“You what!?” I bellow, my heart really thrumming now, literally trying to claw it’s way up my throat.
“I'm so sorry Coral’ – “Fuck you and your god damn apologies!” I bark. Tristan’s eyes briefly close again, then he takes my free hand and grips it tightly. “Where have you buried her?” I ask, sniffing slightly.
“In Wells Cemetary in Somerset, do you want the plot number?” He softly asks.
“Yes.” I snap.
“It’s 512. Coral I'm still in Shepton Mallet if you want to see me’ – “See you?” I choke. “Are you joking?” I laugh sarcastically – What is this guy on?
“No...I...I’d love to see you, make it up to you, tell you how’ – I pass the phone to Tristan.“I can't talk to him, can you tell him to send her belonging’s to me...Oh, but I don't want him to know where I live’ – “Don't worry darling I’ll sort it,” he says.
I stand and start pacing the room, but stop when I turn around and look up at the two framed photos of Tristan and his folks that are hanging up on the wall behind the sofa. I soften a little seeing their smiling faces and sit back down.
“Mr Foster?...Tristan Freeman speaking, Coral’s husband....yes she’s married. She is extremely upset right now, and has asked me to speak on her behalf......I’m afraid that won’t be possible. I'm presuming from the conversation I’ve just heard that you have already buried her mother’s ashes?....I see, well Coral would like her mother’s personal items sent to her, I'm presuming you have no need for them?” He asks, a little dryly.
“Yes...I see, no you haven’t got a prayer....Mr Foster if she doesn’t want to see you then that’s it, I respect my wife’s wishes. Now, this is the address I’d like you to send them to.” Tristan gives him his company address in Birmingham.
“Address it to Claire James she’s my P.A....no....as soon as possible. I will pass that on, but I doubt it will make any difference. Goodbye Mr Foster.” Tristan hangs up then makes another call.“Good morning Claire......Fine thank you. Claire, a package will be arriving from Somerset, I don't have time to explain right now, but as soon as you receive it I want it couriered same day to my home address in Brighton....yes please.....thank you Claire....She’s getting there, thank you for asking.....I will.” Tristan hangs up.“Claire says hi, and she hopes you’re feeling better soon.”
I nod despondently at Tristan. “What did he say?” I ask, squeezing my eyes shut.
“You really want to know?” Tristan softly asks.
“Yes,” I whisper, although I'm not sure I do.
“He wants to see you.” I nod once, I thought that’s what Tristan would say.
“I don't want to see him.” I say, my voice trembling on me. I open my eyes and look up at my wonderful husband – to be!
“I know baby.” He softly says, kneeling in front of me again.
“Thank you for doing that.” I say, reaching up and stroking his cheek.
“You don't need to thank me Coral, it’s not something I can really say ‘you’re welcome’ for?”
“You can,” I whisper. “If you weren’t here, I'm not sure if I would have got that sorted so...so calmly....and efficiently.”
“Then you are welcome my love.” He says, smiling sorrowfully at me.
I look up at Tristan and smile.“Good idea saying you’re my husband, and having it sent to Birmingham, at least that will throw him off the scent if he tries to find me.”
“That’s what I thought,” he says, smiling sorrowfully at me. “Is this the address for the cemetery?”I nod once.“We can still plant a tree for her baby,” he adds.
“I know,” I whisper, staring down at the floor.
I feel his fingertips lift my chin. “Coral, did you want to stay in today?”
“No, I don't want this day ruined because of him.”I take a deep breath, close my eyes and try to get back to how I was feeling ten minutes ago – Happy, playful...in love.
I push all thoughts of my asshole father to the back of my mind. I am not happy he has buried her so far away, but maybe if I bury something that was just mine and my moms, like the photograph, and then plant the tree, it will be like...well like it’s our tree, a place just for us.
Although, there is still a part of me that doesn’t understand why I am doing this, why I feel so compelled to bury her, to have her near me. After-all, she failed me so badly, and I have spent most of my adult life despising her, wishing she was dead; and now she is...I swallow hard and fight against the tears – No, not today! No tears today!
