Dreaming of a Hero (Heroes Series Book 2)

by Lyssa Layne

  “I still don't see how you came to have your father's practice?” She didn't want to voice her opinion, but she thought Jason's father was every bit as rotten as her grandfather.

  “Because Lawrence followed my father's instructions to the letter. He contacted Stanford to find a graduate from that school, who had the best reputation for honesty, local to the area and offered him the job. That person happened to be me. So, Lawrence over-ruled my father's initial wish, not to give me the business.”

  “Didn't you resent that? I don't know if I would have taken the business after that.”

  “Believe me, I didn't. It was Olivia who convinced me to take it even after all that. She said that she wanted me to protect her if anything happened to Lawrence and that this was the perfect opportunity to make it happen. I have a huge soft spot for Olivia and didn't have the heart to tell her no. I just couldn't bear to see any more disappointment on her face.”

  “Sounds like you remember only too well how hard it was on Olivia to have Destiny put away like that.”

  Jason filled his glass to the brim. “If we’re going to get on this subject I/m definitely going to need another drink.” He downed half the glass in one swallow.

  “When Destiny went away, Olivia offered to watch me. She's a wonderful woman, but she wasn't Destiny.” Jason had finished off the glass before he continued with his story.

  “I remember being depressed and sad, so one day not too long after she'd been gone, Olivia asked me to escort her to see Destiny once my homework was done.”

  Jason stared at his empty glass, twirling the stem between his fingers. “I remember expecting to see her as I had last seen her. Smiling, laughing, and singing.” Jason suddenly put the glass down and looked up into Cherie's eyes. “I guess I might as well be the one to tell you what to expect when you met your mother.”

  “What I found was a shell of the person I once knew. We entered the convalescent hospital and went out to the patio. I remember wondering why we were stopping beneath this tree. When I looked down, I saw a bedraggled woman, with tangled hair and a blank expression, holding a rag doll, gently rocking. It reminded me of a freaky sci-fi television character. Gone were her vivid blue eyes. Gone was the smile that made me feel loved. I guess you're right, I didn't see it then, but gone was the girl I loved with all my heart.” Jason swallowed hard as he struggled to spit out the last sentence.

  Cherie got out of her seat and joined Jason on his side of the booth. She wanted more than anything to take away his painful memories, because if she could take them away, maybe when she finally met her mother, she wouldn't be met by the image Jason had just painted for her.

  She stroked his arm. “Jason, I don't know what to tell you. I feel so bad for the little boy you were. I know even at my age, losing my parents is hard, but it must have been doubly hard at your age. To lose the only real friend you had must have been beyond unbearable.”

  “It was, but when I left that day, I know something in me changed. I remember being real quiet in the car on the way back. I also remember feeling like I had been deserted again. First by my mother, then Destiny.”

  Cherie clutched Jason's sleeve, “Surely, you must have known neither of them had a choice in that matter.”

  “It didn't matter, I was still alone. After that, I stayed pretty much by myself. I didn't make friends too easily, so I just went through life doing what I had to, not counting on people for things. Whether it was from my father, teachers, and even Olivia, I'm sad to say.”

  She tried to read the expression on Jason's face but he wouldn't look at her. She could only imagine that he couldn't cope with what the emptiness had created in him.

  “But surely when you went back again there must have been some improvement.”

  Cherie saw the hesitation in Jason's eyes and saw that he avoided looking at her.

  “I never went back after that first visit.”

  “Jason, how could you?” Cherie accused.

  He saw the pained expression in her eyes. “How could I what?”

  “How could you desert the only person who loved you as unconditionally as your own mother?”

  “Look, Cherie, it's not like this happened yesterday, I was barely ten years old. Besides, Olivia must have realized how seeing Destiny made me react because she never asked me to go back with her.”

  Cherie sat silently, weighing her feelings and the impressions she now had. Though she'd never met her mother, and up until this point wasn't sure she even wanted to, the realization that Destiny was as alone in the world as she felt, somehow pulled at her heart strings. Something told her she owed it to Destiny to go see her, try to understand her and help her if it was still possible.

  The silence was unbearable.

  “I realize I’m not painting an excellent picture of myself to you, regardless of my age at the time of those actions.” Ever so gently, Jason stole his arm around Cherie's shoulders. “Are you mad at me again?” He sucked in a breath as he waited for her to respond.

  “I'm sorry if I made you think I’m angry with you, Jason. I'm actually not sure what I feel, all the way around.” Cherie leaned into his shoulder, wanting to feel comforted, needing to feel alive as she verbally sorted out her mixed impressions.

  “On the one hand, I think I've managed to forgive the Michaels for keeping their secrets, I understand why they had to do what they did. At the same time, I still don't know how I fit into their life or anyone else's?”

  Jason kissed the top of her head. “That's simple. The Michaels were your parents in every sense of the word. They took you home from the hospital and proceeded to build a life for you and for them. As far as I can see, the fact that Destiny and Jeff were your biological parents is just an additional piece of information.”

  Cherie looked up at him, she felt her lips quiver.

