Can You See Me?

by Nikki Vale

  “Sure sweetie. I’m sorry about that. You must be worried to death. Let me just get you ready for your bath and we’ll talk all about it.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Cooper

  I swear I’m not a jealous man, but when I walked in that hospital room and saw Jon kissing Skye’s fingers I wanted to snatch him up. Something inside of me yelled, MINE! It didn’t help that earlier Skye asked me if I was sweet on her. What could I say? I couldn’t lie, so I admitted it. And what does she say? Where’s Dawn?

  I’m not an asshole, I know she’s worried about her sister and she has more things to worry about than a possible romance with some country bumpkin Sherriff. It wouldn’t be the first time a woman thought of me that way.

  I lived and worked in Chicago for a few short years. I know that people look at you different and treat you differently when you have a southern drawl. Just because I talk slower doesn’t mean I think slower. It’s a common mistake people make. I’m laid back, not lazy. There’s a difference.

  I left home after I graduated college. I felt suffocated in this small town. I wanted to see bigger and better things. I saw them, but bigger wasn’t always better. I missed the tight-knit community of a small town. I missed the small town where everybody knows your name and they greet you on the streets as you walk by. So I moved back hoping that this small town boy would find a small town girl, settle down and get married. But what do I do? I fall for the city girl that just moved into the small town.

  Why can’t things just be simple? I’m competing with Jon for Skye’s affection and she doesn’t even know it. I’m in the hospital hallway pacing while the nurse gives her a sponge bath and I would do anything to be in there right now. I’m no better than Jon, hell I’m probably worse. I’m just better at keeping my thoughts to myself than he is.

  Nurse Mendoza opens the door to Skye’s room. “It’s okay to come in now,” she informs me.

  I walk back into the room and Skye smiles at me sheepishly. She’s so sweet. She acts like she’s embarrassed that she had to have a bath. She looks refreshed. Her cheeks are rosy under her brown complexion and her hair looks soft and damp from being washed.

  “How are you feeling?” I ask her pulling a chair close to her bed. She surprises me when she pats the bed next to her in invitation. I don’t hesitate. I sit down on the edge of the bed next to her thigh on the side without the cast.

  “I feel okay for having had a near-death experience,” she laughs lightly without humor. “Honestly, I’m more emotionally drained than physically. Dawn won’t come see me. My mother is covering for her. I’m not going to be able to work anytime soon and I don’t know how I’ll climb a flight of stairs to Summer’s apartment,” she sighs in exasperation. “I swear I was better off in a coma.”

  She’s killing me. I want so badly to take her in my arms and comfort her. “Don’t say that,” I tell her running my hand over her silky hair until I’m cupping her cheek. She leans her face into the palm of my hand like she needed to feel the contact as much as I needed to give it. There’s something comforting to both of us in the simple gesture. She rubs her smooth cheek against my palm a few times. I rub my thumb across her cheekbone and then gently remove my hand.

  “You can move in with me,” I quietly suggest. “Hear me out,” I tell her before she gets the wrong idea. “I need to keep an eye on you while I look for who did this to you,” I explain. “I’ve already come to the conclusion that Dawn wasn’t the target and by the look on your face, you agree. I live in a single story house with two spare bedrooms you can take your pick of either. In case you were worried, I’ll be a perfect gentleman unless of course, you don’t want me to be.”

  I can’t believe I said that last part, but it’s too late it’s out there now and I can’t take it back. She looks like she’s thinking it over and I’m waiting nervously for her response. Having her close will definitely help me to keep an eye on her but it's going to wreak havoc on my libido.

  “Okay, I guess I can do that” she concedes, and I let out the breath I was holding. “But under one condition. This is a roommate type of situation and I will pay you to rent the room,” she states, leaving no room for debate.

  “Fine,” I tell her. “Two hundred dollars a month,” I quote her.

  “That’s not enough money,” she claims, narrowing her eyes at me. “It should be at least three hundred.”

  “Two fifty,” I counter. I have no intentions of keeping a dime of her money, but she doesn’t need to know that.