I open my eyes, smile at Tristan then yank him by the shirt and crush his lips to mine.“Let’s go have some fun,” I say.
“You’re sure?” he murmurs against my lips, taking both my hands in his.
“Yes,” I whisper. He groans and kisses me back, forcefully, we are all tongues and touch and low moans – Ok maybe I should take him back upstairs?
“If you carry on kissing me like that, I'm taking you upstairs,” I whisper against his lips.
He smiles against my lips. “Right, yes...” he says still a little side tracked. I can’t help smiling goofily at him. He leans down once more, and pecks me sweetly on the lips, then holds his hand out for me. “Let’s go then.” He says.
I place my hand in his, pick up my over the shoulder bag, and place it over my head.
“Should you be wearing that?” He asks standing beside me.
“It’s on my good shoulder, it doesn’t hurt and besides, I feel weird without a bag...” I muse, as I slip my feet into my open wedges.
“Ok,” he smiles and leans down to peck me on the lips. “You’re sure you’re ok?” he asks again.
I nod, place my hand in his, and Tristan leads us towards the front door. I glance up at the framed painting of the E-type that’s been hung in the entrance hallway. Hmm, I want to buy something for Tristan to say thank you. He’s been so good with me, so sweet.I lift my locket from my neck and squeeze the heart in my hand...Yes, very sweet....Hopefully, I’ll find some inspiration while we are out.
Tristan opens the door to the big Jaguar and helps me inside, for some unknown reason Tristan didn’t want to drive today. Either way, I can't help feeling buoyant despite what’s happened.Tristan and I seem to be really getting along again, both happier, more relaxed, plus it’s a beautiful, hot sunny day today. Hmm blue skies and sunshine, I wish England was like this all the time.
Tristan looks across at me, smiles sweetly, and squeezes my hand. Boy he looks so good today. He’s dressed in a short sleeved cream linen shirt with the top three buttons open – I'm sure it’s to tease me – dark blue jeans, and a pair of brown mocasins.For some reason I'm reminded of the first time I travelled in this car with him, just those few short weeks ago – God I had it so bad for him, even back then!
I can't help smiling to myself. Look how far we’ve come, and how much has happened.
“What are you thinking about?” He asks, looking intrigued.
“I'm thinking about the first time I was in this car with you.”
“Yeah?”I nod, smiling broadly. “Elaborate, please...” He says squeezing my hand again.
“No way!” I scoff, smiling up at him.
“Why not?” He laughs.
“Some things just shouldn’t be said,” I giggle.
“Oh really?” He teases.
“Yes, so stop it!” I titter.
“Oh...I’ll get it out of you,” he banters.
“You think so, do you?” I tease, batting my lashes at him – Thank god I put some make-up on!
“Oh yes, I certainly do.” He says with full confidence.
I shake my head, laughing at his teasing ways.
Stuart pulls up at the gym and parks in a bay.
“Ready?” Tristan beams.
“Yep!” I reply perkily.
Tristan jumps out, runs round the car and opens my door for me, bowing grandly as he does.“Me lady,” he says, holding both his hands out to me.
I giggle at his sweet, p
layful gesture – we really do seem to be back on track!Taking his hands, he gently pulls me to my feet, brings me into his chest and leans down to kiss me.
“Tell me,” he pleads against my lips.
“No!” I banter.
“Oh...you infuriating woman!” He teases.
“Ok, maybe I will, if you’re good?” I tease.
“Good?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Good, how?”
“Well...let me think? Hmm...no moaning about how long we are out, and no broodiness! I want this to be a relaxed, nice day out, ok?”
He instantly puts on his broody face. I think he’s teasing me?
“Seriously?” I pout.
His face splits into an ear to ear grin. Bastard!
“You know...I really love it when you’re playful like this Tristan.”
“Oh you do, do you?”
“Yes.”
“Just playful?” I shake my head and bite my bottom lip. “What else do you like?” He questions, running a finger down my cheek.
“I'm not saying,” I tease.
This time Tristan pouts. I have to giggle.