  “I know that doesn't make sense, but you have to remember I'm a lawyer, I deal in facts. The fact is that the Michaels raised you and gave to you everything that they would have provided their own true child. If they'd treated you differently, then that would be a different story altogether.” Jason smiled and added, “They did treat you like their own, didn't they?”

  “They were wonderful. Like I said, I never knew I wasn't theirs.

  “Then that's your answer.”

  “Yes, but they're gone.”

  “So?”

  “I don't want to feel as if I’m trying to acquire another set of parents in Destiny and Jeff. Even the thought of it makes me feel like I'm betraying the Michaels.”

  “Oh, I see what you mean. But Cherie, you can't replace them, all the memories you have of them are protected in your heart and your mind.”

  “Huh?” Cherie was bewildered at his comments.

  “Let me explain. If the Michaels were here today and knew that Lawrence was dead, what do you think they'd do?”

  “Based on the letter I read, I'd have to say they'd tell me I was adopted.”

  “Okay, then. Do you honestly think that all the memories you shared with them while growing up, would diminish just because they revealed they weren't your biological parents?”

  “Well, no, I guess not.”

  “So what makes you think that just because they are no longer here, that you'll be replacing them if you get to know Destiny? If anything, having Olivia in your life and maybe getting to know Destiny through Olivia's memories will just enrich your life. Now, I don't know if you'll ever view Destiny as your mother, but maybe someday, she'll be your friend.”

  “How can you say that, considering her mental illness?”

  “Because, I sincerely believe you care not just about Olivia but about Destiny as well. Just listening to you talk tonight has given me an entirely different impression of you.”

  “Oh?” Cherie cocked her head to the side.

  “And I don't mean from our original meeting, let's forget about that one, okay?”

  Cherie had to chuckle and seeing the remorseful expression on his fac
e told her he was sincere.

  “I think you're the kind of person who cares and cares deeply for people.”

  “And just how would you know that?” She asked pointedly.

  “Well let me ask you this. What is your occupation?”

  “I'm a free-lance writer. Why?”

  “And what do you write about?”

  “I haven't written anything since before my parents died, but usually I write about people making a difference in the world. I write for a woman's magazine and when I hear about someone who made a difference in someone's life I research it and write about it.”

  “I rest my case.” The smug expression on Jason's face said it all.

  “Always the lawyer, aren't you.”

  “No, but in this case, I'm glad to be able to prove my point to you. Did you forget that I had you thoroughly investigated before we met?”

  “Well, if you knew what I did for a living, what was all that bull shit treating me like some conniving, money-grubbing, bitch?” Cherie wasn't sure if she was more insulted or stupefied.

  “I was thinking about that tonight while we were talking about your mother, and I think I know where my behavior came from. I think I held you and Jeff responsible for taking Cherie away from me.”

  “You can't be serious Jason, that's ridiculous. I didn't even exist back then.”

  “You're partially right. You see, one day when I was at Alexander's, I overheard Olivia and Lawrence. I needed some help with a math problem and went looking for Olivia, I heard her voice in the den, and just when I was getting ready to open the door, I heard Lawrence yelling at Olivia for not stopping Destiny from seeing that boy. At first, I thought Lawrence was talking about me. I assumed he wanted Destiny to stop babysitting me then I realized that couldn't be it because she was already in the convalescent hospital by then. I kept listening, and that's when I heard Olivia crying. I almost barged in and told him to stop yelling at her, but then I heard her telling Lawrence that Destiny loved Jeffrey and that his death is what cause her state of mind, that and the fact that Destiny had a baby on the way.”

  “You overheard that conversation? How did you take it? I mean you were just a little boy. Did you understand what that even meant?

  “I may have been a little boy, but I wasn't stupid. I knew enough to know Jeff was the cause of Destiny going away, that and her baby.”

  “I still don't get it?”

  “What I'm trying to say is that part of that little boy still existed the day we met, and I think I blamed you and Jeff for taking Destiny away from me.”

  Cherie tried to stifle a smile. Her heart went out to the little boy he was and even for the part of that little boy that remained in him, even now. Without hesitation, she reached up and touched his cheek. Picturing him as a small boy, she caressed his face, outlining his lips with her index finger. His impression of her wasn't the only thing that changed. She also realized he wasn't the man she first believed. What she saw in him now, was very much a man she dearly wanted to get to know, petty jealousy and all.

  Jason put his hand over hers. Without waiting for an invitation, he pulled her close, lowering his head until their lips met.

  Just as he expected, his lips were warm and tender.

  He deepened the kiss, tasting the champagne they'd shared.”

  Cherie's arms went up around his neck and made an assault of her own.

  Marcello cleared his throat. “Escuse’ me. I was going to offer you dessert, but I see you already beat me to it.”

  Jason and Cherie separated, but Cherie stayed leaning into the crook of Jason's arm, not wanting to break their closeness completely. “Coffee would be nice, but I'll pass on dessert.”

  “I'll have coffee as well, and if you have any cannoli I'll have that?”

  “Cannoli and two coffees it is.”

  Once coffee and dessert were brought, Cherie couldn't resist the bite Jason offered. It melted in her mouth.

