The Impostor, A Love Story

by Tiffany Carmouche

  “Nicole, it’s a very special card that will know if she gets exactly what she wants. I warned her it would self-destruct if you don’t use it today or tomorrow.”

  “You troublemaker, I didn’t want to accept it.”

  “She seemed pretty excited about it.”

  “What am I going to do with you?”

  “Actually, that is one of the reasons I’m calling. I have an opportunity to switch dates with someone, and I could be with you for Christmas. I don’t want to do it unless I know you will spend it with me.”

  “Christmas? I would love to.” Oh my, that would be so wonderful.

  “The only problem is that I would have to give up one of my weeks now. Brian has a wedding to go to and will give me Christmas for one of my weeks. I’d just be able to be with you one week this time, but we would be together for the holidays.”

  “I would love to be with you for the holidays.”

  “I want to check out this guy you are staying with.”

  “So you really aren’t going on tour with the band?”

  “I’d rather be with you. They understand, and it gives Justin and Trevor opportunities for more solos, so they don’t mind. Think about what you would like us to do when I get into town. It will be fun. I can’t wait to meet Jessica.”

  “I miss you so much. One more week—I will be counting the days.”

  “Me too,” he assured me. I’ll give you the details later, okay baby? There is a line of guys waiting to use this phone. I just needed to hear your beautiful voice. Tell Emily hi and give Jessica a hug for me. Remember that magic card is going to self-destruct if you don’t use it today or tomorrow. You don’t want to disappoint your princess, do you?”

  “What am I going to do with you?”

  “I have a few ideas.” I could hear the playfulness in his voice. “I miss you so much.”

  “I miss you, too.” I came out of the room beaming.

  “Dylan is coming to Anchorage. I can’t wait. He will be here Saturday. He can only stay for a week, but at least I’ll get to see him. And Steve, he can’t wait to meet you.”

  Steve didn’t appear thrilled at first, but then brightened up. “That is great. We can all do something together. The nanny will be getting here with Johnny and Timmy.”

  “Mommy, Mommy, can we please go to the store with the magic card?”

  “I guess what we will do today has already been decided. Let’s go get ready. You have to wear a princess dress to go to a princess store.”

  She picked out her fanciest dress and sat on the bed. I brushed her long hair, braiding her hair like a renaissance girl.

  “Don’t forget the magic card, Mommy.”

  Chapter Thirty-two

  We dropped Emily off and began our day. I wasn’t terribly excited about going shopping. I couldn’t believe the nanny hadn’t arrived. I would have waited to bring Jess to Alaska if I’d known there was a hold up. I felt wrong spending money when I knew my savings was dwindling quickly.

  I had begun looking for someone else to watch Jessica, but Steve assured me the nanny would be arriving in a few days, so I stopped my search. I’d have to go to work a little when Dylan was in town, and once he left, I’d work most evenings and spend my days with Jessica to recover the money.

  Jessica was so excited and Dylan was so insistent I take her to this magical store, so I tried to make the best of the shopping experience. I parked the car.

  Jessica’s eyes got even wider as we walked into the shop.

  “Wow, Mommy.”

  The store was any child’s dream. Jessica quickly ran over to the princess section, marveling at a castle bedroom set.

  The lady was quick to point out, “It will create a bedroom paradise.” She went on to say, “The slide, top tent, and tower come in multiple color options.” Turning to Jessica she asked, “What color would you like?”

  “I love the pink and purple.” Her eyes sparkled.

  She patted Jessica on the head, “There's no way your daughter won't instantly fall in love with this bed and its pretty pink veil. It will make your daughter the happiest little princess in town. Right, sweetheart?”

  “Can I go inside?”

  “Of course you can, you can play inside. See what magical things await you.”

  I figured it didn’t hurt to let her play. It was cold outside, and we were in the warmth of the store. It didn’t matter how long we stayed. I loved to be with her and see her so happy.

  “Mommy, Mommy, look at me!” She ran into the little castle.

