Tragic Love (BOOK 2)

by Brannon, M.

  Week Eight:

  The countdown is finally over and in a few short days I will have the love of my life standing in front of me. I’m terrified to look into his eyes. The last time I saw them they were bloodshot and broken. Broken because of me. Will he ever be able to mend all of his broken pieces? Will he need to be without me in order for his broken pieces to heal? I’m scared to find out, but I desperately need to know.

  Chapter 14

  Drake

  “Jake, are you ready, man? We needed to be on the road an hour ago,” I shout from my Chevelle, waiting for Jake’s slow ass to get in gear.

  We’ve been planning this road trip for a month, and in fourteen hours I will finally have Presley in my arms again, hearing her voice. Seeing her after this long is going to be strange.

  Presley said it would be too hard for her to follow the steps of the program if we talked on a daily basis. Reluctantly, I did as she asked. I know she needs to focus on getting better and the last thing I wanted to do is stand in the way of her recovery. The lack of contact has been slowly driving me insane, though. My arms feel empty when she’s not near me and the ache in my heart is constant. Now I need to focus on making it through this road trip so I can look into her eyes and fall in all over again.

  I went back and forth wondering if I should bring Mia with me, but Darcie convinced me that rehab probably isn’t the best place to reunite mother and child. After considering it, it’s probably for the best. I don’t know what version of Presley I will get—the happy, smiling woman I fell in love with or the sad, emotional train wreck she became—however whichever version it is, I will take it because she still has all of me and always will.

  The day after Presley left, I went to a jewelry store on the north side of town, looking for something to give her. I wasn’t sure what I was really wanting, but I knew it needed to be significant. I felt a little out of place, being no one from my side of town comes into a place this fancy, but then I saw exactly what I was looking for.

  The white gold necklace was beautiful, with a longer chain and dangling on the end was a heart shaped pendant incrusted with tiny diamonds. It was perfect. Picturing Presley wear it makes me smile. I want her to know, no matter where she goes or what happens in our crazy life, my heart will always be with her. That our love will survive through anything. Now I can feel the black velvet box in my jeans pocket and it won’t come out until I can fasten the chain around her neck.

  “Holy hell, man, calm the fuck down. We will make it to Memphis by nine a.m. and you can’t go see her until ten a.m., so chill the hell out.” Jake tosses his bag in the trunk and moves over to the passenger seat.

  He looks like he just rolled out of bed, picked jeans and winkled t-shirt out of the basket and came upstairs. “You haven’t seen Delilah in two months and you’re going to meet up with her looking like that? Worse yet, smelling like that?” I roll down the window slightly as I back out of the driveway and point the car in the direction of Memphis.

  “Why? What do I smell like?” Jake begins to lift his arms and takes a large inhale of his armpit region. Disgusting. “Roses. That’s all I smell.” I let out a smartass laugh as he smirks over at me.

  Jake smells nothing like roses, unless those flowers were dosed in stale whisky. Jake begins to rub his newest tattoo on his bicep. The tattoo is the latest ink in the line of many already covering his arm, completing his sleeve.

  “Jake, you smell like Jack Daniels and dirty women. As much as Delilah can tolerate your exceptional personality, I don’t think she really wants to be anywhere near you when you smell like a whore house.”

  “Hmmm. Well, I guess we better get our ass in gear so I can shower before I see my little southern angel.” He pulls his cell phone from his pocket and begins to send a text message while I blast Foo Fighters and push the accelerator until we hit eighty. This will be the longest fourteen hours of my life, but soon I will be holding my girl in my arms.

  ***

  It’s a little past midnight when we finally make it through Indianapolis and I merge west onto I-70, heading toward St. Louis. About an hour into this trip I determined GPS is probably the best invention ever made. Jake is a horrible navigator and has spent much of the trip sleeping or texting on his cell phone.

