I take one in each hand and arch my back to scoot out into the light where I sit up and lean against the bed to examine them. One snow white and the other solid black with bright green eyes that match Evans except for his unique ring of lilac around the pupil. Evan has come around to watch me snuggle and love on the kitties. “I thought you didn’t share?” Smirk delivered, heart melted, love intensified. “I’m making an exception, just this once. Your father told me how much you wanted a kitten when you were little but your mother was allergic so you couldn’t have one. You, my love, will never be denied another thing for as long as you live.” I tilt my head up to him and see so much tenderness there it’s unimaginable that he was ever feared or hated by anyone. And he’s wrong, I very well may be denied something, the only thing that matters, him.
“What are you going to name them?” “I dunno.” I stand carrying the mewing kitties onto the bed with me. “Be careful, don’t step on that glass.” he warns. “I won’t, we’re going to play up here.” Rolling his eyes he leaves me to retrieve a broom and dust pan. “I’m losing you to them already.” he complains picking up the big pieces of glass and placing them onto the dust pan and then using the broom to gently brush the smaller ones into it as well. I flop down and free the little fur balls, watching them jump and rear up on hind legs when they encounter a wiggly strand of hair that they believe is attacking them.
When he’s finished he joins the giggle fest sliding in behind me and wrapping his arm around my waist. “So? Names?” “Why don’t you tell me mind reader?” “I can’t read what hasn’t been thought smart mouth.” He tickles me under my ribs and kisses my neck causing me to shriek and the kittens to pounce us both. “I love hearing you laugh.” I catch my breath and squint my eyes when the white kitty licks my cheek with its rough tongue. “Ok, that’s enough of that.” He gently swats it away. “She’s mine.” “You know they don’t understand you right?” Sarcasm is not my strong suit but I give it a whirl.
“You’re asking for it, Ms. Galloway.” He hovers his fingers over my ticklish spot and I relent. “Ok, ok, I’ll be nice.” “Names.” “Why are you in such a hurry for me to name them?” “I’m not but every creature needs a name, and these are yours. So, names?” “Yes and No.” I blurt out. “Yes being the white one and No being the black?” “Yes, I mean correct.” “I like that. Yes and No. You hear that little devils? You have names.”
I have no idea where those names came from, they just popped into my head, and those are the best kind though. There’s something to be said about spontaneity. A knock on the door interrupts my fairy tale moment but my heart instantly begins to race, Dr. Carter might be here! “Come in.” Evan calls and the door is opened a crack, Mr. Saint pokes his bald head in. “Evan, Dr. Carter has arrived, he’s been shown to his room and will be down for dinner later.” “Very good.” That’s it, the door clicks shut and I’m, as always, flabbergasted at the absence of the words please and thank you.
“You know if I started using proper manners now they would be suspicious.” he offers. “No, they would be appreciative.” “We’ve had this discussion before, let’s just agree to disagree.” I don’t want to, I believe manners are important, but I decided not to ruin an almost perfect afternoon on this issue. I’m enjoying basking in Evan’s love and his little gifts of Yes and No. “I should name them please and thank you.” Humph, he huffs. “Nope, too late, they already have names.” He reaches out with his tickling hand to wiggle his fingers at the kitties and they creep slowly to them, sniffing carefully until Yes nudges him for a scratch. “See, they like you too.” “Hmmm, as long as you’re here they do. I told you your aura is lovely Mia.” “All pink and glittery?” I ask. “Well, yes, pink and glittery works.” This is a moment I’ll treasure, a rare glimpse of what could be, if only, I have to stay positive, pink and glittery, for Evan, for us.
Chapter 30
“Calling All Angels”
Train
My bubble of perfection is burst two hours later when we head down to dinner. The four of us napped when Evan developed a severe headache and if the security cameras can take still photos I want one of that moment. Evan and I tangled together, Yes curled around the top of my head and No on Evan’s pillow, close but not touching him.