  “Watch me, Mommy.” She slid down the slide, her eyes lighting up as if we were in our own magical place—the place we would escape to, where princesses lived and adventure thrived. I could imagine brushing Rapunzel’s hair in the tower or sliding down the waterfall into the river of mermaids.

  The store had princesses, fairies and other enchanted dolls, wall decals, and accessories. An amazing assortment of candy decorated one side of the store like Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

  “Look at this one, Mommy.” I loved her little voice.

  “The lollipops are bigger than you.” She ran to another steroid-abusing piece of candy and her smile grew.

  “Wow, look at the chocolate.” It was huge.

  “Mommy, this is the bestest store in the world. I’m so glad Mr. Dylan gave you the magic card.”

  “Oh, you must be Nicole.” The sales clerk came to me when she heard Dylan’s name. She turned to Jess. “And you must be Princess Jessica. Dylan said you would be picking out the bedroom set. Which one do you like?”

  “I like the magical princess bed with the slide.”

  “He thought you would. Let me show you something else he thought you would love.” She took Jessica to a beautiful, pastel carousel horse.

  Jessica’s blue eyes opened wide. “It is beautiful. Wow.”

  “You can ride it, sweetie.” Jessica ran over to it and sat on the magical horse.

  “This is one of the things he liked about it.” She turned it on and it gently rocked as music, yes music, played. It was a waltz—one of the first waltzes we danced to on that magical night in front of the fireplace. The night the aurora borealis lit up the sky and the violins beckoned us to dance. I remembered his adorable voice and his dignified lifted eyebrow.

  “To be done right, the bodies have to become almost one.” Oh, to be held in his arms again.

  I closed my eyes, listening to the music, letting it take me away for a moment into his arms—yearning to become part of the dream with him once more. I could feel what he wanted me to do by the pressure of his hand, his body, his arms. For just a moment in my mind, he was sweeping me across a royal ballroom.

  Time flew. My goal had been to walk out of there with only a few of the princess dolls she had also fallen in love with. I decided to steer Jessica away from the playground bed, but once the sales person found out who I was, she wouldn’t let up.

  “He insisted she choose one and he really wanted her to have the carousel if she liked it. Did you like it?” She turned to Jessica.

  “I love it, love it, love it.” The woman was making it hard to walk out of there with a twenty-dollar doll.

  “Well, I’m not sure. I think we would like to get it but need more time to think about it. Is that okay?”

  “Mommy but you have the magic card and you have to use it today or it will self-destruct.” She pouted her little lip. “I promised, Mommy, I promised.”

  “You promised what, Angel?”

  “I promised that I wouldn’t lie to the magic card. I would tell it what I wanted in my heart. We can’t let it self-destruct Mommy.”

  I turned to the sales woman, “Could you put some invisible pixie dust on this card so it will last a little longer?”

  “I sure can.” The women pretended to sprinkle the card.

  Jessica picked out a few dolls she could take home with her right away. The carousel horse would be delivered the following week so Dylan could see her
face when she got it. Jessica licked the huge lollipop. Not the six-foot one, but one as big as my little angel’s head.

  I thought the bed was way too expensive, but he was right—she loved the princess one. It was priceless to see her light up in all the excitement at the magic store, but I didn’t have the heart to spend two thousand dollars on the castle bed. It just felt wrong. She was mostly sleeping in my room anyway. If he insisted when he was in town, that would be different, but I couldn’t do it. The carousel horse was perfect. And I could escape into his arms with its song.

  I couldn’t wait for Dylan to meet Jess. A smile fell upon my lips. Three more days.

  The sales woman handed me the bag, snapping me out of my daze. I glance up at the window, startled. Grabbing Jess’s hand, I ran out the store. A man with sandy-blond hair seemed to be glaring toward the window from behind a tree outside. It was hard to make out from the distance. Was it Chuck? I looked closer.

  The style of jacket looked similar to one Steve owned, but the man was wearing a baseball hat and sunglasses. “Steve?” I asked confused. The two men had similar builds and characteristics. Of the two men, I hoped it was Steve.

