“Where’s your friend?” asked Lisa. She was in the kitchen pouring herself a glass of wine.
“Why are you always hanging out in the kitchen?” Every time she wanted to grab a quick snack and disappear into her room she couldn't because Lisa was always there waiting to get into her business.
“I like to have a nightcap and go over my emails in here. I’ll ask again where’s your friend?”
“I sent him home.” Ramona held the refrigerator’s door open as she tried to decide what to eat. “Where has Ritz been? I haven’t seen him in weeks and there’s hardly any food in here.”
“He had surgery on his hip. So, he’ll be out for the next six weeks. If I can’t have him, then I don’t want a replacement. We’ll fend for ourselves.”
“I’ll send him a get well gift. Is he in the hospital?”
“No. He’s home now.”
Ramona grabbed a carton of cookie dough ice cream and a spoon.
“Why did you ask Xavier to leave?”
“I never invited him. Matter of fact, I spoke to him an hour before I got home and told him I would call. That’s why it blew me away to see him here.”
“He was waiting in the driveway when I arrived. I recognized him from your pictures, so I invited him in.”
“It’s not the first time he’s come by unannounced. He apologized and said he wouldn’t do it again.”
“That’s creepy. Are you sure you want to date this guy?”
Ramona stuffed a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. “Xavier can be intense, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“You know him better than I do,” shrugged Lisa. “Just be careful.”
“I will. I’m surprised that you haven’t used this opportunity to throw Nick in my face.”
“I already told you I’ll stay out of yours and Nick’s business. I would be delighted if you two got back together but if it doesn’t happen, I’ll be okay.”
Ramona scooped another dollop of ice cream out the carton when she noticed that Lisa had on a form-fitting black dress. “Where are you going dressed like that?”
Lisa finish the last bit of wine in the glass and smiled. “You’re not the only one that has someone in their life.”
Ramona’s eyes widened, and a grin grew on her face. “Look who’s keeping secrets.”
“Goodnight, dear niece,” she said in a sing-song voice.
Ramona was glad her aunt had someone to occupy her time enough for her to stay out of her business. She retreated to her room with the carton of ice cream. She didn’t bother calling Xavier. Instead, she fell asleep while watching a scary movie marathon on cable.
◆◆◆
Saturday morning Ramona woke to a silent home. She peeked into Lisa’s room. Empty. Either she extended her date, or she had an early morning. She sent Lisa a quick text to make sure everything was okay. After showering and putting on lazy weekend clothes which were a pair of white cotton lounge pants and loose fitting matching button up top, she received a response from Lisa.
Stayed over at a friend’s house. Staff is off for the weekend. Enjoy the house!
Since she had the house to herself, thoughts of what to do ran through Ramona’s mind. She could binge on Lifetime movies, give herself a manicure, or—. Before she could come up with a third option her phone rung. It was Xavier. “Hello.”
“Did I wake you?” he asked.
“No. I’ve been up since seven.”
“Okay, well expect a delivery in an hour. I sent you something.”
“What kind of delivery?” she asked, unimpressed. His words from the night before were at the forefront of her mind.
“Be patient. It’s an apology gift for upsetting you yesterday.”
“I was more than upset, Xavier. You were pushy and aggressive. You have become a complete contrast from the person I thought I knew.”
“That’s why I’m apologizing to my number one girl. I have to stop by the office for a few hours. Let me know when the package arrives.”
“Sure, whatever.”
Two hours later a delivery person was at her door with a large square white box wrapped in an oversized gold bow. Ramona gave the young man a tip and closed the door behind her. She placed the heavy box on a table. Xavier’s thoughtful gestures always made it easy for her to forgive his lies and inappropriate actions. This time wasn’t any different. In her mind, it proved that he had a decent side and wasn’t all bad.
After taking several pictures of the beautifully wrapped gift, she slowly lifted its lid. Inside was a wooden box with a bottle of champagne, two crystal flutes, and several boxes of chocolate. Also included was a small envelope with a notecard inside. It said:
I’m sorry. Call me if you want help with emptying the bottle, X.
A half smile crept across Ramona’s face and she sent a text requesting that he stop by after work. He didn’t arrive until later that evening. “Where have you been? I text you hours ago?” she asked.
“Sorry, I had to stay longer than planned,” he replied. “Did you like the gift?”
The anger she previously felt had dissipated. She was ready to forgive and forget. Ramona placed her arms around his neck in a hug. “I’ve witness sides of you I prefer not to see ever again. I want this to work so stop with the pop ups and the demands. But, I appreciate and accept your apology. Are you ready to open the bottle?”
“Let’s pop the cork,” he said rubbing his hands together in clear excitement. “Is your aunt here?”
“Nope. I have the entire place to myself. No, aunt or staff.”
“Oh yeah, so we can play in any room we want?” He asked before he placed a kiss on her neck.
“Maybe,” she smiled. She grabbed the champagne bottle and both flutes and led Xavier to the living room.
