“Hello Lynwood,” she said politely.
“Hi, Vessa, how are you?”
“Fine. You look tired,” Vessa commented.
“I am,” he admitted.
Marty was trying to get his father's attention. Lynwood eyes stayed on Vessa. Damn it, he thought to himself, he missed her. He thought of nothing else but her. Whenever he could close his eyes, which wasn’t much lately, he’d see her face and the pained look in her eyes that etched in his heart and mind. Somehow, he had to figure out how to let go of his fears and give her his heart.
Damn you Bea for this. He remembered how much he thought he loved her and the pain she caused marring him for life. Why couldn’t he love Vessa that way?
He even dated a few of his past liaisons and none compared to Vessa. She was so deeply imbedded inside he found himself comparing them to her, and all came up short.
Ron was not happy with his decision to start seeing other women. He thought he should focus on trying to win Vessa back. Lynwood tried to explain why he did it, but Ron thought he was being stupid. His parent, for the first time in his life, were disappointed and thought he was wasting his time.
“Son, be careful,” his father told him, “If you lose Vessa over this she'll be gone forever.” He told his father this was something he had to do.
His father said, “I trust you, but you play a dangerous game, someone’s going to get hurt, and I don’t think it will be you. My daughter can’t take much more heartbreak from you.”
His father just didn’t understand the turmoil inside him. Vessa was the only woman he desired, but afraid to open his heart to her. To overcome his desire for Vessa, he threw himself into work. Work is what kept his head in perspective and off Vessa. It was just those nights when he was alone, bone tired and wanting her that he hated the most. The thought of her with other men was another demon he had to work through, and wondering if she had started dating. Hell, what he could do if she has? He dreamt one night some dude was making love to her; he awoke in a cold sweat and angry.
Marty regained his father's attention, and Lynwood sat his large frame on the blanket beside him as Marty chatted showing him his toys; Vessa smiled watching them.
Vessa had no doubt this man loved his son, and she will always love that man.
Lynwood eyes met hers. Vessa reached out and cupped his cheek.
“You need rest Lynwood,” she said tenderly. “I’m going to make sure your room is ready.” Lynwood stared after her. She looked sad, and knew it was because of him. He smiled at his son who looked up at him with innocent adoration. “Well Marty, it’s time for Daddy to make Mommy happy.” Lynwood decided at that moment that he was going to do whatever it took to make Vessa happy again.
The others had not arrived yet, so the three of them ate lunch together. Vessa put Marty down for a nap after lunch. When she returned, Lynwood was sitting at the table staring straight ahead.
“Why don’t you lie down for a while?” She suggested.
“I have some calls to make,” he said absently not looking at her.
“It can wait,” she told him taking his hand pulling him from the chair.
Lynwood gazed into her eyes. “Vessa, are you seeing someone?” He asked bluntly.
The question startled her. “Why do you ask Lynwood?” She asked curiously.
He shrugged. “I dreamt you had sex with another man.”
She looked directing into his dark brown eyes. “No, Lynwood, I’m not seeing anyone.”
“Would you tell him if you were?”
“Yes,” she said quietly. “Come on you need rest.” She led him to the bedroom she prepared. Inside the room, both silently stared at one another.
She still loves me, Lynwood thought with relief; he could see it in her eyes. He took both her hands and kissed them.
“Lynwood, don’t,” she said pulling her hands away. He dropped her hands. She turned to leave and then stopped.
“Get some rest Lynwood.” She reached for the doorknob with every intention of closing the door. His hand covered hers. She looked back at him.
“God help me, I still love you,” she said softly.
“Thank you,” he sighed relieved pulling her in his arms as his lips found hers.
“I’ve missed you,” he said raining kissing her face.
“Make love to me Lynwood.”
Martin, Edie, Ron, and Izzy arrived late afternoon. The housekeeper said, “Mr. Lynwood has arrived, but he and Ms Vessa just disappeared and Marty is taking his nap, Let me show you to your rooms.”
They followed her upstairs, stopping to look in on a sleeping Marty. The four walked passed an open door. All stopped, backed up, and looked into the room.
