the air so I can attend.”
Another brief silence unfolded between them.
“I’d hoped after all this time you’d finally let go of that, David.”
“Trust me, I wish I could. I’m trying, but I’m still pissed. And your attitude hasn’t helped matters. You’ve shown no remorse. You’ve also allowed Cat and Jackson to blame me for this friction. Instead of shouldering any blame, you’ve protected yourself and let me twist in the wind.”
David heard his father sigh before he replied.
“Your mother begged us both to keep my affair a secret. I’ve simply been respecting her wishes. Honoring them was the least I could do to make amends.” David was mulling over the unexpected response when his father continued. “As for the rest, I didn’t thank you because I knew you weren’t staying silent for my benefit. You were doing it for her.
“I am sorry for the backlash you’ve suffered from Cat and Jackson. But, David, I won’t apologize for anything else. What happened in my marriage, and with Janet, is not your business. That was between your mother and me, and Janet.”
“That’s not true. It affected everything and everyone.”
“Only because you found out. The problems in my marriage were my business, not yours.”
“How lucky for you Mom’s death freed you to be with Janet without having to publicly own up to the affair or your decision to break up our family.”
“You’re out of line, David. I mourned your mother’s death. Despite what happened, I loved her, and I cherished the family she gave me.”
“How can you say you loved her when you betrayed her, not to mention how you betrayed me? Christ, I spent my life admiring you, seeking your approval. No one could’ve made me doubt your integrity. You say you cherish your family. But when Mom was dying and we all needed you more than ever, you let Janet become more important than the rest of us.
“Your selfishness turned my whole world upside down. It’s caused me to question everything I ever believed about you, our family, and love. So don’t lie to yourself and pretend what you did wasn’t any of my business.”
A short silence ensued while David tried to calm his heaving chest.
“I’m not proud of how I handled things in the past.” His father’s tone sounded tired, if not defeated. “I’m sorry I disappointed you, but I can’t undo it. What would you have me do now?”
Unable to muster another reply, David’s stomach burned.
“David? Are you still there?”
“Yes.” His mind raced. “I don’t know what else to say right now. I can’t talk about this anymore. I’ll just see you at the wedding.”
“Okay. I’m glad you’re coming. I’m sorry things between us are still uncomfortable, and I hope we can eventually fix it.”
“I’ll speak with you later, Dad.” David ended the call. A tremor whipped through his body. He didn’t feel better or worse for having had that long-dreaded discussion—only numb.
He slouched in the chair while replaying the conversation. The dissatisfied part of him already wanted to cancel his plans to attend the wedding, but he wouldn’t give up a chance to spend the day with Vivi.
Right now he needed a distraction. He turned his computer speakers on low so he wouldn’t disturb her by listening to music while he worked. He was editing the first ten pages of the agreement Laney had given him yesterday when the doorman called to announce visitors. Moments later, he opened the door to greet his brother and sister.
“Where’s Vivi?” Cat pushed past him, scanning the empty living room.
“Shhh,” David said. “She’s resting.”
Jackson crossed between them and went straight to the refrigerator to get a beer. Once he popped the cap, he looked at David, who merely shook his head before continuing his discussion with Cat.
“The doctor told her to refrain from most activity. No TV, computer, books, or music. No physical exertion for a few days, either.”
“But you
said she’s okay.” Cat’s accusatory tone carried a layer of concern.
“No one expects her to suffer any permanent damage,” David began, “but concussions are tricky. She needs to protect her brain while it recovers.”
Cat bit her lip and tapped her foot several times, lost in thought.
“Well, when she wakes up, I’ll take her home with me.” Cat hopped onto a kitchen stool. “I’m sure it’ll be more comfortable for everyone that way.”
“No, it won’t. Taking her back to the scene of the crime so soon is a terrible idea.” David sat beside her and let his eyes drift between her and Jackson. His brother looked worn down. Obviously, they’d all had an exhausting night. David returned his gaze to Cat. If he wanted a future with Vivi, he’d need to face the music with his sister and Jackson. He hoped they’d prove him wrong by reacting well to his news. “Besides, I want her here. I also want you both to know that I’m in love with her.”
