Remember Cinderella (True Loves Fairytale Book 2)

by Tracey Champion

  I loved the variety of fun foods at the fairgrounds. Jordan literally bought me anything I wanted. I’m lucky I didn’t get sick. I had Indian fry bread with powdered sugar and honey (my favorite), cotton candy, caramel apple, and another Indian fry bread this one had beans and cheese on it.

  Some of the foods just sounded weird fried Twinkies, Oreos, and literally way too many fried sweets. We had been at the fair from when it opened until closing. Jordan was sweet to buy me this little glass pig. It’s no bigger than a quarter, but the cutest little thing.

  I had so much fun. I can’t wait to do something like that again.

  It had been a week since the fair. I was excited about getting things ready for Thanksgiving. I know I’m not cooking, but I have put up some decorations and wanted to get the house all cleaned up. The weather was nice outside and I had opened all the windows.

  Jordan told me to stay at the house today because a company was coming out to put a special fence around the pool. I had asked him why we needed the fence, but he just said it was just something that had to be done.

  I spent most of the morning cleaning upstairs. I had the library room all clean and organized. The bathroom was clean and I tried to tidy around Jordan’s desk. I had just finished vacuuming when the doorbell rang.

  I stopped what I was doing to see who could be at the house. I wasn’t expecting any visitors and the fence company wasn’t due until after lunch time.

  I peeked out the hole and noticed Niki standing on the other side. Why was she here? I was hesitant to open the door for her.

  “Hello, Niki,” I said with concern.

  “Hi Cara, I was wondering if you had a moment to talk with me.” I took a moment to think about this. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to talk with her or not.

  “I guess we can talk.” I look out to the patio furniture and debate talking outside with her. After a moment, the idea makes me very uncomfortable. “Come inside.”

  “Thank you.” She says sweetly to me and it sounds wrong.

  I walk into the living room and I take a seat. I don’t need her to be in any other room in the house. Plus, I’m uncomfortable enough as it is.

  “What do you want to talk about?” I watch Niki closely. She seems to be thinking about something.

  “I wanted to talk with you about what happened at the restaurant.” Oh really.

  “I’m not going to apologize for what I did or said, Niki.” I mean it. I don’t feel that I have to.

  “Actually, I wanted to apologize to you. I was upset and I took that anger out on you. I do hope you can forgive me.” Why does this sound wrong?

  “Niki, I’ll accept your forgiveness, but I don’t trust you,” I told her the truth.

  “I don’t expect you to trust me. I’ve felt so bad about my actions that night. I wanted to make things right with you. I owe you that.” This is all wrong. She’s being nice to me even in the way she’s sitting.

  “You don’t owe me anything Niki, but I thank you for coming here to make things right.” She doesn’t say anything and then looks around the house.

  “Jordan’s house looks very nice.” I scrunch my face up replaying her words over and over in my head.

  “I think he now calls it our place,” I tell her politely.

  “Oh, remind me how long you two have been together.” I think about that answer in my head.

  “Almost seven months now.” She nods her head and it makes me uncomfortable.

  “Nice to know. Don’t you think it’s a little strange that he would say this home belongs to the both of you. I mean seven months is not a long time and anything can still happen.” I become a little upset with her words. Niki makes a strange face and shakes her head.

  “Look I know what Jordan told me about the house. I don’t think there’s a plan for me to go anywhere. I’m happy and so is Jordan.” Niki again makes a face.

  “I never said anything about you going anywhere. I just think it’s a bit early to claim everything as joint. Sometimes relationships don’t work out as we want them to.” I really don’t like the way this conversation is going.

  “I know what you’re trying to do Niki. Jordan and I are happy. He’s made it a very big point that he doesn’t want me out of his life. I understand that you still have strong feelings for him. You can’t have him back.” She smiles at me and I adjust how I’m sitting.

  “Only time will tell on that Cara. So how is your tattoo healing.” Why would she care about my tattoo? She mentioned before she hated it.