  “Deal,” she agrees, sticking out her hand and smiling. I take her hand and shake it, sealing the deal. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s just made a deal with the devil. I smile back at her.

  “I’m back,” Summer says from the doorway. “What’s going on in here?” she asks mischievously.

  “Nothing. Cooper and I were just coming to an agreement about how much rent I’m going to pay to stay at his house,” she replies nonchalantly.

  “What! You’re moving in with Cooper?” Sumer asks, her voice rising in astonishment.

  “What’s this I hear about Skye moving in with Cooper?” Their mother says from the doorway. “Skye how are you going to find a girlfriend if everyone thinks you have a boyfriend?” her mother asks, seriously.

  Summer throws her hands up. “Really Mom? Skye is not a Lesbian. We went along with it for a while because it was funny that you actually believed that, but this isn’t funny anymore,” she tells her mother.

  “But Dawn said….” Jenny falters.

  “You believe everything that lying little cunt says!” Summer screeches. I’m shocked at the way Summer is talking to her mother. “I’m sorry Skye,” Summer continues. “I love you, hell I even love Dawn. You’re my sisters for crying out loud, but Dawn has been telling vicious lies about you to anyone that will listen. I’m sure Cooper’s even heard some,” she says pointing her finger at me.

  All eyes turn to me. Why, oh why, did she have to drag me into this? I look at Skye pleadingly.

  “I’m sorry Cooper, I hate to drag you into a family dispute, but I’d like to know if my sister said anything to you about me,” Skye responds, looking at me for an answer.

  SHIT! If I ever want Skye to trust me I have to tell her the truth. I look past her mother and on to Dawn giving her a look that could kill. Dawn shrugs and mouths the word sorry. I sigh, pulling off my baseball cap and running my hand through my loose curls.

  “The night of her birthday party Dawn suggested I not bother chasing after you because you went the other way,” I say, spitting it out in a rush.

  “The other way, as in I like girls?” she questions. I nod my head in the affirmative. “That’s fine,” she says shocking us all. “You obviously didn’t believe her but even if you did believe her, how would me being a lesbian, benefit her?” Skye asks more to herself than to anyone in the room. “Ahhh, I’ve been so blind! She likes Cooper. I forgot I already knew that ” she remarks smacking her hand against her head. “Ouch, that was stupid,” she comments rubbing her forehead.

  Please don’t let her change her mind about our arrangement because of her stupid, selfish little sister. I would hate to have to wring Dawn’s neck before Summer gets the chance.

  “Cooper Talbott you’ve caused me so much trouble since I met you. First Hailey, and now my own sister. How can such a sweet, quiet man stir up so much drama?” she accuses looking at me. I’m a little embarrassed because she’s actually right. I’m the reason Hailey and Dawn are mad at her.

  “I’m messing with you Cooper. Those two girls need to get over themselves. You and I aren’t even a couple,” Skye laughs. “So it’s settled. When I get out of the hospital I’m moving in with Cooper.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Skye

  It’s been a week since I woke up in the hospital and the doctors are finally ready to release me. Cooper already moved my stuff from Summer’s apartment and into his house. Summer assures me that Cooper’s house is nice and not
some raunchy bachelor pad.

  Jon seems taken aback when he found out about my new living arrangement he even tried to offer up his place when Summer reminded him that he lived in a second-floor apartment like she did. I don’t know if I’d want to live with Jon anyway. I trust Cooper when he says he’ll behave like a gentleman. Jon? Not so much.

  Summer suddenly walks back into the hospital room. “One more trip and we should have all of your greenhouse, slash, toy store loaded into Cooper’s truck,” she says grabbing another load of flowers and stuffed animals.

  James Miller and Jason Greene sent gifts. The whole Acorn Grove Police Department sent get well presents along with a lot of people who saw me perform for Dawn’s party. It was nice. I felt a little more accepted into the town. Too bad I had to go through so much to get it, and we still don’t know who tried to kill me.

  Now that I’m leaving the hospital I feel a little more worried. I just recently found out that Cooper had an armed guard outside my door the whole time I’ve been here. He said he didn’t tell me because he didn’t want me to worry and he was right. Until now I actually forgot there was a threat to my life. I was spending my time concentrating on getting better.