He says he is feeling better but I sense otherwise, his muscles are tense and when he thinks I’m not looking I see him grimace and blink his eyes as though he were clearing his vision. “Do you smell that?” “No, I don’t smell anything.” I respond sniffing the air a couple of times as we descend the stairs. “Like what?” He looks puzzled. “I don’t know exactly, just, unpleasant. You really don’t smell it?” “Um, nope, nothing.” I shake my head and he sighs.
Entering the living room Dr. Carter stands from his spot on the couch in front of the fire extending his hand toward both Evan and I. He looks exactly how I remembered him, tall, lean like a runner, average sandy brown hair and brown eyes that I’ve always thought to be kind but today something else is there. I can’t put my finger on it but it makes me tentative, not the way I wanted to feel toward the man who could potentially have my whole life literally in his hands.
“Dr. Carter, it’s good to see you again, thank you so much for coming all this way. This is Evan, Evan Dr. Carter.” I do the formal introduction thing, they shake and I know instantly Evan feels it too, a microscopic squint of one eye from him signals to me that something’s off. I’m really getting better at reading him. “Good to finally meet you Mr. Lawson, Mia has told me about your case. I’ve reviewed your history and previous treatment plans.” Evan doesn’t speak to the doctor, only nods his head and we all sit down, Evan on one end of the large L shaped couch with me pulled close and Dr. Carter on the curve facing the two of us.
We haven’t sat this close before, I swear I’m nearly in his lap with his guidance. Evan has a protective arm draped around my shoulders, another weird move for him, what’s going on here? “What makes you think you can remove my inoperable tumor Dr. Carter?” “David, please just call me David. I’d like to show you some graphics I’ve made up that will explain to you both exactly what I will be doing when I get in there.” “If. If you get in there.” he corrects. “Evan, you agreed!” I exclaim. “No, no Mia. I understand, this is a big decision. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to imply it was a done deal.” “I’ve researched you as well Dr. Carter, you have quite a reputation for taking on impossible cases.”
This is a surprise, I didn’t know Evan knew any more than I had told him about David, but I should have, he investigates everyone, even me. “I do. I don’t believe in the terms inoperable or untreatable, I believe there is always something that can be done to improve a person’s life. Sometimes it changes them but more times than not it is for the better.” I turn in Evan’s arms to see his face and he reads my concern. “That’s what we are worried about, that ten percent of me is a fucking bastard that neither of us wants to deal with again.”
I’m surprised at Evans cursing, I’m usually the one with the naughty mouth, unless he’s mad, then it’s on, he’s as bad as me. David isn’t thrown though he breezes right over the expletive. “Have you had personality changes?” “To put it mildly, yes.” Evan replies. “Oh? Tell me about it please, sounds like maybe you have negative tendencies, how about headaches, visual or olfactory hallucinations?”
Hmm, I wonder if he’s been seeing things, he hasn’t mentioned it. And imagining smells? I wonder if that’s what he was experiencing earlier when he asked me if I smelled something unpleasant. I’m starting to feel like one of those crazy people who believe they have contracted every disease they study in school. “I’d like to see what you have planned Mr. Carter, then you can ask me questions.” Evan pointedly doesn’t refer to David as doctor while taking back control of the conversation. Bravo. I don’t know why but I feel smug, I’m glad he isn’t letting David lead which is stupid because he’s the neurosurgeon after all, here to consult on a nearly impossible case. Why can’t I feel m
ore appreciative? It’s not like me at all.
“Sure I’d be happy to.” David reaches down to a messenger bag I hadn’t seen on the floor until now and slides out a large iPad. After a few taps on the screen David moves closer to us on the couch, more like closer to me and I feel Evan tense and squeeze his fingers around my shoulder. David is just doing it so we can see the screen better and he can explain the technique but it feels uncomfortable. He begins the video and goes about showing us every aspect of the procedure and I’m in awe. Not only of his plan to remove the tangled vessel constricting tumor but with how detailed the images of Evans brain are.
