by D. Love
She was Penny.
“Oh. My. God,” I choke, staring at Penny in front of me. My fingers find the lines of her cheek on the glassy screen. And like that, I was healed. Completely.
“Kain?” Penny whispers, wondering where I have drifted off to now. A small smile peeks from the corner of her lips. “Kain, are you okay?”
With Penny’s face burning behind my eyes, I smile. “Better than okay.”
“Good,” she blushes, slightly.
“Penny…”
“Yes, Kain.”
“Stay with me tonight,” I say.
“What?” she says, with a crack in her voice.
Picking my laptop up and carrying it into my bedroom. The room is still a fortress of unpacked boxes, but I have a bed with fresh linen on it. Gently, I sit my computer down on it and slid next to it, fixing the screen so I can see Penny, immediately.
“Will you stay with me tonight? Here, until we fall asleep,” I ask, removing my shirt.
“Umm…” she says, biting her lip.
“Stay with me,” I say, determined.
“Okay,” she whispers. Quickly, she finds her bed and positions her laptop next to her. It reveals the soft lines of her lower hourglass for a moment, and my heart skips a beat. Just off camera she removes most of her clothes then slips under a giant comforter. I actually lose her to a mountain of blankets and pillows for a few seconds, but swiftly her head pops onto my screen again.
“Are we really doing this?” she squeals, softly.
I nod, yes. A silent moment passes, setting the mood, before I say, “Do me one more favor, Penny…”
“Anything, Kain…”
I watch her eyes for a long moment, fighting back a face splitting smile as long as I can. She watches me intensely. Slowly, I lay my head on my pillow, still making sure I am in her view. She follows my lead and places her head atop a delicate white pillow, her eyes still smiling.
“Penny…” I whisper.
“Yes…”
Closing my eyes, letting the first signs of sleep wrap itself around me, I say…
“Don’t ever let me go.”
Chapter 13
Penny
Months have passed since Kain and I spent our first night together via Skype. We’re almost finished with our novel and are preparing for the big release. Each day brings us closer, continuing to spend every night falling asleep together. Using good excuses for the sleep pattern we are creating. The most recent excuse has been discussing different ideas for our book. Unlike the first night which was helping heal each other. I woke up the next morning to his beautiful face still sleeping. Always trying to memorize every part of him, I spent at least twenty minutes staring at him that morning, until he started stretching. I hurried to the bathroom so I could brush my hair, teeth, and make it back to the bed before he woke up. He must have seen right through my acting because he started laughing and clearing his throat, telling me, “Next time you might not want to wipe the smile off your face while trying to pretend to sleep.” That brought laughter to our already beautiful, perfect morning. We try to at least have a cup of coffee together, sometimes even breakfast before saying our goodbyes. Today is no different, as we lay here staring at each other. Kain now sleeps without a shirt which makes my body ache wishing I could reach through my screen and touch him. I realize now just how helpless I am fighting against the destiny that is pulling us together.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning,” I reply, smiling.
“Penny, I would like for you to come and visit me.”
“Really?”
“Really!”
“I have a meeting today with my publicist, after that I will make arrangements,” I say.
“You will? So, you will come?”
“Don't sound so shocked, Kain, of course I want to visit you.”
After saying our goodbyes, he gives me that smile that reaches his eyes as the screen goes blank. I find it amazing that I no longer can see the shadow of betrayal he used to wear in his features. This whole time I’ve been thinking about how he has healed me, and maybe, I’ve healed him as well. He taught me how to store all my memories of Zack and use them when I feel like I’m hurting or breaking. I, in return, taught him how to let go of the anger and resentment he carried for his ex. I feel myself getting excited about actually meeting him in person. I walk to the bathroom trying to imagine what it would feel like to have his lips against mine when I hear my phone beep from an incoming text. I circle around the table, picking it up, reading the reminder not to be late, from Tina. I lay my phone back down hustling back to the bathroom to get ready.