  I’m so amped up for meeting Presley, I may not sleep until we go home tomorrow night. The peace and quiet is welcomed, especially when Jake is the only person to have a conversation with, yet I need a distraction from my mind. I’m so anxious, happy and terrified to see Presley I can hardly see straight. I love her so much and I know from the depths of my stomach she will be okay, but I still feel nervous about seeing her.

  There is not much traffic once we get on the open interstate, semi's mostly. The passing lights are hypnotic as they shine through the windshield, lightly illuminating the inside of the car. I pick up my iPod and switch it over to Thirty Seconds to Mars, allowing the music to help me escape. Many of their songs remind me of Presley and when “The Story” comes on, she is the first person to pop into my head. She’s had a dark story of her own to tell, and finally after three years, she can let it all out.

  We stopped just outside Indianapolis to get gas and something to eat. My stomach is aching, but food will do nothing to ease the pain. The nerves about seeing Presley in less than nine hours intensifies every mile we get closer to Memphis. The weather has been more than cooperative for us; clear skies with no rain or snow to contend with. The air is getting a little warmer the further south we go and I’m looking forward to getting to the warm Memphis air. The early winter in Sulfur Heights was a huge shock to everyone’s system.

  When Jake begins tearing open a bag of Doritos and cracking a can of Mountain Dew, the noise distracts me enough from my thoughts to glare over at him. “Really?” He’s got a lot of nerve.

  “What?” He holds the bag open for me to grab a chip and I just wave him off. Jeremy and I just got the interior of the Chevelle fixed and if he drops a single crumb, I’m going to thump his skull.

  “You better not spill that shit in my car,” I snap

  “Or what? I swear you, Reggie and Jeremy are all the same about your cars. We are on a freaking fourteen hour trip. I’m gonna eat, so get over it.” This is coming from a guy who doesn’t have a car of his own and has to either borrow ours whenever he wants to go somewhere or bum rides off of us. He can’t fully understand the work involved in restoring a car because he’s never done it, and when he does contribute, it’s only to piss everyone off. He’s only into cars when they’re racing. The time it takes to get there, he could care less. Jake’s never had anything he appreciated enough to take care of. To him, everything is replaceable.

  “Says the guy who has no car,” I dispute and run my hands over my face.

  “Fuck off, man.” Just to be a dick, Jake takes a chip and crushes it over the carpet beneath his feet. I instantly get pissed as the bright orange crumbs litter across the black carpet.

  I lean over and punch him in the arm. “Asshole.” But all Jake does is laugh. He’s lucky he’s my brother and I love him, otherwise he would be walking the rest of the way to Memphis.

  Several minutes go by and my mind races back to where it’s been for the last sixty days, Presley. She’s always in my thoughts, consuming every square inch of my mind and now I’m in the final hours before I lay my eyes on hers. I’m slowly going out of my mind. I drum my thumbs to the music on the steering wheel and my left knee takes on a life of its own, frantically bouncing up and down.

  “Dude! You need to calm the fuck down,” Jake says, looking down at my knee bobbing rapidly in tune to the music. “I know you’re all worried and shit about Presley, but I’m sure she’s fine. And your freaking out is not going to help her any.”

  “Yeah, I know.” I have to be strong for her so she knows I will always be there to hold her up and protect her when she’s not able to herself. “I’m just getting all this shit out now before I see her. I’m dying to see her.”


  “Yeah, I know what you mean,” Jake says, looking out the window, appearing to be deep in thought. I stare in his direction, completely baffled at what came out of his mouth. I am stunned to my core that Jake Evans, infamous party boy and man whore, is actually missing someone. “You might want to keep your eyes on the road, jackass.”

  “Sorry, I’m just…” I try to speak, but nothing coherent is coming out. “There are no words,” I stammer to get out.

  “What’s so fucking hard to understand? Delilah and I are friends. I would call her one of my best friends. And I’m amped to see her. Doesn’t take a genius to figure it out.”

  “I know that, douche bag, but it’s just shocking you actually care for someone who isn’t a part of our family. That’s what I was getting at,” I respond.

