Tristan gasps. “Everything?” he breathes.
I nod once. “I wanted him to understand Tristan, and to not be so hard on you. I told him that you’re worried about me, and that I don't really think you’ve got over the shock of what happened to me, and well, long story short, Rob now thinks you’re an angel too.”
Tristan’s one eyebrow cocks up. “An angel?”
I blow him a kiss. “My angel.”
He laughs and shakes his head at me. “Well, I guess that explains the change in his behaviour when you both came back up.”
“Tristan, isn’t it good that he was being protective like that? I mean, what if I’d got together with a guy that I thought was nice, but he turned out to be a complete ogre? Rob and Carlos would have got me out of there, I know they would. I don't think any person can ask for better friends than that!”
“No, I agree completely. And now I see things from his point of view too, so it makes sense.”
“Will you try harder with him for me? Try to be more friendly?”
Tristan laughs again, gives my big toe another kiss then picks up my other foot. “Of course I will baby.”
“Thank you,” I whisper. “I really want you two to get along. Rob’s really funny Tristan, and I have a lot to thank him for, he’s kept my head above water for a long time now.”
Tristan frowns down at the water. “Yes, I’m starting to realise how much of a great friend he has been to you. I promise I’ll really try with him.”
“Well, Rob’s asked us to go dancing, so that’s a way to get to know one another.” I say sweetly.
“Dancing?” Tristan chuckles.
“Yeah...well when I’m better that is – What’s funny?” I add as he’s really chuckling now.
“Just pictured you expecting me to dance with Rob, that’s all.” He chortles.
I burst out laughing. “Yeah right, like you would!”
“No,” he laughs, shaking his head. “I would not.”
I chuckle some more, then swap his feet over. Ben is still singing in the background, Tristan must have put his album on and it’s pretty good.
It’s official, Tristan has good taste in music...
WE ARE HUDDLED IN BED, wrapped up in each other’s arms. Now I feel exhausted. Tristan is gently tracing his fingers up and down on my back. Mmm it’s so nice..
“Joe’s been asking after you,” Tristan says.
“She has?” I say, feeling surprised. Then feeling guilty, I haven’t always been nice to her.
“Yeah...I think she’s quite fond of you,” he adds.
“Joe’s sweet,” I say. Wondering how she’s doing, and how long she’s got till her kids are back.
“She asked Joyce if she could come and see you, she knows about your mother passing away and...” He stops, his hands stilling on my back.
“About Susannah?” I guess.
“Yes, she visited you in hospital, but you were still unconscious.” He adds, his tone firm.
“Well what about popping into the office tomorrow? I wanted to meet Karen too,” I add.
“No. They can come here,” he says. “I’ll speak to Joyce tomorrow, organise for them to come over at lunchtime.” He says, his voice still firm.
I lean my chin on his chest and gaze up at him.“Tristan, I really want to go see my studio. Maybe we could take a walk on the beach, pop into the office briefly to see everyone, then eat out for lunch? We’d only be out a couple of hours.” I say, batting my lashes at him.
“Coral’ – “Tristan, I’ll be horizontal on Rob’s sofa for the rest of the day, I promise. So you don't need to worry.” I tell him.
“Argh! You are so frustrating!” He balks. I’ve won!
“So that’s a yes, you’ll come out with me?” I say, trying not to smile.
“Yes.” He reluctantly answers, then his lips set into a hard line. I want to giggle at him but I stop myself, I don't want to rock the boat.
“I love you Tristan. Sleep tight baby.” I kiss his mighty fine pecks, then rest my head on his chest and listen to the soft, slow sound of his heart gently beating....
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, I wake to a flood of bright, yellow sunshine filling the bedroom. I smile a lazy, happy smile and turn to reach out for Tristan, but he’s not there.
“Tristan?” I call out for him, but I get no answer. Just as I'm about to climb out of bed, there’s a knock on the door.“Come in.” I shout and carefully swing my legs out so my feet hit the floor.