“Ok, maybe I will, if you act like you are incandescently happy?”
His purposely puts on a big, happy, smiling face, then says, “I already am incandescently happy. I’m with you.” Oh bugger me!
I melt, again! I gaze up at Tristan – no ogle – is probably the appropriate word, then quickly pull out of it – Jeez! He really knows how to knock me for six sometimes.
Tristan cocks his head to the side and chuckles at me. “You ok?”
“Yes,” I chuckle. “Come on. Let’s get this over with so we can take a walk.”
“As you wish,” he says, taking my hand in his, we start strolling across the car park.
“Coral!” A male voice shouts. Tristan instantly stiffens beside me, then we both turn to see who it is. I instantly relax when I realise Will is jogging across the car park towards us.
“It’s Will,” I whisper, Tristan instantly relaxes. “Will!” I beam as he reaches me and carefully hugs me.
“What the hell are you doing out of hospital?” He asks.
I glance across at Tristan; he has an I-told-you-so look on his face.
“I hate hospitals Will. I had to get out of there!”
“Oh...right. Surely you shouldn’t be walking about though?” Not him too! So I decide to ignore that and introduce him to Tristan instead.
“Will, meet my fiancé, Tristan Freeman. Tristan this is my personal trainer Will Richards.”
They shake hands. “You’re engaged?” Will says a little shocked.
“Yep.” I nod twice. “Oh, you and Natalie should come to the wedding! It’s in two weeks up at the house on The Cliff.” I gesture behind me with my head. Will seems surprised by my invitation. “That’s if you want to,” I add.
“We’d love to. I’ll check with Nat, make sure she hasn’t already arranged something.”
“Cool, I’ll call you at the gym tomorrow?”
“Great. I’d better get back. It’s good to see you up and about Coral.”
“Thanks Will.”
“Nice to meet you Tristan,” he says, shaking Tristan’s hand again.
“You too,” Tristan says, and with that Will nods to us both, and heads back towards the gym.
“Another admirer,” Tristan says with one eyebrow cocked up.
“Ugh!...Will’s married,” I groan.
“So?” Tristan smirks.
“Seriously?” I choke. “Are you gonna go broody on me?” I say frowning at him.
“No, but I think you should change trainers.” He adds, still smirking at me.
I laugh loudly at that one.“Oh Tristan, Will does not like me like that.”
“Ok...” he says. “Have it your own way.”
Shit! Is he right? Does Will like me like that?I shake my head and shrug it off. No, no, it’s just Tristan being Tristan.
We take each other’s hands again and continue walking across the car park, just as we reach the steps leading down to the concourse, I look up and see a tall, slim male standing outside the studios; and from my guesstimate, he’s right outside my place?
I keep my eyes focused on him as we head down the steps. I watch as he takes a step forward and knocks on my patio door, then he puts his face up against the window, his hands either side, looking for me I guess?
Just as we reach the bottom step, the man suddenly turns, so he’s directly facing us and freezes. I instantly do the same – Holy fuck!
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
TRISTAN ARCHES AN EYEBROW AND LOOKS DOWN AT ME. I grip his hand tighter and stare straight ahead. He cocks his head to the side, then his gaze follows mine, down to my studio.
“Coral. Who is that?” He asks, his voice low – I can't speak, my heart is hammering against my chest and my mouth has gone dry – What the hell is he doing here?
“Coral!” I turn and look up at Tristan with wide eyes. “Who is it?”
“My ex...Justin,” I whisper.Tristan’s face instantly hardens. “Don't cause a scene!” I add.
“What do you want me to do, shake the guys hand?” He spits sarcastically.
“No.” I take a few deep breaths trying to calm myself. I never, ever thought I would see him again. I was told that he’d moved...gone to Manchester, or somewhere up north?
“Then what do you want me to do?” Tristan questions, he lets go of my hand and runs both hands through his hair, he’s practically bristling with tension.
“Nothing, you don't have to do anything Tristan,” I say, staring down at Justin again. He raises his hand and waves at me, I do not wave back!