  “You say the word care like I’m going to run off into the sunset on a fucking white horse and shit. You’re such a fucking girl sometimes, Drake. Besides, it’s not like we’re getting married or anything. I mean, when we first met all I wanted to do was sleep with her and I tried everything in my book to seal the deal. You’ve seen her, she’s fucking smokin’, but then I realized she actually has some common sense about her. Plus, she’s fun to hang around; completely different from the chicks around home. I didn’t want to ruin that by bagging her. For some reason that I don’t understand, Delilah and I are friends, that’s it. No white horse, no happily ever after, just friends. Anyway, she’s dating that rich dude.” Jakes voice gets a little venomous when he mentions Delilah’s boyfriend

  He leans his head back and stares out into the distance of fields and darkness. He then pulls the dark hood of his sweatshirt over his head and shuts me out. Jake’s done talking. I leave my brother with his thoughts. I’ve got my own to deal with, and in five short hours, they will be coming to life.

  ***

  Just as Jake had projected, we arrive in Memphis about an hour ahead of time, thanks to my lead foot and my anxious mind. We check into a modest hotel located on the outskirts of Memphis where Jake and I shower and grab some food before heading for the rehab center located in East Memphis.

  I keep worrying about what I should wear. I know it’s completely stupid, but I haven’t seen her in sixty days, and considering where Delilah is from, I wonder if I should’ve worn a shirt and tie. God, I’m a fucking wreck. I don’t even own a fucking tie. What the hell is my problem?

  We pull up and park exactly at ten a.m. I’m not wasting a single minute with her. This is the only day we have together and I will spend every minute holding her in my arms, kissing her lips and smelling her sweet skin. Jake and I stand in front of the car and spot Delilah waiting next to her new Lexus coupe a couple rows in front of us. She looks like she always does, so prim and proper. Nothing is out of place. Her light purple dress is wrinkle free and her long, blonde hair is pulled back perfectly in a tight braid.

  I look over to Jake and he’s got the biggest grin spread across his face as he strides over to Delilah. She, in turn, looks just as happy to see him, especially when he pulls her up in a big bear hug. I give them a minute to get reacquainted before moving close enough to hear them.

  I lean into Delilah and give her a one arm hug, not wanting to delay this any longer. “Okay, guys, are you ready to go see Presley?” Delilah asks as she starts moving toward the front door.

  “Yes,” I whisper back, recognizing the sickening feeling in my stomach. My brow starts to sweat and I’m sure I am pitting out. The air suddenly feels humid as I choke out every breath of air.

  On the outside, the building looks like a bed and breakfast hotel. There are flower gardens planted along the side and trailing up the front sidewalk. The large trees cast shadows over the two-story structure and one tree is accompanied by a tire swing. I’m quite impressed so far by Sunny Ridges, but I will be happier when we go inside.

  Jake pulls open the door and holds it open for the rest of us. I know Delilah is dying just as much as me to see Presley, but I want some alone time with her. I only want it to be us. It’s selfish of me and I don’t give a shit.

  Delilah walks to the front desk and gives the nurse Presley’s name. I take a moment to look around. The inside is just as warm and inviting as the outside with the live flowers and plants potted around the room. Pretty nice couches are scattered around the large, open room.

  I shove my hands in my jeans pockets to keep them from shaking. I am so incredibly nervous and happy to see my girl. I only hope she is just as excited to see me.

  The electricity that has always been present between us starts to run its way up my body when the image of Presley comes to life and my love rounds the corner, walking into the lounge area. She looks incredible, wearing a tight t-shirt and jeans. The light is radiating off her olive-colored skin, her eyes gleam as she looks at me and once again appears to be full of life. She put on some much needed weight and doesn’t look like she’s going to break when I hold her.

  I abandon Jake and Delilah, running the short distance to Presley. I sweep her up in my arms, just like I will do on our wedding night, and hold her tightly to my body. Her perfect, sweet smell floods my nose as she wraps her arms around my neck, planting small pecks to my skin. I swing her around without putting her down and she instantly wraps her legs tightly around my waist then her lips press against mine.

