by Becca Siller
“I want to be there for her.”
“Did anyone talk to you about Charlie having a nightmare last night?”
“What? No, is she okay?” My poor sister, my heart has been so heavy and hurting for her. This whole situation with Tony has been hell for the both of us. It put a strain on our relationship and that’s why we took the trip to Vegas. The trip that changed both of our lives. But I fear Tony has damaged her beyond repair this time.
“Wyatt was there but I guess she woke up screaming and it took them a while to get her under control. I feel terrible for both of them. I would never be able to leave you like that. Hell, I can barely leave you like this,” he says, pointing to my stomach.
“Thanks, baby, you’re so sweet,” I say mockingly. “I’m a big girl, Miles, besides I would never put your career in jeopardy. I wouldn’t allow you to do that to me. But I’ve been thinking about what you said…” Last night after Miles proposed he asked me if I wanted to move to LA or stay in Portland. “I think I want to stay here for now. I need to know Charlie is going to make it through this okay. I know she has Scott and Darius but she’s my sister. I mean, not biologically, but in every other way. Is that okay?”
“Of course it is, Riley. That’s why I left the decision up to you but I will not be living in this packed house when our little one comes. I’m going to call my agent and have him sell my condo. I want you to start hunting for something here,” Miles says. I glance around our room and feel sad all of a sudden. Not because of what’s he’s saying but because I just noticed he’s packed almost all of his things. “Babe, did you hear me?”
“Yeah, sorry, I just noticed you’ve packed. I think that all sounds great. I’ll start looking,” I say, sounding breathless and sad. I know Miles has to do his job but I love him and I don’t want to go through this pregnancy alone.
“It’s only six weeks, love. I’ll have some time off after that. Don’t worry so much. It isn’t good for the little one,” he responds sweetly, then kisses me on the forehead.
Charlie
Riley’s parents are here visiting. It’s comforting having them here with me. Gina is trying to file my disastrous nails and Bill is watching the television. Gina has been talking nonstop for an hour about how excited she is for the baby and the upcoming wedding. Occasionally Bill chimes in with his little tidbits of wisdom. I’m smiling because they remind me so much of my parents before my dad became consumed with his work and my mom with her social obligations. Our families became friends after Riley and I did, and sometimes I think Gina and Bill miss them as much as I do. I still wonder why they took me in after the accident. I was emancipated but they still requested I stay with them. I think Gina worried I would go so far off the tracks that it would be difficult to get me back.
“I’m sorry I’m jabbering so much, Leelee, did you want to talk about something?” Gina asks softly, bringing me back into the present.
“No, Mom, you’re fine. I love how happy you all are about the baby. I was so excited when she told me. Now we get to plan the wedding, too. I couldn’t be happier for them,” I say excitedly, continuing to watch Gina’s small hands work lotion into my ragged ones. “Besides it helps to hear about things like that, it keeps me from thinking and dwelling on the bad memories.”
“Oh, baby girl, I’m so sorry you were hurt. I already asked Riley but I wanted to ask you if you wanted me to stay for a little while to help you out,” she offers sweetly. I could never deny this woman anything.
“Of course I’d love for you to stay. Are you staying too, Dad?” I ask Bill.
“No baby, I have to get home and back to work. I only have this year and then I get to retire early.” Bill has to be the gentlest man I’ve ever met. He’s huge and looks damn intimidating but is as sweet as pie. Looking at the couple sitting here, I can feel a wave of shame creep up my neck. I look away before they can see it in my eyes. I don’t know what I did to deserve such amazing people in my life.
“I’ll miss you,” I say, then look back at my hands.
Bill walks up beside me to place his warm hand on my shoulder but the contact makes me jump. He has a pained look in his eyes when he goes to draw his hand away. I quickly grab it, holding it in mine. “Mom and I were thinking about moving up here. All of our kids are here anyway. What do you think?” Bill asks tenderly, trying to mask his previous hurt.
“That would be great! So I’m guessing Sky won’t be leaving Portland any time soon?” I ask with a wry smile.