Arriving at the office the first person I see is Tina standing at the door waiting for me. I smile at her and give her a hug. She gives me a quick smile grabbing my hand leading me into the room.
“I see you're still beaming with happiness, you must’ve spent another night with lover boy!” she says, as we take our seats. I remain silent not wanting anyone else to find out about my private life, hoping that Tina doesn't blab everything. Karen, my publicist, comes in taking a seat.
“Hi, everyone.”
“Hello, Karen, how are you?” I ask.
“Doing good, but we have a lot to go over today.”
The whole meeting we talk about what my deadlines are and what interviews are on my schedule. I of course act like I am logging appointments into my planner on my phone, but truthfully I am flipping through pictures of Kain. As soon as I enlarge the first photo I get butterflies thinking about seeing him. Wondering how our visit will go, will I get a hotel, will I stay with him. So many unanswered questions I am too nervous to think about. Karen continues with her rambling, as I continue to scroll through pictures. Then, I get an incoming text from Kain. As soon as I see his name, my heart starts to race. Swiping the screen, I read.
“Can’t wait to finally touch you.”
“Me either.” I quickly text back.
“I am going to hold you like someone would hold a heart that is being transplanted into someone they love.” He texts back.
I gasp, and it must have been out loud because I hear Karen ask me if I’m even paying attention to her. “Of course I am,” I say, knowing it’s a lie. She must have been satisfied because she continues on with her list of itineraries.
“Now, tell me, Penny, is there anything you need?”
“As a matter of fact, Karen, there is, I am going to need travel plans made for a trip to Vegas please.”
“A trip to Vegas? Who are you going to Vegas with, Penny?”
“No one, I will be traveling by myself.”
I watch as everyone seems shocked, wearing a stunned looks on their faces. Although I am not sure why, I refuse to elaborate on the conversation anymore to hopefully prevent having to explain whom I am going to see. Just as I am getting ready to rise up and leave, I hear Karen call her assistant Brian in the room demanding him to bring the box with him when he comes.
“Karen, I have no clue what your plans are but you will not talk me out of going on this trip.”
“Then don't go. For me, Penny,” Tina pleads, with sadness to her voice.
“Since when does anyone care where I go or what I do?” A little anger seeps through my voice.
I am starting to get upset. I feel Tina’s hand lay on top of mine when she pleads with me to listen to Karen. So, I relax back in my chair saying, “Let’s hear it!” After the box arrives, Karen starts pulling out different papers, laying them in front of me. I first notice my mail, looking closer at the address it was addressed to. My home address.
“Why do you have my mail here and how did you get it?”
“I am the one who brought it to Karen. I have been retrieving all of this that was left at your house before you could see it and get scared,” Tina says.
“Tina, that makes no sense, why would I be scared about getting mail?”
“Penny, look at it. Don't you see the blood? That was in your mailbox,” Tina
snaps.
“Maybe the mailman cut his hand while delivering the mail, Tina. I mean really, don't you think you're being over dramatic?”
“Well, I would have thought that too had I not found notes like these on your doorstep,” she says as she pulls notes from the box that sits in the middle of the table. Each note she pulls out has a different message in it, rather it be ‘You will die’, ‘I hate you’, and ‘I’m watching you’. One even said ‘Enjoy your last concert’. Feeling my hands start to tremble, I run my fingers across the notes.
“Who did this?”
“We have no idea. At first we were hoping just a disgruntled fan. But after Tina brought us your mail today with the blood on it, we are thinking this might be someone serious,” Karen says, firmly.
I turn and look at Tina. “You knew about all of this and didn't tell me?” She just nods.
“I didn't want you to worry or be scared, Penny.”
“Well, I am not worried or scared. We have already gone through something like this a few years ago. Only to find out it was a fan who didn't like how I ended a book. So, I'm sure this is the same scenario. Just another upset fan, so let’s not make this into such a big deal.”
“Penny, you should not travel until we find out who this is,” Karen repeats.
“I’m going, so you can make the arrangements I need or I will. Your choice, but I will be going to Vegas.”