It takes him a while to summarize everything that the long surgery will entail. Evan’s front is pressed up against my back, I’ve turned to face David on the couch a little. I can feel Evan’s heart accelerate while we watch and his breath on my cheek quickens, he’s nervous, and rightly so, this isn’t going to be easy. When it’s over David lays the iPad on the coffee table. “Any questions for me now that you’ve seen all of that, I know it’s a lot to take in.” “Yes, when would you be able to do it?” I jump in and then instantly think maybe I should have let Evan be the one to start. “We have a few tests to run beforehand but I would recommend getting started as soon as possible. Frankly, I’m surprised you’re as functional as you are Mr. Lawson. This thing is incredibly large and should be limiting your vision, how is that by the way. When I last spoke to Mia you couldn’t see at all, that’s obviously not the case now, has it completely returned?”
The pause before Evan answers begins to make me nervous and just when I was going to interject, he responds. “It completely returned for a short time, then got considerably worse, now it comes and goes.” “Well, like I said then, we should do this soon. I have privileges at a hospital in Milan and they have staff there that are experienced and willing to assist.” “How is it that you have privileges in Milan? Long way from home isn’t it?” Evan asks. “Remember baby, Dr. Carter travels a lot for special cases.” I remind him, it’s not like him to forget. “Oh yes, of course, that’s right.”
Cecelia appears at the living room entrance. “Dinner is ready to be served Mr. Lawson, would you like me to hold it a bit longer?” She asks with her thick Spanish accent. “No Cecelia, we are done here, you can start now.” I have so much more to say but Evan’s done, he knows the plan and that it needs to be done soon, I think that’s all he can take.” Dinner goes smoothly at least. The weird feeling about David lessons as we all dine and drink, the mood becomes more social than professional. We need to get to know David, or at least Evan does. I’ve known him for years from the hospital as a physician, never a friend though. Evan isn’t a trusting man, even minor things have to be scrutinized and this is about as far from minor as it can be.
Evan’s had a lot to drink tonight, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him have more than a couple of glasses of wine but tonight the three of us have polished off two bottles and Evan is on his second scotch on the rocks. He’s getting drunk and I can’t blame him, it’s been a long stressful day but he needs to be careful. I can’t even imagine a drunk evil Evan. I scoot my chair from the table and take his hand. “You ready for bed?” David’s head snaps up at this comment and the weird feeling washes over me again. “I don’t mean to be rude David but it’s been a really long day. I have two little babies who need my attention and Evan needs to rest. I’m sure you’re worn out after the long trip aren’t you?” Wow, that did the trick.
David’s face flushes red and his mouth drops open, I stifle a giggle, he has no idea my “little babies” are of the feline persuasion but his reaction convinces me, he’s interested. And that’s going to be trouble. Evan looks up at me a little glassy eyed and confused. “Yes and No. You know the kittens you just gave me today?” Dr. Carter falls back in his chair visibly relieved, fuck! I cannot let Evan know about my suspicion. He will never agree to the surgery if he finds out. “Oh yes, little demons.” I can hear a slight slur in his voice, the alcohol is starting to show its effect. “Mmmhmm, let’s go see what they’ve been getting into.” “You have new pets?” David asks and for some reason I have the urge to yell at him. Maybe because he’s on the verge of fucking up my life!
But of course I don’t yell, I rub Evans arm up and down trying to keep his focus on me. “Yes, I’ve always wanted a cat but my mother was allergic when I was little. This wonderful sweet man surprised me today with not one but two kittens.” I gaze into Evans greens and lay my hand lovingly on his cheek rubbing his rough, way past five o'clock shadow with my thumb. I do love this man so completely, he is my world, my person, the only one who could ever reach me inside my thick protective walls.
It hurts to love someone this intensely sometimes, being so dependent on another for happiness isn’t healthy I know but it’s too late to reverse it now. David coughs as he stands and breaks the spell, on purpose I’m sure. “I’ll just head on up to bed then, thank you for dinner it was superb. Italian food at its very best.” Well at least he’s being polite, I think Evan would have caught on if David objected to ending the little party.
