The Rhythm of My Heart

by Velvet Reed

  Today, Ruby was due to get her cast off, but when we went to our regular doctor, he’d been called away on a family emergency. Ruby didn’t want anything to do with the replacement doctor, so they told us to go to the ER. I wanted to hug Ruby and thank her for not liking the doctor because now I would get to see Cole.

  Arriving at the ER where there are a few people already in the waiting room, we explain the situation to the triage nurse and she asks us to have a seat and wait. After a relatively short amount of time, the nurse who helped Ruby when she broke her arm calls us in.

  “Hi, I’m Allison. I remember you guys from when Ruby broke her arm. You’re Grace, right?”

  I’m somewhat shocked she knows my name and remembers us; after all, it’s been six weeks since we were last here. “Yes, I’m Grace. I don’t mean to be rude, but how on earth do you remember us?”

  Allison laughs. “Well, who could forget this little cutie?” She motions to Ruby. “Plus, Dr. Tierney has sort of mentioned you a time or two.”

  “He has?”

  “Yeah, he mentioned you when he asked me about learning some basic signs so he could talk to Ruby. And it’s kind of hard to miss the smile that is permanently plastered on his face since meeting you,” she explains.

  “Wow, that’s nice to know. He did tell me that you taught him some signs. Thank you for doing that; he told me your brother is hearing impaired, also.”

  “It wasn’t a problem, Grace, and yes, my brother, Nate, has about eighty percent loss in both ears. So, Ruby needs her cast taken off today?”

  We’re in the exam room now and I have Rubes sitting on the bed next to me. “Yeah, our regular doctor is away and she completely freaked out on the replacement so we came here.”

  Allison signs a few things to Ruby, has her smiling, and continues talking to me. “I can get that fixed up in no time. Dr. Tierney is actually on his break; otherwise, I would get him to do it. Do you think she’ll be okay with me doing it?” she asks.

  Seeing how at ease Rubes is with Allison, I know she’ll be fine. “I’m sure she’ll be great with you doing it,” I reply.

  “Okay then, let’s get it done.”

  Allison then starts getting out the equipment she needs and I move Ruby between my legs so I can hold her better. When Allison comes over to start, she signs to Rubes that it’s okay and shows her what she’s holding. Allison explains to me that it’s called a ‘Tickle Saw’. When she starts it up, I’m kind of glad Ruby can’t hear it. I can imagine that for a little kid the sound would make the experience a bit scarier.

  Ruby sits still and I’m quite surprised how great she behaves while the plaster is being cut off; she doesn’t wiggle about at all and she watches intently.

  “All done,” Allison announces. She gets Ruby to move her fingers around a bit and explains that her hand will still be weaker than the other one for a while. She also tells us we should follow up with our doctor when he gets back; just to be on the safe side.

  Ruby’s eyes light up when Allison gets a heart shaped lollypop out of her pocket and gives it to her. “Thanks so much, Allison. That was a lot less stressful than I thought it was going to be,” I tell her, sincerely.

  “It’s not a problem, Grace. I’m glad it wasn’t stressful for her. It was really great to officially meet you.”

  “You, too.” I smile and take Ruby’s hand after she signed good-bye to Allison and gave her a hug.

  As we leave the exam room and walk toward the exit, my heart accelerates at the sight of Cole standing down the corridor. It literally stops when I notice the tall, thin blonde woman in a lab coat standing much too close to him with her hand on his arm. She isn’t looking at him like he’s a colleague though; there’s lust in her gaze, and her closeness screams intimacy. Who the hell is this?

  Feeling unsure if I want to know who this woman is, I try to hastily make an exit, but Ruby must have spotted Cole too because she let’s go of my hand and runs to him, tapping his leg to get his attention. Blondie looks down at Ruby as if she’s some kind of leper and my hackles instantly rise.

  I watch as Cole’s attention goes to Ruby and his eyes widen in surprise, “Where did you come from?” he asks her, while picking her up for a hug. When I reach them, Blondie proceeds to look me up and down with distaste.

  “Sorry, we were just leaving and she ran over when she saw you,” I say nervously.