  “Steve?” But what would he be doing here? We were an hour away from Wasilla. “Steve?”

  The man dropped his head so the brim of the hat covered his face. He didn’t respond, quickly walking away. I held Jessica’s hand tighter. I felt a little uneasy, but I realized if Chuck wanted to harm me, he wouldn’t do it in the middle of the day on a crowded street. I confirmed he was no longer watching me. I peeked down at Jessica. I wouldn’t let this ruin our day together.

  “So where to next, Angel? You hungry?” As we ducked in the restaurant, I checked around again. He was gone. I was probably just being paranoid, but even as I got in my car to go home, I searched the area again to make sure we were not followed. The last thing I needed was for that psycho to know where I lived.

  Chapter Thirty-three

  “What do you mean there was a hold up?” I questioned impatiently.

  “They are holding her papers for some reason. She said it’s been a nightmare, but she will be able to come soon. Apparently, she had stayed a little longer than her visa allowed last time, so they are making the process take longer. Everything looks good. She will be coming soon, but it won’t be this week.”

  “You would think she would have told you this before today,” I replied bitterly.

  “She didn’t find out till she got to the airport that she was missing some documents.”

  “It’s just getting ridiculous. I need to work.”

  “I know. I’m furious too. I miss my sons,” Steve agreed. “Last time there were no problems.”

  “I know it’s not your fault. I should have waited till she was here before bringing Jess up.” Irritated, I left the kitchen and rapidly descended the steps into Emily’s room and vented.

  “If you want, I can watch Jess for you so you can go to the airport alone. I know you haven’t seen Dylan in forever. And I can go in late a few days to give you all a little time together.”

  “Are you sure?” I was so appreciative. I only had one week with him, I wanted to enjoy every minute of it.

  “Of course, Nicole. Get out of here. You don’t want to be late to the airport.”

  I arrived at the airport just as Dylan was grabbing his luggage from the belt.

  “Dylan!” I ran to him and put my arms around him. He picked me up and swung me around. I thought today would never come.

  Looking around, he saw Jessica was not there. He smiled and leaned in to kiss me. “I have waited so long to do this.”

  “Mmm, me too.” His lips tasted better then I remembered.

  “How have you been, beautiful?”

  “Missing you.”

  “I’ve missed you too, baby. I can’t believe we only have a week.” He gently put me down. “So what would you like to do?” he continued.

  “You’re the one on break. What would you like to do?” I insisted.

  He pulled me close to him, lightly brushing his hand down the side of my face, continuing down the nape of the neck. Then he delicately traced my lips with his fingers, examining them as if it was the first time he had seen them.

  “This.” He slowly leaned in and kissed me. He pulled away in between each kiss to look at me—as if each kiss was to be cherished on its own. “And this.” Staring at my mouth, he slowly proceeded forward again, and then paused for a moment to admire my face before reaching my lips. His gaze was so intimate, so intense. I got chills.

  “And this.” He kissed me again tenderly, compassionately. I melted. “I better stop or we’ll get thrown out of here too,” he laughed. “I’m can’t wait to meet Jessica. What would the two of you like to do?”

  “We don’t need to do anything in particular. I just want to be with you. The nanny didn’t show up again, so I’m off all week.” I tried to stay positive.

  Dylan got serious for a moment. “I want to meet this guy Steve.” He still didn’t like the idea we were renting a room from someone none of his friends knew. He had Chris do a background check on Steve, but nothing came up. It was as if he didn’t exist, which he thought was odd. He said he would keep checking into it.

  “Let’s get that over with in the morning so I can just enjoy the rest of my time with you.”

  When Dylan arrived early the next morning, I ran to the door to give him a hug.

  “Hello, wonderful.” I jumped into his arms.

  “Good morning, beautiful.” He gave me a quick peck to be respectful. The night without him seemed like an eternity. I couldn’t wait for him to take me away.