  “It’s actually healing very nice. Why do you care?” I have to ask.

  “Well, I know you understood my tattoo that I wanted. I just was interested in the healing. I mean getting mine hurt like a bitch because of the placement, but it’s the sexiest thing I have.” What the hell is she talking about?

  “Did you get a tattoo, Niki?” I know I shouldn’t have asked her. Niki stands to her feet and turns so I can see her right side.

  I pay close attention as she raised her shirt. My heart stops or so I feel like it stops. Right there on there on her side is the same tattoo that Jordan has. It’s completely identical. Why would she do that?

  “I’m very pleased to have gone and finally gotten the tattoo. I mean I've had it planned for too long. I just needed the right timing to get it.” I cross my arms as she takes her seat again.

  “Why would you do that Niki?” Stupid. I’m stupid for asking. My hands shake and I want to rub my fingers. Why would she ruin my tattoo with Jordan by getting her own?

  “Well, why not. I mean he did get the tattoo for me no matter what he told you.” I jump when my cell phone rings. I go to answer it. Jordan’s on the other line and Niki mentions that she should be going to get her daughter. I don’t even say goodbye to her.

  JORDAN

  Cara sounded so off when I called her. I wanted to let her know that I was coming home early. I decided that I needed to spend some free time with her. Things were going to be getting real busy and in truth, I needed to be at the house when the fence gets put in.

  I stopped at a floral shop. I wanted to get Cara something nice. I know I can’t bring home roses. She would hate me if I did that. I look around the shop and my eyes keep going back to a vase of rainbow colored roses. I know buying them for her could be a good thing or really bad for me.

  I want to spoil her a little with something nice. I purchase the vase of flowers. I then pick up burritos and drive home. Things have been going well for me and Cara since the night she hurt herself. I want to show her how much I love her.

  I finally get home and the company I have coming out for the fence are not here. I’m not surprised and that’s actually a good thing. I grab everything and go inside.

  I open the door and see Cara sitting on the couch. She looks extremely upset. Her eyes lock on the flowers in my hand and she turns away from me. I’m quick to put them on the ledge by the door and walk over to her.

  “Hey pretty girl, what’s wrong.” I kneel in front of her.

  “I told you she would get the same tattoo you have.” This was not what I was expecting.

  “How do you know that she got it?” Cara’s expression changes from complete sadness to confusion.

  “Because I was an idiot again and let her into the house. I thought she was trying to be nice and at first, she was. I think she was, but then she showed me her tattoo.” Tears fall from her eyes and it breaks my heart.

  “Cara there’s nothing I can do about that.” It’s the truth.

  “Did you lie to me about why you got your tattoo?” Excuse me.

  “No Cara, I would never lie to you about that. I have no reason to. I got the tattoo for my parents and sister.” I stand to my feet because I’m pissed off because she just showed she doesn’t trust me.

  “How do I know that?” Oh, are you fucking kidding me? I pull out my phone and make a call.

  “Hey Ryan, you remember when I got the quote on my side. Yeah…yes. Hey, I can’t change that she
was there. Yes…Hey, stop calling me an idiot for that. I know…I get it…All right Ryan. I just want you to tell all that to Cara now. Yes, all of it. Fine, word for word.” I knew better than to call him on this, but I needed his help.

  CARA

  Jordan hands me his phone and I want to scream. I don’t want to talk with Ryan I want to talk with him.

  “Hello.” I’m terrified about what he has to say.

  “What’s the fucking deal with the tattoo Cara? I want you to tell me why he called me.” Oh wow.

  “Niki came to the house and showed me her tattoo. It’s the same.” It’s the truth.

  “That damn bitch. Here’s the thing. Jordan got the tattoo for his parents and Amber. We talked a lot about that tattoo. I actually found the right words. Are you listening to me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good. Now pay attention. Niki was there when he got the tattoo. The artist was getting uncomfortable with Niki in the room and asked us to leave. Hell, she wouldn’t shut the fuck up. I remember because I wanted to strangle her. I had a huge fight with her outside. For this reason, she thought the tattoo was for her and it wasn’t.”