  Cooper has continued to visit every day. Jon stops by almost as much. Grandma Rose was finally able to make it to the hospital to visit me. She looked worn and pale. I told her that she needed to take care of herself and that I’d be to the house to visit her soon enough. I’ve not seen Dawn once since I woke up from my coma, but Summer comes as much as she can between work and school.

  Nurse Mendoza comes in the room with my discharge papers. “I’m glad you’re well enough to go home, but I’m going to miss you Mija. You’re such a pleasant patient, and believe me, those are hard to come by,” she places the clipboard on my bed and leans in and gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I’m not supposed to do that, but I couldn’t help myself,” she shrugs smiling.

  “Now sign here and here so your prince charming can wheel you away,” she indicates handing me the pen. As if on cue Cooper shows up at the door with a wheelchair.

  “Are you ready?” he asks. Cooper’s standing there in his signature baseball cap, flannel shirt, blue jeans and cowboy boots. If the shirts weren’t different colors I’d swear he wears the same outfit every day. How his beard always looks the same length I’ll never know. Or maybe I will. I’m moving in with him. I smile to myself. I’m actually a little excited about this new adventure. I’ve never lived with a man before. I mean, I’m no virgin or anything but I’ve never had a relationship last long enough to get to the moving-in stage.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I finally reply. Nurse Mendoza helps me into the wheelchair. Summer comes back to the room.

  “Hey, Coop,” Summer greets Cooper. She started calling him that lately. I’m not sure he likes it, but he doesn’t complain. “Would you mind grabbing the rest of the stuff, plus the crutches? I’ll push Skye out to the truck.

  “Sure thing,” he says, allowing Summer to take over. I like the fact that Cooper is so flexible. We should get along just fine as roommates. “Summer you’re welcome to come visit Skye anytime you like,” he invites her.

  “You bet your baby blues I’ll be over there anytime I have the hankering to see my big Sis,” she willfully remarks. “But thanks for the open invitation Coop,” she says appreciatively.

  Cooper grabs the rest of the stuff and heads out to his truck ahead of us. “Are you sure you’re just friends with Cooper. I mean, he’s not my type but the man is gorgeous by anyone’s standards and even a blind man could see that he’s into you,” she asks once he’s out of hearing range.

  “We’re just friends Summer. I feel safe with Cooper. I just don’t want to complicate things,” I explain.

  “There you go being vague, but I know you. Cooper makes you feel safe as in you trust him with your safety but not with your heart. Please don’t let your hang-ups be the reason you keep a good man at arm’s length,” she chastises me.

  “What hang ups? And why do I have to date the first man in this town that show’s any interest in me?” I demand exasperated.

  “First of all, I’d say he’s the second, not the first. Second of all he’s the kindest, handsomest and not to mention, richest guy in this town,” she ticks off one finger. “And lastly, any woman in her right mind would be crawling on her knees begging to be with him.”

  “You keep saying that! So why aren’t you crawling on your knees, Summer? You met him way before me,” I turn my head in the chair to get a good look at her as she pushes me. I see the sad expression on her face. “Awe sweetie. You’re already in love with someone else. Why didn’t you tell me?” I inquire with concern.

  “Because he’s not available to love me back so there’s no point,” she responds quietly.

  I try to think of the men I’ve seen Summer have contact with. Jon Dark Star is out of the question because she doesn’t like playboys. Mitch the bartender? Couldn’t be. I don’t even know the guys last name, if she had the hots for him I’d, at least, know that, wouldn’t I? We’ve already ruled out Cooper. I’ve got it.

  “Jason Greene, the owner of AG’s Bar & Grill is the man that you’re in love with,” I calmly state. She looks at me with those sad eyes and nods her head. Still looking back at her, I see a tear slip down her face. “Oh honey, come here,” I tell her. She ceases pushing me in the wheelchair and stops a few feet short of the exit doors. She steps around the chair facing me and I hold out my arms to her.