“What?” Jackson’s shocked expression bordered on disgust. He set the bottle down and stepped closer. “David, she’s like our sister. What in the hell are you saying?”
“She’s not our sister. She’s not related to us at all.” He looked directly at Jackson, who was looking at him as if he were a stranger. “I love her, Jackson. The whole time I sat in the emergency room praying for her recovery, I promised God, if given the chance, I’d be honest about my feelings. I don’t know what I would’ve done if she hadn’t come through so well.”
“I don’t get you at all.” Jackson waved his hand in the air, unable or unwilling to comprehend David’s sincerity. “First Dad, now this. Did you lose your mind in Hong Kong?”
“You’re being an insulting ass. You both know she’s always been important to me. We had our own relationship apart from her friendship with you two.” He scratched at the back of his neck. “I’m sorry if it makes you uncomfortable. For the time being, please put her recovery above your own feelings. I haven’t said anything to her because”—he paused, unwilling to confess everything that had happened on Block Island—“the nurse said it’s imperative she doesn’t become overexcited for a while. Once she’s out of the woods, I’m going to tell her how I feel, and then we’ll see where things lead.” He looked at his sister’s strained expression. “I’d appreciate your support. Failing that, at least allow us to decide what we want without interfering.”
“I’m not particularly comfortable, but I guess I’m not shocked, either.” Cat’s fingers tapped against the granite, her mouth set in a firm line. “I sensed something happening on Block Island. Guess Laney had a right to be pissed.”
“Let’s leave Laney out of this, please.” He stood and shoved his hands in his pockets. “And I’m not asking for your consent. Ultimately, this is between Vivi and me.”
“It affects us, too, David. If you two break up, do we lose our friend? And what if I don’t want her telling you things about my life, but she feels obligated because she’s your girlfriend? Or worst of all, you break her heart. Hasn’t she been through enough in her life, without having you give her hope only to disappoint her?” Cat rolled her eyes and dropped her chin into her palm. “Don’t pretend this doesn’t have the potential to change everything for all of us.”
“Isn’t it possible that everything will change for the better? Besides, Vivi’s never revealed secrets between all of us before, so there’s no reason to suspect that would change. And I won’t break her heart.” David sighed, aware that he actually had broken her heart recently. Time to change the subject.
He looked at Jackson, who’d grown quiet while finishing his beer. “About Dad. I’ll be coming to his wedding, but not because of anything you two have said or done.”
Jackson’s sideways glance annoyed David. “Why the change of heart, then?”
“I have my reasons. Last night’s scare was a wake-up call about how short life is, and it’s important to Vivi that I mend things with Dad.”
“Oh, well if it’s important to Vivi, then by all means, do it.” Jackson’s sarcasm revealed his own hurt feelings, so David let it pass without defending himself. “Are you ever going to tell us the real reason why you’ve been acting like a jackass toward Dad?”
“No. And before you jump all over me, consider that perhaps I’m doing it for your own good. There are some things you don’t need or really want to know.” David lowered his head briefly. “I will tell you I’m offended by how you both dump all the blame on me. When have I ever given either of you reason to doubt me?”
Jackson opened his mouth to respond, but then his eyes darted sideways and his expression swiftly changed from somber to welcoming. “Hey, V. How are you feeling?”
Cat slid off her stool and hugged Vivi.
“I’m so sorry, Vivi.” Cat’s voice broke over her tears. “You warned me about Justin. I should’ve listened. I’m so sorry he hurt you.”
“It’s not your fault, Cat.” Vivi patted Cat’s back. “I’m just glad you’re not hurt.”
“It should’ve been me, not you,” Cat cried. “I’m the fool who kept taking him back. I’m so stupid, Vivi. I’m so sorry!”
“You’re not responsible, Cat.” Vivi looked Cat in the eye. “Just promise me it’s really over now, no matter how much he apologizes or begs. I—”
“Oh, it’s over. Trust me. If he comes anywhere near either of you, he’s over, too,” Jackson interjected. “And you’re both going to testify if that bastard doesn’t plead guilty.”