“Not a chance, he said he isn’t leaving his sisters alone again. You have a forever protector, Charlie,” Bill says laughing.
Skylar and I were really close growing up. Riley discovered boys way before I was ready. She learned to use me as her excuse to see boys. We would make up reasons for me to stay over at her house so she could sneak out to meet up with her boyfriend. Skylar eventually caught on and would in turn sneak into her room to keep me company. After my parents died he was like a protector during my self-destructive phase. I was his first kiss. One night while watching a movie, Skylar leaned over and kissed me. I was shocked but loved the connection we shared. But that was as far as it ever went. He was only fourteen and I was nineteen, weird I know but it didn’t seem like that big of a deal at the time. We realized we were too much like siblings and were close friends after that.
A knock comes from my door and I look up to find Det. Richards and Det. McShane standing in my doorway with Wyatt, Darius, Riley and Miles close on their heels. “Good morning, Charlie, how are you today?” Det. Richards asks, the kindest smile playing across her lips.
“I’m feeling much better, thank you for asking.” I’m a little nervous to look Det. McShane in the eye. The look he had on his face when he found me in Allison’s apartment was so anguished, and I just can’t see that again.
“Hey there, Charlotte,” Det. McShane’s Boston accent sounds warm and bright in the room. “I’m really glad to see you. I have something I’ve been waiting to tell you.”
At that, I look up into his eyes. My eyes are glossing over with tears but his are bright with what looks like triumph. “Wha…what is it?” I ask hesitantly.
“It was just confirmed early this morning…” McShane and Richards share a glance and then speak in unison. “Tony’s dead.”
It takes a few long moments for that to really sink in. I won’t have to worry anymore. Tony is out of my life…forever. Feeling overwhelmed, I spring from the bed and wrap my arms around McShane’s neck. “Thank you…” I whisper on a choked sob.
McShane squeezes me tightly, inhaling a deep breath. “I would never let him hurt you like that again, Charlie. Now he’s gone and you’re free to live life,” he whispers into my ear, making me sob harder.
Wyatt
I have to clench my teeth to keep myself from throttling Det. McShane for holding my girl so intimately. But hearing the detectives tell Charlie Tony’s dead is like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. The thought of leaving her here not knowing his fate was unsettling to say the least. Slowly, Charlie releases him and searches the room for me. When our eyes meet I feel my stomach tighten with that all too familiar feeling of arousal and need that I get around her. My smile is big and bright with happiness that this nightmare would finally be over for her. Dr. Iverson explained to me last night that her body will be healed way before her mind and soul. My smile falters at the thought of not being here to support her through that.
“Why the frown?” Charlie’s sweet voice breaks through my thoughts. She runs her finger down between my puckered eyebrows. The slight contact heats my cold blood. Being touched by Charlie is unlike anything else I’ve ever felt.
“Oh, it’s nothing, babe, don’t worry about me,” I respond, softly kissing her. “I never knew I could be this happy to hear someone died.”
Charlie’s look turns troubled. “What about Allison, what’s going to happen to her?” she asks, genuinely concerned.
“The District Attorney’s office plans t
o prosecute her for her part in assisting Tony with your kidnapping and confinement. I’m sure they’ll talk to you about that. The good news is that you won’t have to worry about either one of them anymore,” Richards says, then walks over next to Charlie. “I think you should know how much I respect you for surviving one of the most violent…” Charlie silences her with a hand over her mouth. When Charlie moves her hand, I see them share a look, and Richards continues with, “and you have a real hottie here.”
“Thank you, I think Wyatt is the hottest man alive. I hope we’ll all remain in touch,” Charlie responds sweetly.
“Me too,” Skylar says, giving Det. Richards a heated look. I didn’t see him come in but I can sense something between the two of them.
“Well, you can’t get rid of us just yet. There’ll still be a trial and more questioning so we’ll definitely be hanging around for a while,” McShane says, looking slightly tortured for some reason. I feel wary of him. The way he looks at Charlie makes me think he wants more with her. No that’s crazy, Wyatt. You just think everyone wants her because she’s yours.
