“I can’t go back to my father’s house. In fact, before all of this happened, I was packed and on my way to a hotel.”
“Here. You go stay at our house.”
Cheyenne looked down at the keys. “Oh no, I couldn’t, Mr. Black.”
“You will, and how many times do I have to tell you to call me Bill?”
Cheyenne stood up and hugged him. “Thank you, Bill.”
“Cheyenne, you’ve always been like a daughter to us. Whether you’re with Jonathan or Coleman or neither, you will always be family.”
Cheyenne burst into tears. “Thank you for saying that. I feel so alone.”
“You’re not alone.” Bill pulled her into a hug.
“Bett, I’m going to drive Cheyenne to get her car. I’ll be right back.”
“Cheyenne, you should get some sleep. Come back in the morning.”
“Promise me that you will call if anything changes.”
“Of course, Dear.” Bett hugged Cheyenne.
“Bett, I’ve also invited Cheyenne to stay with us while she is in town.”
“I hope you don’t mind.”
“Cheyenne, you are more than welcome in our home for as long as you’d like.”
“Thank you.”
Cole stood up. “Dad, why don’t you let me drive Cheyenne. You and Mom should go have dinner.”
Bill turned to Cheyenne. “Would you mind?”
Cheyenne mustered up a smile. “No, that’s fine.”
“Ok, then we will see you in the morning.”
Cole pulled into Cheyenne’s driveway. Neither one of them said more than a word or two the whole ride. Cheyenne put her hand on the door handle. “Thank you.”
“Why don’t I walk you inside and grab your suitcases for you.” Cole got out of the car.
Cheyenne would have objected but honestly, she was too mentally drained to care. She opened the door and Cole followed her inside. “It’s just these…”
“I remember.”
“Umm, yeah.”
“Chey, how the hell did we end up like this?”
“This is all my fault.”
“No. I had no right to be angry. It’s not like you cheated on me and I never should have gone after J like I did.”
“You scared me.”
“I was so jealous. The thought of you…”
“I know what that’s like. I saw you with someone else. I watched you having sex with her.”
“Chey…”
“I know that my father was responsible, but it was still you, it was your body that woman was…”
Cole grabbed Cheyenne. “Hey, if I could make you unsee that I would. She meant nothing to me.”
“I know. I tried to tell Jon the same thing about Aaron.”
“What’s the deal with you and Aaron?”
“We broke up.”
“Because you were with J?”
“Yes, but…”
“It’s ok, you don’t have to…”
“I need to explain.”
Cole heard the urgency in Cheyenne’s voice. “Ok.”
“I was telling you the truth when I said I didn’t love him. I planned to break up with him when I went back home. Not because of Jon but because I deserved to be with someone who loves me.”
“But you haven’t been home.”
“Aaron showed up Tuesday. I wasn’t expecting him.”
“Ahh, so you gave him the boot.”
“Not exactly. You see I was with Jon and Aaron has a temper much like you and he hit Jon a few times. Jon freaked out. He was furious with me.” Cheyenne bit her trembling lip. She didn’t want to cry again but she was. “Jon was so hurt. He grabbed his things and left. It was the last time I saw him before…”
Cole pushed his hands into his pockets and took a step back. “Would you have pushed me away if J hadn’t already left you or would you have cheated on him like you did to Aaron?”
Cheyenne was a bit taken aback by Cole’s question. “I don’t know. The last thing I want is to hurt either of you.”
“It’s too late for that now. Seems like we’ve all hurt each other.”
“Cole, the reason I insisted on telling you all of this is because the last thing Jon remembers is him and Aaron fighting.”
“I know. My mom told me. It makes no sense.”
“I agree.”
“So, do we just lie and let him place the blame on Aaron?”
“I think we need to talk to the doctors and see what they recommend.”
“Ok.”
Cheyenne stared at Cole. She wanted him to hug her so badly but knew that he wasn’t going to make the first move. She took a step toward him. “Cole…”
Cole stepped back. “So, uhh lets get you to my parent’s house.” Cole picked up the suitcases and walked out.
Jonny opened his eyes. The swelling had subsided enough that he could see out of both. However, the pain was still there. He felt for the button to call the nurse and instead got a handful of hair.
Cheyenne jumped. “Jon!”
“I was reaching for the call button.”
“I’ll get the nurse.”
“Chey!”
“Yeah.”
“Why are you here?”
Cheyenne wasn’t sure what to say. She paused for a moment. “Because I want to be.”
“The last thing I remember was us fighting.”
“You were very angry with me and I tried to explain but you left.”
“Explain that you’re a cheater.” Jonny looked away.
“No. That I planned to break up with Aaron when I went back home. Jon, I wanted to be with you, not Aaron.”
“What happened after I left?”
“I broke up with Aaron and sent him home.”
“Did he follow me home?”
“Jonathan, you’re awake!”
“Hey, Mom.”