He looks so different – Gone is the skinny boy that I knew, now he looks like a man, all bulked up, grown up. His hair is still the same messy sandy blonde, his eyes ice blue. His cheekbones are more defined, his jaw more chiselled, and his lips...I swallow hard – He looks good...really good.
Then I remember the heartbreak I endured over this man, the pain, the sleepless nights, the anger, the hate – I suddenly feel really pissed at him – I mean really,really,pissed. How dare he turn up here!
“Give me one minute!” I say to Tristan through gritted teeth, and without waiting for his reply, I start marching down the concourse.I know Tristan is following me, but that’s good, I want him to – It doesn’t take long for me to reach Justin.
“What are you doing here?” I snap, my foot tapping, my hands on my hips. I'm on a roll today! Anyone else wanna come out the woodwork, bring it on!
“Hello Coral, it’s nice to see you too?” He says, a little sarcastically.
“Answer my question!” I bellow – Keep your cool Coral!
“See you haven’t changed,” he says dryly. “Still the same bad temper.”
“Fuck you!” I hiss.
“Oh nice...” He says, nodding his head. “Really nice!”
“Well what did you expect Justin? A loving embrace, a kiss; or one last fuck for old times sake?” I spit.
“Jesus Coral, what’s your problem?” He says looking all wounded and shocked.
I almost choke vomit on him. “My problem?” I choke.
“Yeah...you don't have to be so antagonistic towards me,” he says, looking bruised.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I say, totally incensed, my hands clenching into fists.
“Coral.” Tristan says, I turn and see he’s stood a couple of feet away from me. “Come, let’s go. I don't want you getting upset like this.” He says, his eyes dark and worried.
“No!” I stamp my foot, instantly wishing I hadn’t – It sends shooting pains up my body, across my shoulder and through my lung. I hiss and try to hide it, but Tristan can see right through me.
“Right that’s it, we’re done here!” Tristan says stepping towards me.
“Er...I don't think so,” Justin says stepping in front of me. Oh fuck a duck!
“Move, now!” Tristan warns taking a step clo
ser to Justin, they are almost nose to nose.
“Ok stop!” I shout, stepping in-between them and holding both hands out towards their chests. The last thing I want is these two fighting!
“Tristan, here’s the key, why don't you get the air-con on, I’ll be inside in a second.”
“No!” He growls – He and Justin seem to be having some sort of pissing contest.
They are both stood there like frozen statues, eyeballing one another, sizing each other up. Tristan is radiating tension, his jaw clenching every couple of seconds. Justin has his fists clenched at his sides, just waiting for Tristan to pounce – Justin, was never afraid of confrontation.
“Ok fine!” I snap. “You!” I poke Justin in the arm. He stops trying to stare Tristan down, rubs his arm and looks down at me.“What are you doing here Justin?” I say shaking my head at him.
“Well now you’re asking nicely’ – “You’ve got a fucking cheek, you expect me to be nice to you when you did the dirty behind my back with my best friend?” I squeak.
Justin’s mouth pops open, then he closes it, changing his mind on whatever he was going to say, then he does the same again.
“You know what, I don't actually care why you’re here. Just go...please...and don't come back.”
“I'm back in Brighton,” he says.
I'm stumped, shocked, it’s my turn to be speechless. Then I finally find my voice. “Why?” I question breathlessly.
“I got a great job offer,” he says. Hmph!“And Harriet and I split.” Oh! My heart sinks into my stomach. I shrug it off as though it doesn’t bother me, but it does.“Coral...” He reaches his hand out to me, his eyes pleading with me – Damn those baby blues!
“No!” I take a step back from him. “I’ll ask you one last time then I'm going inside. Why are you here?”
“For you.” Fuck!
“Me?” I squeak.Justin nods once. Damn it, I know that look.“You want me back?” I quickly surmise.
“Yes, if you would have me back...” Justin shakes his head. “Look I'm sorry to just turn up like this, but my Mom said you were in the paper and when I read...when I read that you’d got shot, I had to come and see you. I had to see for myself that you were ok.”
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 111