  Cole turns to me and I’m gifted with his gorgeous smile.

  “Gracie, what are you guys doing here? Is everything okay?” his tone is full of concern.

  He doesn’t try to kiss me hello, which makes me suddenly nervous. “Rubes just had her cast taken off. Our doctor was away so we came here,” I explain.

  “Why didn’t you ask for me?”

  “I assumed you’d be busy and I didn’t want special treatment. Allison did a great job, anyway.”

  “Okay then, but it wouldn’t have been a problem, Grace,” he says, with what looks like a hint of disappointment in his eyes and annoyance in his tone.

  Blondie clears her throat beside him.

  “Oh, Miranda, this is Grace and Ruby. Grace, this is my colleague, Dr. Miranda Langley. She works in Oncology with my dad,” Cole nervously introduces us. Why is he acting nervous?

  “Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” I offer and put out my hand.

  Blondie or should I say Miranda just looks at my hand as if it’s diseased. “We were actually in the middle of something,” she says, with disdain.

  I let my hand drop, feeling like I’m intruding. “Oh, well, sorry. Ruby just wanted to say hi. We’ll let you get back to it.”

  “It’s fine, Grace,” Cole says, while giving Blondie a look I can’t decipher.

  This is completely awkward and we need to leave. I reach out for Ruby and Cole hands her to me, his brows furrowing in confusion.

  “Maybe you should teach the child some manners so she doesn’t interrupt people in the future.” Blondie venomously spits.

  My blood instantly boils with anger and I put Ruby down clenching my fists.

  “Miranda,” Cole snaps.

  Straightening my shoulders and standing tall, I let her have it. “For your information, this little girl right here is barely four-years-old and doesn’t quite understand the concept of interrupting yet. She is deaf and was excited to see someone she knows, so she just wanted to say hi. I’d like to think someone in your position would have a little more tact and understanding, but I apologize for the interruption. We’ll leave you to it.”

  I turn on my heel, take Ruby’s hand, and walk away. I don’t get far before I hear Cole. “Gracie, wait.”

  I stop but don’t turn around. I can’t believe he let her speak to me like that. He grabs my arm. “Hey, I’m sorry Miranda was so rude to you,” he apologizes.

  “It’s fine, Cole. You don’t need to apologize for her,” I reply, without emotion.

  His brow furrows again. “Okay.” He drags out the word. “Well, is Ruby’s arm okay?”

  “It’s fine,” I repeat.

  He’s clearly confused by my tone, but I’m seriously pissed at him.

  “Are you okay, Gracie? Is something else wrong?”

  Dumbass! I feel like saying… ‘the only thing wrong is the intimate way you were standing with the blonde bitch and you letting her speak to me like crap and you not bothering to even greet me or kiss me hello’… but I don’t. Instead, I respond with, “Everything’s fine. I need to get Ruby some lunch.”

  “Damn it. I just finished my break; we could have had lunch together.”

  I notice Blondie glaring at me.

  “Another time,” I state. “We’ll see you later.” And with that, I walk away with Ruby waving over her shoulder.

  Once we’re back in the car, I sit there taking deep calming breaths. I don’t know who the hell that blonde bitch is, but I hope I don’t have to see her again anytime soon.

  Chapter 15

  Cole….

  I watch Gracie and R
uby leave and I’m completely confused by what just happened. Grace was so cool with me. I know Miranda’s comment was bitchy but her attitude toward me has me perplexed.

  I was shocked to see Ruby and Grace in the ER; then, a little surprised that she hadn’t asked me to take off Ruby’s cast. I know Allison would have done the job properly but I would have liked to do it. As I turn back around, Miranda asks, “Who was that?”

  “I introduced you. That’s Grace.”

  “Yes, I heard her name. But who is she?” she snottily replies.

  “Grace is my girlfriend and Ruby is her niece.”

  “Y… your girlfriend?” Miranda stutters, her face pinched in disbelief. “You can’t be serious, Cole.”

  “Yes Miranda, Grace is my girlfriend. Not that it’s any of your business,” I snap.

  “Interesting choice, I suppose everyone needs a plaything once in a while.”