“Good morning Coral.” Edith comes wobbling in with my veggie juice, followed by Nurse Terry.
“Morning,” I say to one and all.
“You’re looking much brighter this morning.” Edith tells me.
“I feel it,” I say, quickly looking away from her, because I just got a flash image of Tristan and I having hot, sexy sex – That’s the reason I feel so good!
“Well something’s certainly put a sparkle in your eyes?” Nurse Terry says as she gives me a hit of painkillers.I smile coyly and wink at her.“Oh!” She goes bright red and tries to hide her smile. “Yes, that would do it,” she whispers.
Edith picks up some washing and smiles at me. “See you downstairs for breakfast,” she says, heading out of the bedroom.
“Edith, do you know where Tristan is?” I ask.
“Yes, he’s swimming lass,” she says as she wobbles out of sight. Hmph!
“How are you generally feeling Coral?” Nurse Terry asks.
“Oh fine!” I say, feeling a little deflated. I want to go swimming too! I have missed it so much. “Can I go swimming?” I ask.
She shakes her head at me. “Not a good idea,” she says. “And neither is sex, if Dr Green found out, she’d have you carted back to hospital,” she adds, softly scolding me.
“I'm not going without sex.” I say crossing my arms at her.
Nurse Terry laughs. “That’s fine, I won't tell her, but just be careful, take it easy. Ok?” She says as she checks my stitches.
“Sure...” I mumble.
“Alright, I’ll be back at 12.” Terry says.
“Um...actually I won't be here, should be back by 1pm though?” I say lightly.
Terry sighs and shakes her head at me. “Coral’ – “I'm just going to spend some time with my sister, just sitting in the garden, relaxing.” I lie, feeling utterly guilty.
“Hmm, well just make sure you do. You’re meant to be having bed rest. You’re not supposed to be leaving the house you know?” She adds in a very stern voice.
“Don't worry, I’ll take it easy.” I add to reassure her.
“Alright then, I’ll see you back here at 1pm, no later!” She warns.
“I’ll be here,” I say.
“Ok. See you later,” she adds as she disappears through the bedroom door. Then I hear a kerfuffle going on, Terry mumbling something, Tristan apologising.
“Hey,” I beam as Tristan walks through the door in a pair of wet swimming trunks, his sexy torso all on show for me.“What a delightful site to wake up to,” I add as he walks over to me.
He shakes his head in laughter and smiles that gorgeous shy smile of his.
“Good morning beautiful.” He bends down, dripping water all over me and kisses me, hard. “How are you feeling this morning?” He asks, smiling widely against my lips.
“Good, really good. How about you?” I say a little breathlessly.
“Never better,” he says, leaning in to kiss me again.
“Want some help in the shower?” I tease, brushing my lips against his. Tristan can't help laughing against my lips.“What?” I say, trying to feign innocence.
“You’re such a sexy tease,” he croakily adds. Then, making me squeal in delight, he swiftly lifts me into his arms and carries me into the bathroom...
AN HOUR LATER AND WE’RESAT in the kitchen eating our omelettes. Mmm spinach and mushroom omelette – Edith can really cook!The radio is playing in the kitchen, Lumineers are busy singing Ho Hey. I can't help tapping my fe
et as I listen to the song, then I notice Tristan is doing the same, we both glance at one another at the same time and both smile, ridiculous ear to ear grins.
“I like this song,” he says. “You my sweetheart baby?” He asks with his head cocked to the side.
“Of course I am,” I chuckle.
He grins widely at me. “How are you feeling?” He asks.
“Fine, why?” I ask fluttering my lashes at him.
“I didn’t overdo it earlier did I?” he whispers.Hmm, when Tristan carried me into the bathroom earlier, he gently washed my hair and my whole body – taking his sweet time in a very particular area – then after I did the same to him, he took me back into the bedroom, lay me down, and we had hot, sexy sex again.
“No,” I whisper back, pecking him on the cheek.
He smiles from ear to ear again.“You seem to be healing quickly,” he says.