Cheyenne was relieved that Bett came in as she had no idea what to tell Jonny at that point. “Jon, I’ll go get the nurse.” Cheyenne darted out the door.
“How are you feeling, Dear?”
“Like I have a knife in my stomach.”
“I was hoping that once you woke the pain would be better.”
“I’ll be ok, Mom.”
Bett brushed back Jonny’s hair and kissed his forehead. “I love you, Jonathan.”
“Mom, where’s Cole?”
“Cole and your father are home sleeping.”
“Mom, something is wrong.”
“What do you mean?”
“I left Cheyenne and woke up here. It makes no sense. Aaron was gone.”
“Jonathan, you need to concentrate on getting well. Not dwelling on your fight.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
Bett hated lying to her son but knew that for now it was best. “I’m going to see what’s taking the nurse so long to come in with your medication.”
Cole paced back and forth. He couldn’t stop thinking about Cheyenne or his brother. As much as he wanted to be with Cheyenne, he knew what he had to do. He reached for his phone.
“Hello.”
“Hey, is J able to talk?”
“Jon, it’s Cole. Are you up to talking?”
Jonny nodded and Cheyenne handed him the phone. “Hey.”
“Feeling any better?”
“No, but they just gave me some more drugs so hopefully I will soon.”
“I wanted to call and let you know that I have to leave for Italy.”
“Oh.”
“I hate leaving with you in the hospital but there’s an emergency at the Milan office.”
“I understand.”
“I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Love you, J.”
“Back at you, C.”
Cheyenne waited for Jonny to fall asleep before she left and sped over to Cole’s house. She couldn’t believe that he was running away. She pounded on the door.
“What the hell,
Chey?”
“You’re leaving?”
Cole stepped out of the doorway and waved Cheyenne inside. “Not for an hour.”
“So, you were just going to leave without saying goodbye?”
“I was going to call you from the airport.”
“No, you weren’t.” Cheyenne shook her head. “You’re leaving because of me.”
“I need to go, Chey.”
“WHY?”
“For J.”
“Jon asked you to leave?”
“No. He thinks I’m going to Milan on business.”
Cheyenne had a knot in her stomach. “Cole, I don’t understand. You said you’re leaving for Jon but you’re going to see Meg. What about…us?”
Cole swallowed hard. He was about to give up the only woman he had ever loved. “My whole life J’s done everything for me, never asking for anything in return. I owe him so much and he deserves to be happy. I know how much he loves you and I know that you love him…”
“Don’t do this, Cole.”
Cole grabbed Cheyenne’s hand. “I will always love you, Chey, but you deserve so much more than what I can give you.”
Cheyenne pulled her hand from Cole’s. She had tears rolling down her cheeks. “ls this your way of dumping me for Meg or are you punishing yourself for beating up Jon?”
“NO!”
“Then why? Why are you doing this?”
“Do you love J?”
“I love you both.”
“You can’t have us both. You already know how that story ended.”
“When Jon gets well, we can all sit down and talk and…”
“Chey, this is the only way. You and J belong together.”
“And we don’t?”
“I need to go, Chey, please let me.” Cole hugged her.
Cheyenne melted in Cole’s arms. “But, Cole…”
“Shhh!” Cole pulled away and kissed Cheyenne on her forehead. “Be happy, Chey.” Cole ran up the stairs to his bedroom as tears rolled down his cheeks.
Cheyenne started her drive to the hospital in tears which ended in anger. How could Cole walk away again?
“Cheyenne, are you alright, Dear?”
Cheyenne looked up from her coffee. “Did you know that Cole was leaving?”
“I know he is going on a business trip to Milan.”
Cheyenne shook her head. “No, he’s leaving, and I don’t know if he’s ever coming back.”
Bett gasped. “WHAT!”
“He told me that Jon and I deserved to be together.”
“Oh, Cheyenne. I had no idea.”
“I love them both, I do. You must think I’m an awful person.”
Bett sat and held Cheyenne’s hand. “No. I understand. What you had with Coleman ended so abruptly and without closure. Then Jonathan came along at a very vulnerable time in your life. They may be two different men, but they are also so much the same. It must be very hard for your attraction and feelings to separate the two at times.”
“What am I going to do? I’ve been in love with Cole most of my life. I love Jon but it’s too soon. What if he doesn’t feel the same way?”
“I think you need to take this one day at a time and when Jonathan is well enough you will have to discuss everything that has happened.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“I’m going to call Coleman. Jonathan was beginning to wake up if you want to go in and see him.”
“Ok. Thank you, Bett.”
“Cheyenne, I may be their mother but I’m here for you too, Dear.”
“Jonathan, I’m going to run home and shower. Do you want me to pick up anything for you?”
“No, I’m good. Dad, please find mom and take her home. You two need a good night’s sleep. I’ll be fine.”
“That we do but I don’t think your mother will sleep a wink if she knows you’re here alone.”
Cheyenne poked her head in. “Up for a visitor?”
Jonny smiled. “So long as it’s you.”