Lynwood's and Vessa were spooned together sound asleep. Edie eased the door shut.
“Now,” Edie smiled saying, “They're going to act like they have not been together, you do realize we’ll have to watch them and let them be," Edie sighed shaking her head. “They’ll figure it out one day.” They all chuckled and went to their rooms to freshen up.
Vessa awoke with a start. “Oh my,” she said, “Marty!”
She glanced over at the still sleeping Lynwood. Lightly he kissed his lips and eased from the bed. Hearing voices she moved to the bedroom window. In her back yard were Lynwood’s parents, Ron and Izzy. When did they arrive she wondered? Marty was sitting on his Poppop lap talking. Ron was grilling, while Izzy and Mom were in lounge chairs in what appeared to be in deep conversation.
“Vessa,” Lynwood called sleepily.
“Sh… the family is here, we can’t let the family know about this.”
“Vessa, come back to bed,” Lynwood said sleepily.
“No, I can’t, the family’s here.” Lynwood reached for her, pulling her back on the bed.
“Come on, so what if they know we made love together.”
“Because, do it for me, please.”
“Why?”
“I’d feel like a fool, I love you, you don’t love me, please don’t make me look foolish.”
Sadly, he understood, promising himself that when he was done she would never feel embarrassed or foolish ever again.
She kissed him. “I love you.” Lynwood pulled her back on the bed. She kissed him again, pushing herself off the bed. “Remember, your promise.”
“I promise.” Vessa opened the door and looked up and down the hallway. She turned and smiled at him and left.
Quickly she showered and change clothes, then joined her company. She stood for a moment before stepping outside of the patio and smiled. She had a family. Ron was cooking on the grill when he saw her and waved. It certainly was a lovely evening to have dinner on the patio.
“Hi, everyone,” she greeted smiling. She hugged and kissed Mom and Dad. She went to Izzy and hugged her. “Someone is glowing,” Izzy whispered in her ear. Vessa smiled and went to hug Ron.
“You find everything alright,” she asked. He nodded giving her a sly look. She blushed and turned away. They know something she thought.
“How are you feeling, Daughter?” Dad inquired, holding Marty on his lap.
“Wonderful,” she said, “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you, before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.
“Where’s my son?” Dad asked.
“He was exhausted, he’s asleep, I guess.”
“Hello everyone,” Lynwood said joining them. Vessa rolled her eyes upward.
“Vessa,” he said mono toned.
“Lynwood,” she replied.
“Dada,” Marty called. Lynwood went to greet his parents and Izzy.
“Hello son, Vessa said you were exhausted, did you sleep well?”
He smiled glancing over at Vessa. ‘The best sleep I had in a long time, Dad.” Vessa face grew hot with pleasure.
“Hey man,” Ron called, “Get over here and help me with this grill.”
Lynwood joined his friend. “So...?” Ron said grinning.
“So what?” Lynwood countered, g
rabbing a hot dog from the grill.
“Come on Lyn, we saw you and Vessa hugged up in bed…”
“Shut it!” Lynwood snapped looking back at Vessa.
Ron laughed. “Everybody saw you.”
“Damn. “Don’t let Vessa know you saw us. I promised her I was going to act like nothing is happening between us.”
“Why?” Ron frowned.
Lynwood shook his head. “It’s complicated. Women what are you gonna do?” He said shrugging.
Vessa sat with her family recounting how well the Vegas opening had gone. Martin smiled with pride at her. He prayed so hard for his son and Vessa to get it together. He would hate to lose her as part of their family.
“I’ll make a salad,” she informed them and went into the kitchen. A moment later Lynwood went behind her.
“Hey,” Lynwood said.
“Hey,” she said smiling, “get me the dressing from the fridge,” she asked while slicing tomatoes. He brought it over and kissed the back of her neck.
“Lynwood, you promised.”
“I know, I can’t help myself, he said his arms around her waist.
Vessa turned in his arms putting a piece of tomato in her mouth; he sucked her finger. “Mm..., you taste good,” he said huskily.