Karen jumps up pushing her chair with the back of her legs, sliding it across the floor. She slams her hands down on the table. “Surely you’re not going to be that careless with your own life, Penny!”
I jump up, mimicking her actions. “No, I am not being careless. I am enjoying life to the fullest!” I bend down grabbing my purse, getting ready to head out of the room. Karen’s next words almost knock the breath out of me.
“What if it’s him?”
“Who?” I whisper, unable to move much less turn around to see their faces.
“All this started around the time you started co-writing with him. Do you think the timing is just a coincidence?”
“Who? Who are you accusing, Karen? Just say it!”
“Kain Brooks.”
I stood there several more minutes frozen in place. Then, I bolt out the door running for my car. I can hear everyone shouting my name but nothing matters, not even my best friend begging me to wait. I get in my car, my hands shaking, body trembling, and tears streaming down my face and drive away.
Chapter 14
Kain
With the familiar clicks of the keys on my computer laptop, I finish the last sentence to the final chapter of our book. Well, at least my last chapter. Penny still has to finish the book, our book, but I was done. Another few clicks and the chapter is traveling across the country in a simple email that read, ‘All done…your turn…’
It has been an unbelievable few months writing with Penny. Mostly because we discussed our plot lines and story twists from the comforts of our beds, staring through our computer cameras. I discovered last month that I actually couldn’t fall asleep anymore without Penny’s face tucking me in at night. I even traded in my older laptop for a newer one with a larger screen and high definition camera. Seeing her beautiful, life-sized face every night was my true moment of joy every day. It was swiftly becoming torture though. Not being able to touch her for real. Not being able to hold her face, touch her hair, kiss her lips…caress her hourglass figure.
We would meet soon though, and I would make every second as special as possible. I will cherish her, complete her…make love to her.
With the image of her naked, lying next to me, I fumble for the Skype button and try to call her but she doesn’t answer. Disappointed, I grab my cell phone and text her, ‘MISS U MUCH.’ Again, she doesn’t respond. My nerves rise up inside my stomach, but I push them away and close my laptop.
It has been a life altering experience with Penny. Her calming voice has become habit forming. That was expected though, after all we talk at least three to four times a day, and that didn’t even include our nighttime Skyping adventures. So, when my text to her seems to fall on deaf ears, the worry grows, instantly.
Dialing her number, I whisper, “Pick up, Penny.” After five rings the phone line sends me to her voicemail. That only happens if she is in the shower, otherwise she always picks up…always. Now, I was completely uneasy. Thank goodness for the knock at my cabin door.
“Hey…” Wayne greets me, and then notices my stressful face. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Pfft…you’re lying. I can tell by your eyes,” he says, as if I was some kind of weirdo.
“What’s wrong with my eyes?” I say, slightly offended.
“They’re doing that weepy thing…like a sad little puppy,” he teases.
“My eyes are not weepy!” I scold. He laughs, pushing past me and making his way to the refrigerator.
“Of course they are. You look like an old basset hound…pathetic.” He laughs so hard he almost spills his newly opened beer. “You used to get that look every time you came back from a meeting with Sydney’s lawyers. As a matter of fact, I haven’t seen that look since you started your thousand mile romance with Penny.”
“Shut up, Wayne. I’m not a freakin’ puppy dog!” I say, trying not to burst out in a fit of laughter saying the words. He hands me a beer and gently taps the bottles together.
“Afraid so, my friend. Penny has already domesticated you. Does she spank you if you mess on the carpet?” Wayne asks, pushing my buttons. Instantly I am smiling and laughing again. No more mopey basset hound. Best friends sure know how to make things better…and awkward.
“You’re just jealous no one’s spanking you lately. Penny and I have something special. AND, she spanks me whenever she feels like it,” I joke. He freezes in place and his eyes pull tightly together, staring at me. “What?” I ask.
“Are you two sexting?”
“What?” I gasp.
“You are! You and Penny have been sexting! Let me see your phone…” he pushes toward me.
“Have you lost your mind?” I yell, trying not to laugh.