“Here let me take care of that for you.” He opened the bottle and poured the golden bubbly into the flutes. He handed one to Ramona, who was sitting on the cream-colored leather couch watching him intently. Yesterday Julius dropped a bombshell of not knowing Xavier and last night was not the time to confront him. Now that his mood was more pleasant, it was the perfect opportunity to find out the truth. She placed her glass down and reached for his hand. “Sit next to me.” She pulled him down on the couch. “I thought you were only working for a couple hours.”
“Last minute problems I had to handle.”
“Like what?”
“It would only bore you.”
“What did you say you do again? I completely forgot.”
“What’s with all the questions?”
It was obvious he wasn’t interested in telling the truth. “You know I met with Julius yesterday. He said he doesn’t know you and you two don’t work together. I told him he was wrong because you said you worked with him.”
“I never told you that,” he said without blinking an eye.
Ramona’s mouth fell open. “Yes, you did.”
“Actually, what I said was that I had met him the same night I met you. You assumed we all worked together.” She watched as he poured more champagne into his glass and drink it in one gulp. “Why are you questioning me anyway?” he asked, slamming the flute on the table. He stood over her and ran his hands through his hair before bringing them to his side in a balled fist.
Ramona remained seated on the couch, perplexed to what the hell was happening. He lied about his job but instead of admitting it he tells her she’s confused. “Xavier, you lied. I don’t understand the secrecy? Are you doing something illegal?”
He narrowed his eyes and his jaw became tense. “I’m an independent contractor. I’ve done editing work off and on at the company your friend works for.”
Ramona threw her hands in the air. “Why didn’t you say that in the first place?”
“Because what I do is on a need to know basis and your friend is not on that list.”
That sounded plausible, at least it explained why Julius claimed he didn’t know him. Now that he answered her questions she had
to lighten the mood. His angered expression on his face proved he didn’t appreciate the questioning. She stepped towards him and cupped his face with her hands. “I’m sorry for upsetting you, but I had to know why Julius said he didn’t know you.” He remained quiet and his angered expression remained unchanged. She cautiously placed her arms around his waist and his body instantly became tense. The best way to calm him down was for her to keep her cool. She rested her head on his chest. “In order for our relationship to work, you must be honest with me.”
Xavier pulled away from her and placed each of his hands on both of her wrist. His grip was tight enough to cut off the blood circulation to her hands. She lifted her head to meet his eyes. Instead, of the pleasant hazel eyes she loved gazing back at her they became an eerie dark color. His face was red with a deep scowl. He didn’t mouth a word, he only glared at her.
She had to diffuse the situation. But, before she could speak he released the grip he had on her wrists and with his right hand he wrapped his hand around her throat, slamming her into the wall. “This relationship can’t work if you continue to forget your place!” he shouted into her ear. Ramona gasped for air as she clawed at his face. The more she squirmed the more it felt like her trachea would crush under his tight grip. She scanned the room for an escape plan, but slowly her surroundings became a blur. She tried to keep her eyes open, but she became more lightheaded with each passing second. This is it. I’m about to die.
“You think you can just speak to me any way you please?” he asked, tightening his grip.
“Get away from her! You get your hands off of her or I’ll call the police!” Ramona heard a muffled voice shout before falling to the floor, coughing and gagging. Moments later her vision became in focus.
“Get the hell out of here and stay away from my niece!”
Ramona heard footsteps and slamming of the front door.
“Ramona, are you okay?” Lisa asked, helping her to the couch.
“Can I have a glass of water, please?” She struggled to speak, her throat felt dry and raw. Ramona continued to cough as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
Lisa returned with a tall glass of ice-cold water. “We must call the police.”
“No!” Ramona’s voice was hoarse and scratchy like she had sandpaper lodge in her throat.
“Why not? He had his hand wrapped around your throat! I don’t want to think of what could have happened if I walked in minutes later.”
“No, I provoked him. I questioned him about his job.” Ramona tried to lift the glass to her mouth but her hand was shaking profusely. Lisa gripped the bottom and helped lift it to her mouth.
“I can’t believe you’re making excuses for him.”
“I’m not.” Ramona pushed the glass away. “I need to be alone.”
“Honey, you have red welts wrapped around your neck. We have to document it and file a police report.”
“I said no! Please, leave it alone.” She ran off to her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. She was embarrassed, humiliated, and furious she allowed that man to demean her. He will pay for what he’s done. She removed her clothing and stepped into a hot shower. Ramona continued to cry as the water trickled down her back. Her mind replayed Xavier strangling her in a continuous loop. How could I’ve been such an idiot? She asked herself. Why did I ignored the signs? Yes, there were times he was pushy, clingy, and had shifting personalities, but she never thought it would lead to him strangling her.
She turned the water off and dried herself inside the shower to avoid a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. Ramona couldn’t bear to look at the scars Xavier left behind. She dressed in black pajamas to match her somber mood and didn’t bother drying her hair, the air would have to do that job for her. Hesitant to go downstairs, she stood at the top stair and debated if she should make sure Lisa hadn’t called the police. Because her emotions were running high, she wasn’t ready to be bombarded with questions about Xavier. She preferred to forget the entire night.