When he hugged both women, his big hand grazed Vivi’s bandage, causing her to yelp and break up their huddle.
“Sorry, V.” Jackson grimaced. “I’m an idiot.”
“My favorite idiot, anyway.” She grinned and punched his arm.
“I’m serious about Justin, though.” Jackson’s expression turned grim. “He’s gonna pay, right, David?”
David looked at Vivi, who seemed to be holding her breath. Before he responded to Jackson, Vivi turned to Cat. “Is that what you want, Cat? Do you want to get involved in a bunch of lawsuits and drag everything out?”
“No. I just want to make sure he can’t come near us again.” She looked at David. “I just want out.”
David shot Jackson a defeated glance. He couldn’t disagree with both women more, but he wouldn’t push this topic in light of his and Vivi’s discussion last night.
“We’ll get a restraining order in place right away,” he promised his sister. “No one needs to make any decisions about civil suits right now. We have time to file, if that’s what either of you decides to do once the dust settles.”
“I don’t need time.” Vivi’s voice sounded agitated. “I already told you, I’m not going to be part of any civil suits.”
“Relax, Vivi. David can’t force either of us to do anything.” Cat grasped Vivi’s hand and shot her brothers a death stare. “This all can wait until another time. You’re supposed to stay calm. Let’s stop talking about Justin.”
“Cat’s right. You need to stay calm and relaxed. No stress.” David handed Vivi a glass of water and a painkiller. In his peripheral vision, he caught sight of Jackson, who now appeared lost in thought, almost haunted.
Cat pushed some of Vivi’s hair behind her ear. “Hey, let’s lighten the mood. I have some cute scarves you can use to hide those bandages. Want me to go get them?”
“My God, Cat.” Vivi swallowed her pills with a large gulp of water. “Scarves . . . seriously?”
“Well, I always feel better when I look pretty.” Cat shrugged and offered a weak smile.
“I’ll be fine with these bandages.” She touched her head, wincing. “Thanks for checking on me, but standing here is making me a little light-headed. I think I need to sit.”
David immediately stepped closer, hovering his hand just below her elbow in case she started to faint.
“We shouldn’t tax you with a long visit, anyway.”
Cat’s eyes drifted away from David and Vivi as she fidgeted with her purse strap. “We’ll leave you to rest. I’ll check in later.”
Jackson gave Vivi another quick hug and followed Cat out the door. Vivi seemed oblivious to Cat and Jackson’s abrupt departure. She was obviously preoccupied with her own memories and feelings. The legal conversation must’ve once again stirred her awful memories of the car accident.
David was thankful she’d stopped pushing him away, although she didn’t seem to realize the subtle shift in her attitude. At least he’d made a little progress with her during the past twelve hours. His relief was tainted by a feeling of impotence with respect to the irrational guilt she’d been carrying around. Had she really suffered in silence all these years, believing she’d killed her mother? It explained a lot about her, but it didn’t excuse her father from not getting her the help she needed to put that accident in proper perspective.
Now wasn’t the time for that discussion, so he let it drop. “I think you should go lie down. I’ll wake you for dinner.”
“Okay,” she began. “After dinner, I’d like to go home.”
Her words depressed him. Winning her back would be an uphill battle. But it wasn’t about him or his needs. It was about her. She’d waited for him for years; the least he could do was be willing to return the favor.
He wouldn’t push her now, despite his heavy heart. He’d take his time, regain her trust, and then beg for a second chance. “Whatever you want.”
Nearly two weeks later, Vivi pulled the tray of lasagna out of her father’s oven and set it on the stove. While letting it cool slightly, she poured herself a soda and then stared out the window. The lawn was in dire need of cutting.
Mindlessly, her fingers slid along her scar, where the stitches had recently been removed. When she’d last visited her dad, three weeks ago, she never could’ve predicted the ways in which her life would keep changing. But every day since Block Island had built toward the confrontation she’d planned for tonight.