  “Okay.”

  “No, damn it, Cara. Not okay. I can hear it in your voice that you’re freaking out. Don’t you dare fuck with your scared fingers. I have no reason to lie to you. I know what’s going on I’m not an idiot, but you need to relax.”

  “Why would she do it, Ryan?” I can’t believe I’m crying to him.

  “Hello did I not call her a bitch. Put Jordan on the phone and you relax.” I look at Jordan and hand him the phone.

  JORDAN

  “You’re a fucking idiot!” Ryan barks at me.

  “Tell me something new.” I’m pissed.

  “Call Niki and tell her off or something. You need to fix your shit Jordan. If Niki keeps it up, you will lose Cara. I hope you’re ready for that because you can’t fix it.”

  “I know,” I say to him as I let out a breath.

  “You don’t get it. You can’t fix that. She will walk and won’t come back no matter how hard you try. It sucks man and it will be all your fault.” He then hangs up on me.

  I run a hand through my hair. I have to call Niki. I hate it, but I don’t have a choice. I dial her and wait. Cara scrunches up her nose as she wipes away her tears.

  “Jordan.” The excitement in Niki’s voice makes my skin crawl.

  “We need to talk,” I tell her.

  “Okay, what about?” There’s lust or something in her voice. I can hear the change.

  “Did you get a tattoo on your side?” I ask without hesitation.

  “Just like your’s Jordan. Now we match too. It’s what you wanted.” She must have lost her mind.

  “I never wanted that Niki. You know that. Please keep it covered up and I don’t ever want to hear about it. You need to stay away from Cara. What you did today was bitchy.” I’m blunt because being nice no longer works.

  “I just wanted to say I was sorry to Cara. All I did was rub my side and she asked about it. What was I supposed to do lie to her?”

  “Yes Niki, you should have never gotten the damn thing. Stay away from Cara.” I bark at her and before she can defend herself I hang up on her.

  I toss my phone on the couch and sit next to Cara. She turns and moves onto my lap. I just hold her in my arms. I don’t know what to say now.

  “I’m so confused Jordan. It’s so hard to take what you tell me, what Niki tells me, and everyone else as fact. There’s way too many pieces in my head.” I begin to rub her back.

  “Cara no one other than Niki will lie to you.” I want her to understand that.

  “I know, but I’m so confused Jordan. It makes me feel sick and my head spins. It’s like I’m two people. I was me before Travis and now. I don’t know who I am or what’s going on.”

  “Hey pretty girl, you’re still you and I love you. I know this is confusing you, but I’m here for you.” She looks up at me with these sad eyes.

  “I feel like I’m losing my mind. I’m okay one day and then I feel like I’m losing my mind. I’m just going to ruin everything.” Tears just fall and I wipe them away.

  “Hey, you aren’t ruining anything. I came home early to spend time with you. I picked you up some flowers and lunch. Which we should eat before it gets too cold. I did that because I love you, pretty girl.” She tries to smile at me.

  “I saw the flowers. Are they roses?” Damn it!

  “Yes, but colorful open roses.” She blinks and smiles again.

  “I want to see them and I am hungry.” She stands and I follow her to the kitchen. “I really like these ones.” She turns to me. And kisses me.

  “I love you so much Cara. Trust me on that.”

  “I do trust you, honest.” I hear her words, but I don’t think she believes them.

  “Promise?” I ask her.

  “Promise.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  JORDAN

  It had been a week since Cara informed me of her meeting at the house with Niki. Now I’m about to have a meeting with Adam and Austin. This is going to be interesting.

  We’ve been mostly communicating over the phone or via email. Now they have demanded, not asked, they demanded a meeting. Something isn’t right. I’m just sitting in the conference room waiting for them to arrive. Which doesn’t take long, I don’t think these two know how to be late to a damn thing.