Vessa smiled. “Stop it or I won’t be responsible for my actions,” she said grinning up at him. They heard someone coming, Lynwood and Vessa separated on either side of the large kitchen. When Ron entered the kitchen, he looked from one to the other shaking his head smiling. “Come on you two, were hungry. How’s that salad Vessa?” Ron said amused.
She grabbed the large bowl. “Fine,” she said. “Ron could you get that tray?” She walked pass them. Lynwood winked at her. Ron laughed at the blushing Vessa.
Dinner turned out to be fun. After dinner, Ron, Izzy, Vessa, and Lynwood played spades. Edie and Martin watched enjoying their laughter and selling noise, while Marty fell asleep in Pop pop’s lap. Teammates Vessa and Lynwood were ruthless and winning. Vessa who was unaccustomed to junk talking joined in.
“Alright, Ron,” she said putting the card on her forehead. “This could be your hand or it could be ours, now be careful, I’ve noticed you trying to count cards, are you sure you counted right?” She said, looking ridiculous with the card on her forehead, “What you need to ask yourself is do I feel lucky.” Lynwood and Izzy were laughing hysterically at her. Ron looked over at his wife frowning. “What are you laughing at, we're a team.”
“Look at Vessa,” she said laughing. Ron looked over at Vessa and seeing the card on her high classed forehead and her idea of a poker face caused him to start laughing.
“I quit,” Ron said in a fit of laughter and threw down his cards. Martin smiled at the group of young people saying, “Now there's a Kodak moment.”
She smiled and took the card from her head and placed it on the table. Ron picked the card up looking at it and then at Vessa in disbelief.
“You bluffed,” he blurted out staring at the seven of hearts card in disbelief. Ron lifted the card and showed them. “She bluffed me,” he repeated incredulously. They all started laughing again.
“That’s my Baby,” Lynwood said and winked at her. She smiled loving the sound of that. Edie and Martin had never seen Lyn and Vessa so happy and prayed that their son has finally realized his love for her. Smiling the older couple told younger couples they were going to bed taking a sleeping Marty with them.
Lynwood, Ron, Izzy, and Vessa decided to stay up and continue to listen to music and playing cards.
This night was perfect with its beautiful, balmy moonlit sky and the stars twinkled brightly above them. Izzy put on some slow, romantic music. Ron rises and pulls his wife in his arms coaxing her to dance to the classic sounds of ‘For the Good Times by Al Green.’ Vessa watched the couple and smiled fondly. It was so obvious Ron and Izzy was extremely in love. To her they were the embodiment of what being in love should be, and she wanted that with Lynwood. The way they gazed into each other’s eyes stirred a twinge of envy and right away was ashamed of her pathetic feelings. If Lynwood loved her, half as much as Ron loved Izzy; she would be the most contented woman on this earth. Pathetic as it may seem, her decision to accept Lynwood without his love and opening herself body and soul was the chance she was willing to take whole-heartedly. In her heart, she knew there was no other man she could love with such and abandonment.
“Come on Vessa, dance with me,” Lynwood asked with an extended hand.
Vessa stood and gazed up at him lovingly. Lynwood settled her in his strong arms. She laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes inhaling his virility as his hand slowly caresses her back.
“Do you remember the first time we danced?” He asked softly. She nodded.
“You said I intrigued you.” She stared into his eyes.
“Yes you did.”
“Still?”
“Always.” He pulled her closer. She exhaled, and laid her head back on his chest. He kissed the top of her head. She raised her head again, “I love you,” she whispered.
“I want to kiss you.”
“You promised,” she said putting both arms around his neck. His head lowered covering her mouth with his.
Ron and Izzy watched them. “Why doesn’t Lynwood just say the words?” Izzy whispered to Ron.
“He got hurt really bad in college, vowing never to fall in love again, but it looks as if he’s losing the fight. He had hardened his heart a long time ago. Frivolous affairs were okay, but I think when he met Vessa she gradually cracked the shell around his heart, he just fighting it. Only Lynwood can work through his demons.”
“I love you Ron,” Izzy said.