  I take a deep breath and shake my head. “Well, you’d know all about that, wouldn’t you? I don’t have time for this.” I walk away without a backward glance. I’ll talk to Gracie tonight and find out what’s wrong.

  I’ve showered, had dinner, and I’m watching some crap on the television when I pick up my phone to call Grace. Our nightly conversations make the days of not seeing each other more bearable; tonight I feel the need to hear her voice even more. The ER became a mad house after Gracie and Ruby left; I was relieved when my shift ended.

  Gracie’s phone goes straight to voicemail, which is strange because we speak at this time every night. I hit re-dial but it goes to voicemail again, so I decide to leave a message.

  “Hey, Sweet Cheeks, I’m just checking in. Call me back.”

  It felt awkward leaving a message because I’ve never had to before. While I’m waiting for a reply, I lose myself in the mindless drama on the television. When an hour goes by without a response from Gracie, I decide to send her a text.

  Cole:Gracie, no phone call tonight?

  My mind wanders back to when Grace was at the hospital today. As I run through what was said and Gracie’s reaction, it hits me that although I told Miranda that Gracie was my girlfriend I didn’t exactly act that way. And to top it off, Miranda treated Gracie like shit. Damn it.

  I send another text.

  Cole:Is everything okay Gracie?

  A reply comes swiftly.

  Grace:Everything’s fine.

  Cole: That’s the third time you’ve used the word ‘fine’ today. I’m sorry for the way Miranda treated you.

  Grace:Don’t apologize for her Cole. I’m a big girl I can handle stuck up bitches.

  Whoa! She’s definitely pissed, but I know what a bitch Miranda can be. I quickly call Gracie’s number and this time she picks up.

  “Hey,” I say hesitantly.

  “Hi.”

  “Tell me, what’s going on in that pretty little head of yours, Gracie?”

  There’s silence and then a heavy sigh.

  “It’s nothing, Cole. I was just pissed at that woman and her comment about Ruby.”

  “Okay, but why does it feel like you’re angry with me, too?” I question.

  “I’m not. I just overreacted. I’m sorry.”

  I expel a breath in relief not realizing that I was feeling anxious about the situation.

  “No need to apologize, Gracie. I was just a little worried about you, that’s all.”

  “I’m good, Cole. So, umm… Friday night are we still going to Pitch and Tone?” she asks, changing the subject.

  “I’m up for it, if you are; Sam said he’d come as well,” I reply. I continue with the subject change, but I can’t help think that a crisis has just been averted as our conversation moves back to normal, every day stuff.

  Chapter 16

  Sam….

  Walking through the front entrance of the club has my stomach in knots. I spot Cole and Grace, straight away, at the same table we sat at last time and make my way toward them. I know she’ll be here tonight and I’m not looking forward to the way she makes me feel. It’s as if she pushes every single button I have; lust, anger, frustration, and desire. I hate the rollercoaster of emotions she puts me on.

  Grace’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise at our arrival. “Hey, guys. Cole, I’m sure you know Tiffany from pathology.”

  Cole gives me a quick glance. “Yeah, sure. Hi Tiffany, nice to see you. This is my girlfriend, Grace.”

  Tiffany reaches out her hand to Grace. “It’s nice to meet you; Sam’s told me a little about you. Hi, Cole.”

  Grace shakes Tiffany’s hand, but I can tell Grace isn’t completely comfortable. “Hi, nice to meet you, too.”

  I pull out a chair for Tiffany and ask her what she wants to drink. After making sure Cole and Grace are fine for drinks, I excuse myself and go to the bar. I’m starting to second-guess my decision to come here tonight.

  “So, when did you start seeing Tiffany?” Cole asks, as he comes up beside me.

  Rolling my eyes, I reply, “A few weeks ago, why?”

  Cole smirks and shakes his head. “Funny, how you haven’t mentioned her before.”

  I don’t reply as I order the drinks, but obviously, Cole isn’t done.

  “She’s a nice girl. Can you see it heading anywhere?”