“I generally do,” I nod.
“You said you would when you got out of hospital.” He adds.
I nod and stare down at my omelette.“I hate hospitals Tristan, they scare me,” I whisper, swallowing hard.
“Scare you?” He questions, eyes wide, his fork in midair. I nod again.“Why?” He whispers.
I take a deep breath. “Just...really bad memories...” I trail off. I really don't want to think about them, not today.
“Will you tell me, one day?” He asks softly, reaching out and squeezing my hand.
I nod and turn to smile at him.Then we both finish our omelettes at the same time, which I'm amazed at – I guess Tristan really has listened to me, because he eats much slower nowadays.
Tristan leans forward and pecks me on the lips.“You look gorgeous today,” he adds, looking down at my bare legs. I'm in my jean shorts and a t-shirt. It’s supposed to be baking out there today, so I didn’t want to be in jeans.
“Thanks,” I squeak, even though I'm feeling self-conscious about my legs.
“What?” He questions, picking up on it.
“Isn’t there anything I can keep to myself?” I whisper feeling embarrassed. I quickly glance across at Edith who’s busy cleaning up the kitchen, I do not want her to hear this.
Tristan opens his mouth to question me, but his mobile rings in his pocket, effectively putting a stop to that conversation – thank god!
Pulling it out and pressing answer, he puts the phone to his ear. “Tristan Freeman?” He smiles down at me and mouths ‘later’ Hmph!
I narrow my eyes at him. I guess I haven’t got away with it.
“Ok.....send it over Mark, I’ll go take a look....yep, and Claire?....Good, no that’ll be fine.” Tristan hangs up. “Sorry baby, gotta just take a look at one thing, then we can go,” he says, smiling broadly at me.
“Ok,” I squeak, my grin reflecting his.
He seems in a much better mood, as am I – Must be the sex! – Tristan heads off towards his office and I sit back, relax, and enjoy my cappuccino...
“HE DID WHAT!?” I HEAR TRISTAN BELLOW from his office. Edith and I both stop and stare at one another.I wonder what that’s all about? Moments later, Tristan comes marching out of his office shaking his head in anger and disgust.
“Un-fucking believable,” he hisses to himself. “Complete incompetence!”
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
Tristan halts and looks up at me. I don't think he expected to see me still sitting here.
“N-nothing!” He says frowning deeply.
“Tristan haven’t you worked it out yet?” I laugh.
“Worked what out?” He asks, frowning at me.
“That you always say ‘nothing’ when it’s got something to do with me, so I instantly know you’re holding something back. What happened to talking to one another, to trust, to honesty, to not having any secrets?” I say with one eyebrow cocked up.
Tristan clenches his jaw several times as he stares back at me.
I stand, walk over to him, take both his hands in mine and smile up at him.“When are you going to learn that I’m a lot stronger than I look?”
“I know you’re strong,” he says.
“Then have a little faith,” I softly say.
“It’s not that baby,” he says, gently stroking my cheek.
“Tristan,” I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “You have to stop doing this.”
He sighs heavily, nods once and stares at the floor.“I thought, as I was in the office, I’d call the Psychiatric establishment your mother was in, so we could arrange the collection. I wanted to know if Stuart could do it.”He suddenly stops, his face winces as though he’s in pain.
“And?” I prompt.
“You...your...” He runs a hand through his hair. “Your father collected her belongings. If you want to bury her ashes, we’ll need to contact him to get them back! They won't give me his number as I'm not related; you’ll have to ask for it.” He adds, bristling with tension. Am I dreaming? Did he really just say that?
I release Tristan’s hand, reach up and pinch myself – Nope, not dreaming! – I stare, wide eyed at Tristan, I have no words.
“Coral?” He asks gently. “Talk to me baby.”
My mouth opens to say something, but nothing comes out. Why would he...?
Tristan places his hands on my upper arms and gently squeezes. “Coral, come back to me baby,” he softly says, his eyes searching mine.