“Of course, I own the best restaurants in the country, hell in the world!” Ok, time to get out of here, that was too enthusiastic for my stern, controlled man. I’m not about to let him make a fool of himself in front of David. “Yes you do baby, let’s get going.” I pull his hand and he gets to his feet easily enough but holds onto the table a little for support. “Damn eyes.” He complains mostly to himself trying to blame his tipsiness on his vision. “Goodnight.” I call over my shoulder. “Goodnight Mia, you too Evan.” Evan waves his arm haphazardly around in the air in a sad attempt at waving goodbye. I hold onto his other arm as we leave the dining room, another sign of affection that we usually don’t take part in but David doesn’t know that and I can help steady Evan as we walk through the house. “Are you ok?” “Yes why?” “Because you had a lot to drink, I was worried.” “What have I told you about worrying baby? You let me handle all of that shit, just be my perfect little girl.”
He turns and engulfs me in a tight hug, I can’t breathe! Shit, he’s drunker than I thought. “Ok, you do the worrying, sorry.” Best to just agree and pacify him until I can get him to bed. “You’re so beautiful, I can’t see very well anymore, I don’t want to ever forget this face.” He cradles my face in his big hands looking into my eyes until he wobbles slightly. “Thank you, Dr. Carter will fix that soon, but for now let’s get you into bed ok?” “Bed, yes bed sounds good.” Ok we have that all settled, only a few more feet to our room.
Our room, funny how naturally my and his have turned to ours, not to mention the fact that he force fed me millions of dollars in his assets today. I will never be comfortable with that, the houses I can get used to and the shoes, I’d never say no to expensive shoes! But the knowledge that I am legally bound to that kind of money, it’s just not the way I ever planned on living my life. So many things have changed since Evan arrived in my ICU at Seattle Trinity. Evan has brought me bliss and at the same time pain, passion and agony but most of all a sense of unity and being cherished that I had intended to deny myself forever. We are on the edge of a cliff right now, things are about to change for us and I can only hope and pray it will be a change for the better. United we stand, together we fall, he goes I go, I won’t live without him.
Chapter 31
“Monster”
Skillet
Getting a six foot five inch tipsy man who is having difficulty seeing undressed and successfully into bed is no easy feat. I’ve done it though, a thin sheen of sweat covers my face from the effort but he’s down. I drag my forearm across my forehead to wipe away the perspiration and kick off my heels. Two little kitties have been watching curiously but surprisingly not interfering, it’s like they know it’s dangerous to toy with Evan when he’s been drinking. I’m just glad we didn’t have to experience an untimely personality change while he’s in this condition. That could have been disastrous or even deadly.
There is no arguing it though, Evan has made it very clear this is non-negotiable. No wriggles in my hands and I free him to join Yes in her quest to drag my blouse off the hanger. The alcohol has dehydrated me a little and I decide to tip toe down to the kitchen and grab a bottle of water. But first I slip a matching silk robe over my night wear, the house is breezy and we do have a guest even though I’m certain he’s passed out after a long day of traveling. Slipping silently through the door and closing it fast to keep Yes and No trapped in the bedroom I realize how creepy the house is at night.
Sconces light the way but the shadows they throw onto the walls and ceiling have me moving faster than I would normally. This is a beautiful house and roaming around during the day is nice, I’m forever finding charmingly decorated areas and occasionally I have even come across a room I’ve not discovered before. I wonder how long until I’ve seen it all? I flip the switch inside the door of the kitchen flooding it with bright light and I instantly relax. I make my way to the refrigerator and grab one of a dozen bottles off the top shelf and examine it. I usually buy plastic bottles of Smart Water but this is a clear glass bottle with lovely etching of the word Glace rare iceberg water, what the hell? Someone melted down an iceberg and bottled it for rich people to drink? That’s utterly ridiculous and even worse it has a fucking cork like top on it! I hold the bottle up screwing up my face wondering how much a bottle of this costs and how the hell am I gonna get the top off of this thing?
Dark Thief (The Two Sides of Me Book 2) Page 18