“It’s okay, Kain. You can admit it. Penny’s seen you naked.”
Almost laughing, I say, “Shut up…”
“Did you show her everything? Oh my God, she’s seen Mini Kain!” he bursts out.
“Enough. We’re not discussing this.”
Laughing hard, he says, “I’ve gotta get me a Skype account…”
After my face returns to its original color, no longer blinding red from the embarrassment of his comments, I take a small sip of my drink. He laughs a little more and I check my phone again for any response from Penny. Nothing still.
“What are you doing here, Wayne?”
Pulling a large stack of mail from under his shirt, he smiles, “Dropping off your forwarded mail. You don’t pay me enough to be your mail service, ya know.”
“And you don’t pay me enough to be your friend…” I laugh, lightly.
Scooping up the tiny mountain of mail, I unwrapped the rubber bands that are securing the pile of envelopes, and scatter the mail along my kitchen counter. Noticing an unusually thick envelope, I set my cell phone down on the counter as well.
“Hmmm…what is this?” I ask, out loud. Wayne shrugs and scoops up my cell phone and begins playing a game. I ignore him and the annoying music as he races to align brightly colored blocks for points. The envelope is dirty and overstuffed. I was surprised it was still sealed. There is only my address on it, no return address. That’s when I realize there is no postage on it either.
“This was in your mailbox?” I ask. Wayne fights to tear his eyes from the screen of my cell phone, and nods, no.
“I found that outside your front door. I placed it in the bundle before I knocked,” he says, giving me a polite thumbs up.
“Didn’t you find it a little weird to be just sitting at the foot of my door?” I ask, with new worry.
“Not rea
lly. I find it weird that you are still having your mail forwarded to me though. I do have a life, ya know…” he barely says as he concentrates harder on the flashing screen of the phone.
“I can see that,” I smile. Cautiously, I tear the end of the mysterious envelope open and pour the contents onto the counter. Only one thing falls out.
A white piece of fabric covered in red stains.
“Holy shit, is that blood?” I gasp. Quickly, I unfold it, trying not to touch it too much. The cloth opens to reveal an image of a couple embracing in a kiss. I recognize the image immediately. It is a promotional image from my popular television adaption, Blood and Bite.
“Is that a piece of one of your B n B T-shirts, Kain?” Wayne asks, surprised. I nod, yes.
“And I think it’s covered in blood…” I exhale. Wayne studies it for a moment. We both realize at the same exact moment that it says something in the red stains.
YOUR NEXT BOOK WILL BE YOUR LAST
“Alright, enough of this shit. It’s time to get the cops involved, Kain.”
“Maybe…”
“Maybe? Are you seeing what I’m seeing? That’s blood, Kain! Blood.”
“I know, Wayne, but…”
“But nothing, my friend. I’ve always been on board with the stalker thing…the crazy fan letters, the random gifts of scented cards, the occasional pair of lace panties…but this is different. This somebody is trying to send a message. Somebody who really does not want you and Penny to write this new book,” Wayne says, directly.
“We can’t know that for sure.”
“Kain, listen to me…I love you, man…but this could be something so much worse than what you’re letting yourself believe.”
“What do you mean, Wayne?” I ask, staring down at the bloody shredded garment. Wayne puts a hand on my shoulder and finds my eyes.
“What if it’s your ex…what if it’s Sydney?”
I stare at him not fully letting in his words. Slowly, I remember all the things that have been going wrong since our divorce. Canceling my cards, stealing my dog, the mysteriously slashed tires of my beloved car…the randomly placed letters with the same threat scratched across them. Sydney wouldn’t go that far, would she? I mean, she had everything. That’s when an old memory slammed into me like an out-of-control semi-truck. The day I knew our marriage was over…the day I caught her with another man in our bed. The day she screamed she hated me to all our neighbors. The horrible day she told me, “I’d rather see you dead than love another person other than me. Your heart belongs to me, Kain! Forever! And. I. Don’t. Want. It. Anymore.”