I suddenly feel enraged. “How would he know she was dead, he hasn’t’ – “Apparently they never divorced.” Tristan interrupts, shaking his head in wonder.
“What?” I tremble.
Tristan shakes his head in disbelief again. “I know, hard to believe, but the fact is, he was informed of her death the same day as you, and when you didn’t immediately come forward for her belongings’ – “I thought you had spoken to them?” I balk.
“I had,” Tristan growls in annoyance. “They assured me her belongings were there for you, which they were, but your father turned up Friday morning, took them with him.”
My world starts to tilt and sway.“I...I don't understand, why would he do that?” I whisper.
“I don't know baby.” Tristan says his voice a soft tune against the ringing going on in my ears.
“Tristan,” I whisper. “I think I’m gonna’ – The moment I say it, I am up in his arms and he’s carrying me over to the sofa.
“Deep breaths baby,” he soothes.
“Ok,” I murmur trying to do so.
“Would you like some water?” He asks gently placing me down.
I shake my head at him. “You have to get them back Tristan.” I say gritting my teeth.
“Oh I will,” he assures me in a forceful tone.
“Thank you,” I breathe.
“Coral, do...do you want to talk to your father’ – “Never,” I spit. “He left me Tristan and my Mom. I guess he has his reasons for splitting with her, but where did that leave me? He left and he never came back, he abandoned me – he didn’t give a fuck about me and I don't give a fuck about him. I just want my Mom’s stuff back!” I rant, feeling really pissed at my father.
“I’ll sort it.” Tristan says in his authoritative tone.
“I know.” I say, because I believe him, he will.
“So you’re sure, if he asks about you?’ – “Tell him I told him to go fuck himself!” I hiss.
We both sit quietly for a while. Why can't something just be easy and simple for once? I can't believe my father’s done that, I am so mad with him. I just wanted to get my Mom’s stuff back, lay her to rest, and get on with my life – Right!
“Can I have the number please?” I ask.
“You want to do this now?” Tristan asks, looking slightly alarmed.
“Yes. I just want to get it sorted Tristan. I want to lay my Mom to rest and get on with my life. I'm so tired of the past hanging over my head like a big black cloud.”
Tristan nods. “I understand baby.” He leans forward and kisses my forehead. “I’ll go get the number.”A few moments
later, Tristan returns and kneels down in front of me.“I have them on the line, you just have to confirm who you are and they will give you his details,” he says, his voice low.
I hold my hand out, Tristan places his mobile in my hand, and a pen and writing pad in the other – Ok, here goes!
“This is Coral Stevens.”I snap. The woman on the line asks me a few security questions, apologises several times, then gives me his number. I scratch it down in a hurry, my writing is so scrawny from shaking so much.I hang up, and in a moment of pure clarity, I realise I do want to speak to my father. I want him to know how pissed I am at him for doing this.
I start punching the number into Tristan’s mobile.
“Coral, what are you’ – “I changed my mind,” I growl, feeling utterly incensed that he would do this.Tristan briefly closes his eyes. I put his mobile to my ear, and wait for the line to be answered. It’s a home line so I don't know who’s going to answer, which is making me more nervous.
My leg is in full jigging mode and I’m biting my bottom lip.
“Hello?” A woman answers.
“Put Gavin Foster on the phone,” I spit.
“Who is this?” She asks, her voice sharp.
“His long lost daughter,” I drawl sarcastically.
“Oh...” I hear her calling for him. Oh shit! What am I doing? My heart is trying to jump out of my chest, and I can feel a cold sweat coming on.
“Coral?” Oh...hearing his voice – I remember it, I recognise it – The bastard!
“Why have you taken my mother’s belongings and her ashes?” I snap.
“I...I didn’t think you would have’ – “I want them back!” I shout.
“Oh...” I can hear the sadness in his voice. “It’s a bit late for that baby girl’ – “Don't you dare call me that,” I growl.
He sighs heavily down the line. “I buried your mother’s ashes at the local cemetery, you’re too late darling,” he softly says.
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 110