  Summer hesitates for a second but then she allows herself to lean into my embrace and be comforted. I’m still holding her and rubbing her back in soothing circles when Cooper walks through the automatic doors. He stands there silently, allowing us our moment.

  “We’ll talk more about this later,” I promise her as I pull back from the hug giving her a look to let her know we have an audience. She catches the hint and quickly pulls it together.

  “I’m glad you’re doing better Skye. You better take good care of my big sister Coop,” she says as she walks away in the opposite direction, never allowing Cooper the opportunity to view her tear stained cheeks.

  Cooper doesn’t say a word he just walks up behind the wheelchair and pushes me out the door right up to the passenger side of his waiting truck. I bet Cooper sees a lot more than people give him credit for. He’s a quiet man and chooses to use words only when necessary, but he’s keen and perceptive. What I wouldn’t give to know what goes on in that head of his.

  He has to be observant in his chosen career field, but it’s not just that. He seems to say the right things and react in the appropriate manner like he’s paying attention and he cares how you feel. I’ve witnessed this not just with me, but with everyone he interacts with.

  “What?” he asks suddenly. I must have been staring at him hard trying to figure him out.

  “Nothing,” I answer glibly.

  Cooper opens the passenger side door of the truck and then he quickly scoops me up placing me in the cab. It happened so quick I barely had time to blink. I watch through the truck window as he runs the wheelchair back inside the hospital and runs back out, hopping into the driver’s side of the truck.

  Okay. Things just got real. I feel my palms start to sweat and my knee is shaking as I wipe my hands on my jeans. I see Cooper looking at me out of the corner of my eye. I turn my head to face him and he’s got one eyebrow cocked up in question.

  “What? So I’m a little nervous. I’ve never lived with a man before. Have you? A woman I mean. Of Course you have, look at you, you’re gorgeous. I mean you’re okay. I’ll just shut up now,” I say, dramatically shutting my mouth.

  Cooper starts chuckling, the sound gets louder and louder until he’s actually laughing out loud. I cross my arms over my chest and stick out my bottom lip in a childish pout. He’s laughing at me!

  “You’re so damn cute. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to laugh. Do you always word-vomit when you’re nervous?” he asks stil
l shaking with mirth. I turn my head towards the window and ignore him, arms still crossed, lips still pouting.

  I enjoy the rest of the two-minute drive in silence. Stupid small towns. I need more time to get my bearings, but we’re already here.

  “Crap!” I hear Cooper mutter. I look at the gray ranch-style home. There’s a white extended-cab truck similar to Cooper’s blue one in the driveway.

  “What’s wrong,” I ask confused.

  He looks at me solemnly. “My parents are here.” As soon as he finishes that statement a petite brunette in her fifties comes running out the front door towards the truck. A tall gentleman with salt and pepper hair stands in the doorway waiting.

  “Holy Hole in a donut Cooper,” I exclaim, and then I laugh.

  The woman yanks Cooper’s door open. “Well don’t just sit there mooning over the girl. Bring her inside and introduce her to me and your father,” she says, gives me a quick wave and then runs back into the house. I guess I can’t blame her, it is freezing outside. I look at the expression of horror still frozen on Cooper’s face and I start to laugh hysterically.

  Cooper jumps out of the truck and leaves me there. I instantly sober up trying to figure out how I’m going to make it to the house on crutches in the snow. My door suddenly swings open and once again Cooper sweeps me into his arms and carries me over the threshold of the house. He pauses just inside the door and stares silently into my eyes. The significance of the gesture isn’t lost me. I can feel my cheeks warming with a blush. I hear someone clear their throat and Cooper slowly lowers my feet to the ground.

  “Here are your crutches,” Cooper comments, handing me the crutches that he must have placed against the wall inside the door of the house, when left me momentarily stranded in the truck. “I’m going to get the rest of your stuff from the truck and I’ll be right in,” he advises me.

  I grab the crutches placing one under each arm. I take a moment to survey my surroundings. There’s a quaint family room with cream colored carpet and brown leather sofas. There’s even a fireplace with a fire crackling.