  “Jordan.” Adam’s the first to talk. I notice Austin has a file with him.

  “Okay, you got to tell me what’s going on.” I have the right to know.

  “I figured this out last week and wanted to point it out to you.” Austin walks over to me as Adam takes a seat.

  He drops the file on the table and opens it. I watch as he takes out two pictures. I’ve seen the first one and not the second. They both are of Niki.

  “Take a look at these.” I stare at them both.

  “What am I looking at?” I see Niki. In one photo she looks like a mess.

  “Look at Niki.” Austin points to the second photo. “She gave this one to us the other day.”

  “Okay.” I’m a little confused.

  “This is the Niki we are following,” He point to the other. “This is different.” I take a moment to see and I can tell something is strange.

  “Someone is taking pictures of her, but we don’t know who. We have a few photos of you and her together outside this office. However, the woman we are following is bat shit crazy Jordan.” Adam informs me.

  “I remember her before. This photo,” he holds up the first. “Is almost that same woman. The new photo we got is who we follow. It’s a trip.” Austin now finally sits.

  “What do you mean by that?” I need more of an explanation.

  “Simple. She’s talking to someone. Niki doesn’t use a Bluetooth and we don’t have to worry about that being the issue. However, it seems at times like she’s talking to herself. It's fucking the craziest thing we’ve seen.” Adam shakes his head.

  “Jordan, if I were you I’d be concerned about this. I’m not too thrilled about following her, but to know you have been photographed with her. As well as Jessica. I’d be worried.”

  “You said they were taken of me outside this office.” Austin nodes.

  “Yeah man, she’s something to follow. Each time we want to come by her place she always asks for advanced notice and he’s very protective over her damn closet.” Adam tells me.

  “I wouldn’t trust her either. I mean hell, I’ve spent time trying to figure out these two photos. This one is an amateur. This other one. We can’t figure out who’s taking it.” What does he mean by that?

  “You’re saying you can’t find her stalker?” I ask.

  “I don’t think she has a stalker. Whoever it is does one hell of a job not to be found out. There’s nothing telling us anything on this person. If they’re that good Jordan who says they don’t have something on you.” Austin explains.

  �
��Yeah that’s not good with the government issue we have going on. I can’t have someone up in my shit. Especially my work. You think she’s up to something.”

  “Yes!” Adam and Austin say at the same time.

  “Well shit. I’ll call Tyler today and tomorrow you two can work with him. He already thinks somethings up and I can’t be involved with this. I have to protect the contracts I have in place. Tyler is my guy that’s not associated with them. I’ll give him the green light to handle everything from here on out.”

  “We can deal with that. Tyler’s a good guy to work with.” Adam informs me. I know it’s why I sometimes keep him out of the loop for just these kinds of problems.

  “Thank you both for letting me know.” I walk them out and then go into my office.

  I’m frustrated and tired. I make sure that I let Tyler know that the twins will be calling him. He sounded okay with that. I didn’t expect anything less from him.

  I have to think this all out correctly. I can’t mess up anything with these government contracts. I love my job, but I could find myself in serious trouble.

  I spend some time trying to figure out who would be doing dirty work for Niki and why. I don’t understand why she would go through this much trouble just to get me back. I don’t fucking want her back.

  CARA

  November 20,

  Thanksgiving is coming up. We are having Thanksgiving with Jordan’s parents. This will be the first time in years that I actually spend the holidays with people. Last year I watched the parade on TV and had a turkey sandwich. It was really boring and lonely.

  The Saturday after Thanksgiving we’re to have brunch with my dad. The only reason we’re not having Thanksgiving with them is because they’ve all been spending time at one of the other law firms. They won’t get home till Friday afternoon. I’m not sure what’s going on because I don’t ask. I try to stay away from that part of my life. I don’t have anything to contribute.

  I’ve been trying to be good. I don’t tell Jordan about all my worries. I’m afraid if I do it would push him away. I still hate that Niki got that tattoo. I know that I shouldn’t let it bother me, but it does.