“We’re grateful for everything you two have done,” I tell them, shaking McShane’s hand, squeezing a little hard. He returns my grip, looking me right in the eye. My spine stiffens at what I feel is a challenge. What is wrong with me? I shake my head and take a step back. I need to put distance between McShane and myself.
“Oh good, you’re all here,” a voice from the doorway says, interrupting my jealous moment. Dr. Iverson walks in confidently. “It’s good to see you up, Charlotte. I have great news. You can go home this afternoon if you’re feeling up to it. All of your tests came back and the attending physician and I agree, recovering at home where you’re more comfortable is best. He’ll be up to see you before you leave.”
“That would be amazing,” Charlie replies, and for the first time since yesterday she looks happy. “I really want to be home with my family and my dog.”
“Good, I have some discharge instructions and you will need something to wear home,” Dr. Iverson directs, looking around the room and noticing several people staring at him with curiosity. “Am I missing something?”
“No, well yes, the detectives came down to let Charlie know Tony’s dead,” I tell him, waiting for his reaction.
“I see” is all he says before turning and heading for the door, but before he walks away, he takes Charlie’s hand and looks her right into the eye. “We will discuss that later. I expect to see you in my office tomorrow, Charlotte. Until then, get some rest.” He gives her a smile and leaves the room.
“I can go get you something to wear home and clean up a little,” Gina says, kissing Charlie on the cheek before she and Bill leave.
“Hey, Gina, wait a second,” I holler after her. “I’ll be right back, babe,” I say, giving Charlie a swift kiss on the head. I turn, jogging out into the hallway to meet up with Gina and Bill.
“What can we do for you, son?” Bill asks. Hearing him call me son makes my steps falter and a lump form in my throat.
Swallowing hard I look at him, “I want to do something really special for her, do you have any ideas? Nothing over the top, maybe pick up her favorite food or dessert, I don’t know, just something,” I ask them, feeling stupid for not knowing those things about her yet.
Gina smiles warmly at me, “Don’t worry, sweetie, I think I have just the right thing.” Then she hugs me, patting my cheek with her palm. “I can’t tell you how happy it makes us that our girls have both found such wonderful men.”
My eyes begin to tear but I blink rapidly before they notice. “Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me.”
After a few more details have been worked out, I head back into the room excited for the plans we’ve made for Charlie’s homecoming. Everyone is sitting around talking, and I notice that Skylar has the very attractive Detective Richards pulled aside and from the looks of it he’s pulling out all of the stops in his pursuit of her. Riley, Miles and Scott are all standing around laughing about something but Darius and McShane are talking to Charlie, and it looks more serious than I’d like. Making my way over to them, I stop to listen for a moment.
“You should really talk to him about it, Charlie,” Darius declares, looking at Charlie with such love in his eyes.
“I know several women that went to this support group, and they said it really helped,” McShane adds affectionately.
“I’m fine, guys, I promise. The fact that the three of you saw me like that is bad enough,” she says but is interrupted by McShane.
“Why is that bad enough? You did nothing wrong, Charlie,” McShane tells her, reaching out to hold her hand. I bite my cheek to keep from growling at him.
“Because of the way you three look at me. I see how you saw me every time I look into your eyes. You don’t know how disgusted I am or how that feels. You know the level of debasement he put me through. I don’t want or need pity,” Charlie says sharply.
“None of us feel pity for you, Charlie. Well at least I don’t,” Darius replies softly. “I feel pride when I look at you and how well you’re doing.”
“Hey,” I say, interrupting the conversation for Charlie’s sake. “The nurse is going to come in here in a bit to get you ready to go. She said the other doctor should be here any minute. I’m going to send Riley to the mall down the street to get you something to wear.”
“Why? Aren’t Mom and Dad bringing clothes?” she queries.