  This is another one of those feelings you never knew existed until you experience the moment and the unexplainable feeling accompanying it. I feel so much more than love for this women, it is indescribable. She is a part of me—every vital thing I need to live—and with every second she keeps her lips pressed to mine, I can feel life flood through me. I’ve been saying Presley is the very reason I breathe and this kiss solidifies how I feel because, without her, I would be dead. It wasn’t until this very moment that I knew just how much I needed her to survive.

  I wrap my arms around her body and hold her core tightly against my waist. My tongue delves into her mouth, tasting the cherry soda she’s been drinking. I can feel my cheeks starting to wet when tears drip from Presley’s eyes then fall onto me. I know in this moment she will be fine. Presley and I will be fine. There is nowhere else in this world Presley and I can survive, if it’s not together. This kiss proves it. We are meant to be because our love is and will always be everlasting.

  Chapter 15

  Presley

  I’ve felt like the walking dead the last week, dying to see Drake, but also dreading to see him. I slammed two cherry sodas and ate a king size chocolate bar to ease the butterflies swarming in my body. It did nothing except make me antsier. Then I rounded the corner and my eyes met with Drake’s. I know instantly he is exactly what I’ve needed. Looking into his eyes confirms the last sixty days of pain, sickness and loneliness has been worth it because living my life is worth every minute I get to spend with him.

  I look Drake up and down, taking in the beautifully perfect man in front of me. He’s wearing a black button down shirt and dark jeans. Something completely out of character for him, and it makes my heart warm knowing he dressed up for me. To be honest, I prefer him in t-shirts, dusty boots and jeans because it’s his style; I love his style. Drake’s eyes are shining with excitement as he breaks into a run and picks me up in his arms. God, how I’ve missed his arms. They are protective, strong and would never let me fall again.

  I can’t help myself, taking in as much of him as I can, I start planting little kisses to my favorite spot on his neck. He smells wonderful, with a hint of cologne and the only smell I’ve ever loved underneath, his smell. When he swings me around, my lips instantly go to his and I kiss him with so much passion my lips instantly swell up. I take my time becoming reacquainted with his tongue, taste and rhythmic dance as we rediscover each other. We haven’t said a single word, only allowing our lips to express the feelings of happiness oozing from every part of us.

  I hear the deep voice of a man clearing his throat and it causes me to crack my eyes open. Our lips are still planted together
when Jake comes into my line of sight. Tucked under his arm, Delilah is standing with tears in her eyes. She’s dabbing fallen tears with her white handkerchief and looking happier than I’ve ever seen her.

  Drake breaks our kiss and slowly slides me down his body, planting a small kiss to the tip of my nose. Before I can fully turn to Delilah, she snatches me into her arms, squeezing me so hard it’s making it hard to breathe. I hold her back and allow the joy of this moment to take me over. My own tears begin to prick my eyes and instead of choking them back, I let them free fall down my cheeks. I love these kinds of tears; tears that come from happy moments. I haven’t cried these kinds of tears in a really long time and it feels invigorating.

  “Oh my Lord, Presley, you look absolutely radiant,” Delilah says as she breaks our hug and holds me at arm’s length. I miss hearing the southern drawl of her voice. Everyone here has an accent, but hers is perfect. Delilah’s is home and I love it. Her lips are painted in a shell pink gloss and the perfect Delilah smile beams from behind them.

  “Thank you. So how have you been?” I ask, but can’t get over why Jake keeps his arm draped around Delilah. What the hell happened over the last several months? The last I knew they fought like cats and dogs, always making crude comments to each other.

  “Oh, nothing new, just school and all the wonderful things my mother does to keep me busy. But never mind that, how are you doing?” Her brow is crossed as she looks concerned for me.

  “I’m surviving,” I reply and the tears restore themselves back into her eyes. She looks sad and broken like she did the day we departed at the airport. I squeeze her hand in reassurance. “I’m good, Delilah. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m finally feeling like my old self. I’m okay, really.”