Cheyenne came in and stood by Jonny’s bedside. “You look better. How are you feeling?”
“Less pain now.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“I’d feel even better if you could convince my parents to go home and rest.”
“Bill, what if I promise to stay here with Jon until you come back in the morning?”
“That’s so kind of you. I’ll run it by Bett but I’m not sure she will agree to go home.”
“Please try, Dad.”
“I’m going to. Wish me luck.”
“Good luck!” Cheyenne patted Bill on his shoulder.
“You can go back inside now.”
Cheyenne turned to Jonny’s nurse. “How’s he doing?”
“His incision looks good; the swelling seems to be going down and he was able to follow the light with his bad eye.”
“That’s great. How about his knee?”
“The knee will heal in time. His surgeon gave him a nerve block so for now he isn’t feeling any pain.”
“Good.”
“Most doctors are terrible patients, but Dr. Black is a doll.”
Cheyenne couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah, he is.”
“Call me if he needs anything.”
“Thank you.”
Cole boarded the plane, sat and pulled out his phone. He figured that by now Cheyenne probably told his mother everything and she was probably angry with him. He took a deep breath and dialed his mother.
“Coleman, how nice of you to call.”
Cole rolled his eyes. Yup she was mad. “Hey, Mom.”
“Did you call to explain what the hell is going on or are we going to pretend you’re coming back in a few days?”
“Are you at the hospital?”
“No. Your father and I are on our way home for the night.”
“What about J?”
“Cheyenne said that she’d stay with him until morning so that we could get some sleep.”
“Good.”
“Coleman, what’s going on in that head of yours?”
“I owe J everything. He’s taken care of me every day of our lives and now it’s my turn to take care of him.”
“But Coleman, don’t you think that’s something that should be decided amongst the three of you?”
“I made my decision and I’m standing by it. I’m sorry if it upsets you, Mom.”
“It only upsets me because I’m so worried about you. I know how much you love Cheyenne.”
“I have to go, Mom, we’re taking off. I love you.” Cole hung up before his mother could reply.
Jonny had his eyes closed when Cheyenne walked in, so she assumed he was asleep. She quietly placed down her purse and sat.
“I’m not asleep.”
Cheyenne looked at Jonny. “OH! Your eyes were closed.”
“It’s harder than you think to keep one eye open and one eye closed.”
“The nurse said that your eye was doing better.”
“It is. I know that the more I rest it the quicker it will heal.”
“Then close them both.”
“If I close them then I can’t stare at you.”
“Funny, Jon.”
“I mean it. I can’t believe that you’re here with me.”
“Where else would I be?” Cheyenne took Jonny’s hand.
“With Cole.”
“Jon, why would you think that after all this time?”
“I don’t know. I guess because I can’t seem to shake the feeling that he’s going to ruin this for us.”
Cheyenne closed her eyes for a moment. She knew that she couldn’t tell Jonny the truth but what could she say? It wasn’t like she could tell him that by default he had her by his side.
Two days later…
“Jonny, we’re going to try to get you into the chair today.”
“How am I supposed to get across the room? Hop?”
“I was thinking more like moving the chair so that it is next to your
bed.”
“Why bother move to the chair then. Honestly, I just want to go home.”
“You’ll be home soon enough.”
“Can you at least get rid of all these wires and this fucking catheter?”
Kelsey, the nurse, laughed. “I’m sorry for laughing it’s just that I don’t think I’ve ever heard a bad word come out of your mouth.”
Jonny laid his head back. “I’m sorry. I know that you’re just doing your job.”
“I can go talk to your doctor and see what we can do to make you more comfortable.”
“Thank you.”
Cheyenne sipped her coffee and read the paper while she had her breakfast. She hadn’t felt so relaxed in a long time. Bett and Bill had welcomed her into their home. Today Bett even left her a plate of eggs, bacon and pancakes for breakfast with a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice.
“Cheyenne, I’m going to head out now.” Bill looked at Cheyenne, but she was deep in thought. “Cheyenne, are you alright?”
“Oh, yes.”
“Would you like to talk about it?”
Cheyenne smiled. “I can’t remember the last time I felt…at home. I guess maybe way back before my mom died.”
“I’m sorry, Dear.”
“You and Bett have made me feel so welcome.”
“You are welcome here and you can stay as long as you’d like.”
“Yeah, about that. My home is in Boston now.”
“If you need to go back home Bett and I are here for Jonathan.”
“I don’t know what I need.”
“Let me ask you this…are you happy in Boston?”
“I am. I was. Maybe.” Cheyenne shook her head.
“Perhaps you need to think long and hard about what or who it is that you really want and then follow your heart.”
“You’re right.”
“I need to stop by the office on my way to the hospital, but I’ll see you there later.”
“Thank you for the talk.”
“Any time, Dear.”
“Kelsey told me you want to get out of here.”
Jonny looked up and his doctor and Kelsey were standing there. “She speaks the truth.”
Twin Desire Page 8