  They didn't linger over the dessert and coffee as they had the dinner.

  Cherie was anxious to be alone with him.

  Jason paid the bill and escorted her out the door of the restaurant with his hand to her lower back. Once outside she was grateful for the breeze that kicked up, which offered him the perfect chance to slip his arm around her.

  Cherie snuggled into his side, wrapping an arm around his waist as well.

  When they reached his car, he said, “Where to now?”

  “Would you mind very much if we just went back to Olivia's? As much as I don't want the evening to end, I am suddenly exhausted.”

  “Sure, I understand.” Jason tried to hide his disappointment behind a half smile.

  When they arrived back at the Alexander'mansion, Jason walked her to the door.

  Cherie reached for the doorknob, but Jason stopped her. He turned her around and pulled her into his arms. “Cherie, I just want you to know how much I enjoyed this evening. Thank you for going out to dinner with me. It meant a lot to be able to talk to you and come to understand you better.

  “It was my pleasure. But, I think I ought to be thanking you for making me forget about things for one night and also for helping me see some clarity about my life. I don't think I could ever explain what that means to me.”

  “Glad I could help.”

  “You didn't just help, you made a real difference in how I now see things. I'm not afraid of meeting Des—my mother anymore.”

  “Do you ever think there will come a day that you'll be able to call Olivia, just plain Grandmother?”

  “Oh, I believe that day is coming quickly. The hard part is that I almost feel cheated that I won't be able to call Destiny, Mother or Mom as easily because it doesn't sound like she's ever going to come out of it, and for that, I feel gypped.”

  “Don't worry about that right now. Just concentrate on the good things that have happened in your life. Life, Olivia, and maybe...me.”

  “Are you fishing for a compliment?” she teased.

  “Well, considering how often I've made a fool of myself lately thanks to you, I think I could use one about now.”

  Cherie reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, drawing him lower. She proceeded to kiss him like he had kissed her earlier at the restaurant. When she finally broke off the kiss, she looked up into his eyes and gave him a hooded smile. “What does that tell you?”

  “Wow…I’ve had never been kissed like that before.” Jason licked his lips and smiled. “Yeah, well, I'm not sure, care to elaborate in words what you're trying to tell me? I’m a little dense, remember.”

  “Let's just say, I'm definitely interested in seeing where this will go.” When Jason didn't speak up, she started to think maybe she was reading more into it than he meant. So, taking the bull by the horns, she asked him point blank. “What about you? What do you want?”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Jason stood there contemplating her question. What did he want? Was he ready to finally have a relationship with a woman? A relationship based on mutual feelings, common interests, and maybe even love? If someone had asked him that question last week, he's have said no and with plenty of conviction. But since he'd met Cherie he seriously wanted to consider creating something lasting, something special with her. Rather than try to find the words he knew would never come he opted to show her, hoping she got his message.

  Drawing her tightly into the circle of his arms, he lowered his head and kissed her like a man who’s spent a lifetime starved for the love of a woman.

  When he finally lifted his lips from her, he asked, “Does that answer your question?”

  “Well either your lips were cold and in desperate need of warming, or you haven't been kissed in a while, right?” Cherie said playfully.

  “There is a third alternative to consider.”

  “And that would be?”

  “You're really going to make me say it, aren't you?”

  “Look, Jason, you’ve been very clear from the beginning that you had very
particular views on just about everything, including me. If you want me to know exactly what you're thinking, then I suggest you put that into words as well. I want to know unequivocally that you want me in your life. I don't want there to be any doubt in my mind. I've admitted to that much to you, so I think it's only fair for you to do the same.”

  “Okay, but remember you asked for it.” Jason sucked in a deep breath and put his heart into his words.

  “Ever since I met you, I've done nothing but make a complete ass of myself. I've misjudged my best friend on two occasions, I've all but called you a fortune hunter, not to mention jumped to more conclusions than I ever have in my lifetime. That tells me one of two things, either I've turned into a first class jerk, or I'm so attracted to you I can't sort my feelings out properly.”

  “So, which is it?” Cherie asked, her expression serious.

  “If that last kiss didn't answer your question, then maybe this will. I think I'm falling in love with you.”

  Jason waited to see how she'd react to his words.

  “I—I—” She blinked rapidly, but words didn’t come.

  “Yes?” He tried to read the expression on her face, but it told him nothing.

  Cherie’s mouth hung open. “Oh, Jason.”

  Nothing could have prepared Jason for Cherie launching herself at him. One second she was standing before him and the next she's throwing her arms around his neck placing a lip-lock on him he hadn't expected.

  When she finally released his lips, he set her away from him and asked, “Honey, I thoroughly love being kissed like that, but, I really would like to know what it means?”

  “Silly, it just means I think I'm falling for you as well.” Then as if a thought dawned on her, she grabbed his hand and dragged him into the house.”

  “Olivia?” Cherie bellowed.

  Olivia came rushing out of the library, “What's all the noise about?”

  “Guess what?” Cherie said then went on before her grandmother could respond. “Jason and I have reached an understanding.” She blushed, “A rather nice understanding.”