  Jessica came over and gave him a hug, “Hello, Mr. Dylan.”

  “Hello, princess. I had fun with you yesterday.” We’d met up with Emily and Chris and we’d taken her to get ice cream.

  “Steve, this is Dylan. And Dylan, this is Steve.” Steve walked over from the living room.

  “Nice to meet you.” Dylan extended his hand.

  “Yes, I have heard a lot about you.” Steve was trying to be polite. Dylan towered over him. He shook his hand apprehensively, trying to mask his annoyance, I was sure, that he was being inspected by this kid in his twenties.

  “Thank you for taking care of these young ladies. Nicole says you have been very nice. I have to say, I was a little worried at first, but she says everything is going fine.” I could tell Dylan was camouflaging his disapproval as well. He hated that we were here.

  “It’s a pleasure having them. It’s been nice having people in the house since my sons have been gone a lot longer than I expected. I don’t know if Nicole told you, but the nanny had a little trouble with Immigration. It seems like she will be able to come next week finally, but it has been an unexpected delay.”

  “Yeah, that must be rough.”

  Right then, there was a knock at the door. Steve went to go answer it.

  “Delivery for Mrs. Richardson.”Oh that sounds so beautiful, doesn’t it? I looked at Dylan. He winked at me as if he liked the sound of it too.

  “I bet I know what that is.” I smiled.

  “Is it the horsey?” Jessica beamed.

  “I bet it is.” We walked to the door.

  “My horsey, my horsey! Thank you, Mr. Dylan.” She jumped up and down in excitement.

  Dylan glanced over at me with a huge smile, put his arm around me, and gave me a little peck. I was so happy he was here to see this.

  When Steve realized the door wasn’t for him, he seemed a little agitated. To him, it probably seemed like we were taking over his home. He walked away hastily.

  “Where would you like this, ma’am?”

  “It goes down here in Jessica’s room.” I began down the stairs. “The room is the one in the middle,” I directed him. “You can set the box down here.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Dylan handed the delivery driver a tip.

  “Can we open it, pwease?” Jessica clasped her hands in anticipation.

/>   “Let’s do it.” Dylan rolled up his sleeves, ready to begin.

  “Steve, do you have a knife?” I called up the stairs. When I realized he didn’t hear me, I darted upstairs into the living room. He was sitting at the dining room table, his lips snarled and his arms crossed. When I repeated the questioned, he seemed to ignore me. He grabbed at a pack of cigarettes, hitting them on the table to release one from the pack. I had never seen him smoke before. He lit the cigarette, then hastily stood up from the table, not even looking at me—as if I had done something wrong. He continued to purse his lips as he went to the kitchen drawer. The back of his neck was flushed.

  “Is everything okay?” I was concerned. He was obviously bothered about something. He continued to search the drawer, then silently pulled out a huge blade. It was disturbing. The dagger had a jagged edge on one side and a sharp blade on the other. It was the knife he used to cut my feet free of the vines—a hunting knife. He held it up for a moment and then put it back in the drawer and handed me a carving knife.

  “Here, you can use this one.” I could hear he was upset and wanted to dismiss me. Handing the knife to me, he still refused to make eye contact but then realized he was being gruff and apologized. “I’m sorry Nicole, I just miss my sons. It has been too long. I can’t believe the nanny hasn’t arrived yet.”

  I understood, I was able to spend so much time with Jess. He just needs his space.

  “Thank you, Steve,” I muttered as I ran downstairs and gave it to Dylan. “Here you go.”

  He used it to cut open the box. As he opened the box, the carousel horse’s head popped out.

  “My horsey, my horsey!”Jessica exclaimed.

  Dylan had me hold the box while he lifted the carousel horse out to safety. Jessica’s eyes opened up bigger and bigger as the magical horsey was released from the box.

  “Hurray!”

  Dylan lifted Jessica up and put her on the horse’s back. He pressed a few buttons, and all of a sudden, music filled the bedroom with the enchanting waltz.