  I grab the back of my neck in frustration and snap at him. “Jesus, Cole, we’ve been on a couple of dates. I’m not jumping into a fucking relationship. I’m not falling in love. I’m not you, for fuck’s sake.”

  Cole stands there for a few seconds just staring at me; then with a slight nod and tick in his jaw, he replies, “Good to know, dickhead.” And he walks away.

  See… That right there is the perfect example of how being around Ashley fucks with my head and I haven’t even seen her yet. I just had a go at my best friend for no fucking reason other than I’m on edge and anxious over one goddamn woman. Shit!

  Walking back to the table, I can see Cole talking in Grace’s ear. She grimaces and places a soft kiss on his lips. Not all of us get to have what they have.

  I set Tiffany’s drink down and take my seat. Ashley is still nowhere in sight and curiosity is demanding I ask where she is, but I don’t.

  “I can’t believe Ash hasn’t arrived yet,” Grace comments as if reading my mind. “She said she’d meet us here, but she’s missed the sign up to sing. She never misses it.” She then gets out her cell phone and taps at the screen. Within seconds, there is a ping, which I assume is a text message. As Grace stares intently at her cell, I notice a sly grin form on her lips.

  “Well, where is she?” Cole asks.

  “Oh, she’ll be here,” Grace coyly replies.

  That was weird.

  Conversation at the table is a little strained and mainly work related. Cole is being very cool with me, but really, what can I expect? Tiffany initiates other subjects with Grace and, being the type of person she is, Grace is friendly and welcoming to her.

  People have started performing and I’m still surprised that there’s no sign of Ashley. Damn it, Sam, stop worrying about her.

  I’m just about to go back to the bar when one of the owners announces a crowd favorite. As I’m walking away from the table, heavy drums and electric guitars start to play and within seconds, I hear her voice.

  I stop in my tracks and my gaze finds black leather, a leather midriff halter top with cleavage spilling out, the shortest fucking leather skirt in existence that is so tight it’s like a second skin, and knee-high leather heeled boots which are covered in buckles.

  Her blonde hair is loose and flows down her back. The makeup around her eyes is dark giving her a smoky look and her bright red lips glisten, begging to be devoured. Holy shit!

  She’s singing about how she loves rock and roll, and she wants to take a guy home so they can be alone. My heart is slamming against my chest and my dick is straining hard against my jeans. I turn back to the table and sit down trying to conceal the action that is going on downstairs.

  Ashley is gyrating h
er hips and stroking the microphone; the image of her stroking my dick like that is now firmly planted in my mind. I briefly glance at the others; Cole and Grace have smirks on their faces, while Tiffany’s mouth is hanging open in shock, no doubt. Cole catches my eye and a huge smile replaces the smirk.

  The audience is on their feet clapping in time with the beat. I vaguely register the fact that there is music because only my eyes are working properly. Her body is sinful. She’s all toned arms, killer legs, bountiful cleavage, and a tight stomach with a belly button piercing. Ashley’s body is what wet dreams are made of and I’m sure my balls are close to exploding.

  Finally, the song ends. The cheering and applause are almost deafening. As she makes her way to our table, just about every set of male and some female eyes in the club are trained on her body. The overwhelming feeling of punching the shit out of every single one of them engulfs me. She’s not mine; she’s Grace’s friend, nothing more.

  “See, I told you girls can be rock legends. Joan Jett kicks ass, baby,” she declares, looking straight at me; then picks up Grace’s Cosmo and tosses it back.

  “You call that kicking ass? I kind of thought you were just trying to get the attention of every guy in the place, because you certainly achieved that,” I spit.

  “Sam!” Cole snaps.

  Ashley’s smile falters and she looks like she’s just been slapped. Fuck! I need to keep my mouth shut. I can’t think with her around.

  “Yeah, that was exactly what I was trying to achieve, Vagina Man. Yay, me!” she retorts, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She notices Tiffany and puts on a fake smile. “Hi, I’m Ashley.”

  “Hi,” Tiffany nervously replies. “Do you always dress like that?”

  Ashley bites her lip and blows air out through her nose; then, with an extra bright smirk, she replies, “Only when I’m trying to look like a complete whore. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a drink.” She turns and walks away.