“I love you too, let’s go to bed.”
“Let’s go to bed.” Lynwood said.
“Together.” Vessa hoped.
“It’s up to you, Baby.”
“Meet me in my room, in twenty minutes.”
Lynwood secured the house and then quietly entered her room. Vessa lay naked on the chaise lounge, and his heart leaped in his chest. “You’re beautiful.”
It was another perfect day and the handful of people in her backyard seemed to be having a marvelous time. Mom and Dad sat enjoying themselves getting to know Vessa's neighbors and friends. Vessa looked over at Lynwood and Ron at the grill. She didn’t care anymore if she looked foolish, she loved him, and that is that. Lynwood and Marty were her life, and wanted the world to know it. He made her happy, and she is not willing to give him up, not now not ever. She knew Lynwood desired her; she would even go so far as to say he cared about her, and if that’s all he had to give, she could accept that as long as they stayed together. She knew how pathetic that sounded, but at this point in her life, desperate was what she was. She handed Marty to Izzy and joined Ron and Lynwood.
“Excuse me Ron,” she said.
Vessa stood directly in front of Lynwood gazing up at him. “I love you, she whispered.
Lynwood smiled down into her hazel eyes slipping his hand around her waist pulling her into him.
“Everyone's going to see me kissing you.” Lynwood reminded gazing down at her.
“Just kiss me Lynwood,” she said smiling.”
Chapter 13
Vessa rose early the next day for a meeting at the Philly office. Deciding not to wake Lynwood, she gently kissed him, leaving a note. “See you at noon,” it read.
Vessa's houseguests were enjoying breakfast at the pool when the housekeeper came to report a police officer was in the living room.
Dad frowned. He and Mom went to greet the police officer.
“Can I help you, sir?” Dad asked him.
“Are you Vanessa Sanders parents?” He asked.
Dad nodded. “What happened?” He asked.
“I’m sorry to inform you there’s been an accident involving Ms Sander was. She is being flown to the Copper Trauma Unit in Cherry Hill.
Martin grabbed hold of his wife before she collapsed to knees.
“Is she...?” Dad asked, his heart pounding in his chest.
“No sir, but she’s critical.”
“We’ll be right there,” Martin informed the officer. “Thank you.” Calming his near hysterical wife, Martin didn’t know how he was going to break this terrible news to his son. He stood a moment on the patio looking out at his family laughing gaily. It has been a while since Lynwood was as happy as he’s been this weekend and he regretted having to destroy that. Silently praying for Vessa and for strength, he stepped out of the door joining the other beside the pool.
“Izzy,” he called, “Could you go see about my wife, please.” Izzy rushed into the house, sensing something was wrong.
“Son, could I see you a minute?” His father asked.
“Yes, Dad.” Lynwood went to his father.
“What is it Dad?” Lynwood asked. Martin exhaled, trying to find the right words.
“Son, Vessa drove into Philly this morning.”
“I know Dad; she’ll be home at noon.”
“No son,” Martin head lowered. “It’s Vessa; she has been in a bad car accident.”
“What!” Lynwood said panic rising in him.
“I’m sorry son, it’s critical; we have to get to this Cooper Trauma Unit in Cherry Hill.”
Lynwood heard his father, but it didn’t seem to register in his head. He looked at his father dazed. He could distantly hear someone murmuring "no" repeatedly.
“Son,” Martin said grabbing Lynwood, “Pull yourself together we have to get to her now.”
Ron rushed over, “What’s wrong?” Ron asked.
“It’s Vessa; she’s been in an accident.” Martin told Ron. Ron called for the car. They all piled in leaving Marty with the nanny.
Lynwood rushed into the Trauma Unit to the nurse’s station.
“Vanessa Sanders,” he said.
“Yes sir, let me get Dr Williams.” The doctor returned with the nurse.
“Mr. Holland,” the doctor began to diagnose. “Ms Sander is in critical condition, and the next 24 hours are crucial, because of the severe internal bleeding, which we stopped. She has three broken ribs and a broken leg.”
“Doctor, is she going to make it?” Lynwood asked.
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