She slowly descended the stairs, her body trembled with each forward step. The image of Xavier’s soulless eyes played in her head like a horror movie. She paused when she reached the bottom and wiped her eyes. She had to pull herself together before finding Lisa. If she witnessed her fragile state, it would give her more reason to call the police. Ramona searched the living room and her aunt wasn’t there. So, she proceeded to Lisa’s favorite hideout. Before she reached the kitchen Ramona heard whispers from the dining room. She entered and there was Nick. Her heart dropped and once again she became teary-eyed. She wanted nothing else but to run into his arms where she knew she’d be safe. Instead, she stared at him, unable to articulate a single word.
“Please don’t be upset with me,” began Lisa. “When you asked me not to call the police, I thought you needed someone to talk to.”
“I’m not upset,” she replied, in a voice barely above a whisper.
Lisa glanced at Nick and then at Ramona. “I’ll give you two privacy. If you need anything, I’ll be in my bedroom.”
Before Lisa could walk away, Ramona pulled her into an embrace. “Thank you,” she whispered in her ear.
Lisa pulled away and cupped Ramona’s face with both her hands. “I love you. Let him take care of you.”
Ramona led Nick to her bedroom, the one place in the house where she felt safe. She sat on her bed with her pillows propped resting against her headboard. Nick stood next to the bed, staring at her. She followed his gaze and touched her neck with her fingertips. “It’s that bad?”
Nick grimaced. “You didn’t look in the mirror?”
She moved her hand down to her lap; her eyes fixated on a broken fingernail. Another reminder of the hell she’s gone through. “I couldn’t,” she muttered.
“It’s bruised but nothing you can’t cover.”
“Maybe.” It was obvious he was trying to find the right words to say, but he seemed more uncomfortable than her. He stood over her with his hands tucked in his front pockets with an unsure look on his face. “You can sit next to me if you like.”
“Is it okay that I’m here?”
“Yeah.” Ramona patted the space next to her on the bed. “Come here.”
She watched as Nick slipped off his shoes and slid next to her on the bed. “What can I do for you?” he asked.
Tears fell from her eyes. “Can you hold me?”
“I can do that.”
She laid quietly on his chest while he stroked her damp hair. Each thump of his heartbeat eased Ramona’s shattered nerves. She felt safe in his arms like no harm would ever come to her again. “How could I’ve been so stupid?”
“Hey, don’t you dare blame yourself,” said Nick. “I only wished I was here to protect you.”
Ramona sat up and faced him. “You’re here now. That’s what counts.”
“Are you in any pain? You sound like you’re struggling to speak.”
“I’ll be okay.”
“You should get checked out. But, in the meantime, I could make you a cup of tea. I’ll be right back.”
Before she could object, he was out her bedroom door. She laid back on the bed and tried not think of Xavier. But, she couldn’t help it. She didn’t understand how she allowed herself to enter such a controlling relationship. Before she could ponder on how their relationship escalated to the point of violence. Nick returned with a cup of steaming hot tea.
“I added honey to help soothe your throat,” he said handing her the cup. He watched as she took several sips. “Was this the first time he hurt you?”
Ramona lowered her eyes and placed her cup on her nightstand. “Yeah. He would squeeze my arm here and there, but nothing like this.”
Nick knelt down in front of her. “You have nothing to be ashamed of. ”
“Can we not talk about him?” She wiped the tears falling from her eyes with her hands. Nick grabbed a box of tissues from the dresser and placed it in front of her. “I was wrong to push you away and I’m not talking abo
ut since I came home.”
“You did what you thought was best. The truth is, I spent most of our relationship hurting you over and over.”
“True. But when it mattered you were there. Even after you lost your friends and business associates, you never left me.”
“Because I loved you.”
“I know.”
“What about this guy? Do you love him?”
Ramona’s eyes welled up with tears again. “No, I could never love him.” Nick narrowed his eyes slightly like her response surprised him. “I could never love him.”
“Why is that?”
“Because he’s not you.”
Nick leaned forward like he wanted to kiss which caused her to put her hands up to block him. “My emotions are all over the place and I don’t know what I’m saying.” She rubbed her left temple to halt the pain of a headache. “Xavier was not this derange person when we met. He changed and can no longer be a part of my life.”
“Give me his address and I’ll go over there and kick his ass.”
Ramona smiled. The first time since her night had gone to hell. “That’s sweet. But, I have another idea. He’s about to meet my evil side and pay dearly for laying a hand on me.” She stepped into her darken bathroom and turned on the cold water. Although she felt a renewed sense of emotional strength, she wasn’t ready to view the result of Xavier’s battery. Ramona splashed cold water on her face, retrieved a towel next to the sink to wipe all traces of her tears. She exited the bathroom and left the tears and sadness behind her. Ramona grabbed her hairbrush that sat on top of her dresser and noticed that Nick was watching her place her hair in a ponytail with a crooked smile on his face. “What’s the smile about?” she asked.
“I was wondering when that feisty girl I fell in love with would reappear.”
“I had her tucked away. Blame it on group therapy. I learned not to act on my every impulse. Instead, I have to look at the big picture before reacting.”
“When did you attended therapy?”
Shattered Hearts (Shattered Series Book 2) Page 8