“I thought it would be faster this way. Besides, Gina is cleaning. We’ve kinda been slacking on the housekeeping front,” I lie. Darius grunts and his lips twitch into a smile. Scott and Gina clean when they’re stressed out. Needless to say the house looks immaculate.
Charlie tells Riley what she wants and tells her she’ll pay her back. I would have given her my credit card if I hadn’t already insisted Bill and Gina take it for the dinner. About an hour later Charlie comes out of the bathroom wearing a matching teal blue track suit with glitter-covered flip flops. She looks amazing. I’ve never loved anyone the way I love Charlie, and I hope and pray the next six weeks fly by.
Charlie
For the first time since Vegas there are photographers everywhere when we leave. I was already a little nervous leaving the hospital, but now my nerves are shot with all these people clicking away trying to get a picture of Wyatt. Luckily both the detectives stay, and between them, Darius and the three other large men in my life, I’m escorted by a wall of bodies, blocking me completely from view. Once inside the big SUV we have to drive around a bit to lose the paparazzi. Wyatt curses but eventually everything calms down including Wyatt, and we make it home safely and unseen.
Walking up to the house I feel overwhelmed. At the end of my time with Tony I thought I wasn’t ever going to see this place again. When Gina opens the door Wyatt whistles loudly, dragging me back to the front yard and out of that small dirty room. Deputy, our very animated Black Lab–Mastiff mix, bolts from the front door, almost knocking poor Gina to the ground. I drop to my knees and revel in Deputy’s overzealous greeting. Laughing for the first time in what feels like months I can’t manage to pull myself up so I just sit in the grass on my front lawn and let Deputy prance around, giving me big wet slobbery dog kisses.
“Come on, buddy, let’s let Mom get inside,” Wyatt says, laughing. I raise one eyebrow at him. “What? You’re Mom and I’m Dad, got a problem with that?” he asks with an impish grin.
“I love the way that sounds,” I tell him genuinely. His face softens when he looks down at me, making my heart flutter with emotion.
When I walk inside I’m shocked for a moment. The room is filled with all of my favorite flowers, a huge bowl of Reese’s peanut butter cups (my favorite candy), and Gina has somehow managed to have my favorite Italian dish from Vinnie’s waiting. My mouth, already hanging open, starts to water so I close it before I drool all over the floor. Wyatt is behind me, and gently puts his hands on my shoulders. “What do you think, babe, do
you like it?” he asks, then kisses the top of my head.
“How did you know?” is all I can manage to say.
“Well, Gina and Bill really helped. I wanted your first day home to be the best,” he responds, then slowly starts pulling me into the living room.
“The house smells wonderful, Mom, thanks. Dad got the food?” I ask because he and I were always sneaking off to eat lunch at the Italian restaurant down the street with Skylar when Gina and Riley were gone shopping.
“I know what my girl likes to eat,” he says smugly.
“Where is Ry?” I ask, looking around for her. Just then a very green Riley comes out of the bathroom.
“I’m here. Sorry, Sis, the food smells great but for some reason it makes me sick,” she says, her voice shaky and weak.
“I’m sorry, is the morning sickness really bad?” I ask her.
“It wouldn’t be if it were only in the damn morning! It’s three o’clock in the afternoon for heaven’s sake.” she huffs. I can’t help but laugh at her. Miles comes to put his arm around her but is immediately shrugged off and given a death glare from Riley.
“What did I do now?” he asks, resigned and slightly annoyed.
“Nothing, you’re fine, right?” she answers, then storms into her bedroom, leaving Miles standing there looking very confused.
“Don’t worry, Miles. Gina was the same way when she was pregnant with Skylar. Just give her a little time to rest. In the meantime, let’s eat, my other daughter needs to get some pounds back on,” Bill directs, pulling me into the dining room and setting a steaming plate of chicken parmesan, angel hair pasta and grilled vegetables down in front of me. Everything is so normal. Everything but their eyes on me when they think I’m not looking. I hate the pity and pain I see in their eyes. I wish they’d leave it alone for now. I can’t handle all of the “are you ok?” questions. I don’t know if I’ll ever be ok.