Three Thousand Miles - Forever, (book #3 of Three Thousand Miles, Series)

by Deila Longford

  “I have been oaky and Alexander is fine. He is actually away on business right now.” Alice informs me. She lets go of my hand as the server comes back with our drinks. I take a nervous sip of my lemonade as soon as the glass hits the table. Adrian gulps down his water and Alice just stares at her ice tea.

  “Are you ready to order?”

  “Steak,” Adrian says bluntly.

  “How would like it cooked, sir?”

  “Medium,” Adrian says again in very blunt tone. The server then glances at Alice, who orders the tuna salad.

  “And what can I get you, miss?” She asks me. I scan the menu and I randomly chose the chicken Caesar salad. Adrian looks at me and shakes his head. “Ignore her she will have the same as me.” “Miss,” The server says in an uncomfortable voice. Adrian stares at the women as his hand slightly trembles on the surface of the table. “Didn’t you hear me? I said she will have the same as me. Now please leave us.”

  “Please excuse me, sir.” The woman says as she strides away from our table. I stare at Adrian and I need to say something about how rude he was. “Adrian that was so uncalled for. You didn’t have to be so rude.” He stares back at me with his eyes bolting and his jaw clenched. He doesn’t reply he just stares blankly at me. I lightly shake my head at him as I turn back to Alice.

  “So have you been here before?” I ask trying to strike up a conversation. Alice smiles at me as she realises my intentions. “Yes, I would like to thank you for inviting me. It means the world to me that you wish to see me.” Alice locks her eyes on Adrian’s as her words quietly ring in the air. Adrian exhales and sits further up into his chair; he rolls his eyes as he runs his finger along the table cloth.

  “I needed to see you before I could move on from the past.” Alice holds back a tear as she hears Adrian’s deep voice. I can see that she loves him and that she feels awful for the things that she has done. I need to encourage Adrian to express himself and now that I have seen Alice again, I am even surer that I want Adrian to have a relationship with her.

  “I know that I put you through hell and back when you were a child and I am deeply sorry for that. I know that I don’t deserve to have you in my life, but I have prayed every day that I would have the chance to explain everything to you. Adrian, will you give me that option?” Adrian bites his lip as he looks at me.

  “Doll, you need to hear her out.” Adrian stares at me and then he turns back to Alice.

  “Explain.” Alice resists the urge to smile at Adrian’s choice. Instead she begins to tell him all about his childhood. “When I first met your father I was mesmerized. He was the most beautiful man that I ever saw and I fell instantly in love with him. I couldn’t believe my own luck when he asked me to move in with him and we were overjoyed when we found out that we were going to have you. When you were born everything

  - for me fell into place. You were my little boy and I loved you so much, but your father didn’t want to be tied down. He needed his freedom and he wasn’t ready to be a father. When he left a part of me died. I blamed you for him leaving and I know that is the most selfish thing that I could ever have done, but Adrian that is how I felt and that’s why I abused you.” Adrian stares blankly at Alice. He is speechless that he is finally hearing the truth.

  “Go on,” he says firmly. “I had no friends to support me and I had no family. There was no money and I couldn’t get a job. I tried what I felt was my best, but I couldn’t get out of my runt. I was addicted to your father and when he left I turned my addiction for him into an addiction to alcohol. I hated him for what he had done to us and every time that I looked at you, I saw him. I slowly started to resent you and I lost myself further into the alcohol. I beat you and I have no explanation for that other than I was a terrible person. I didn’t deserve to have you in my life and as you got older you realised that too. I just felt that you didn’t need me and I thought that if I ignored you, then you would leave and go on to find yourself a better life.”

  “Why did you let David abuse me?” Alice takes a violent sip of her ice tea and then she again tries to explain. “I guess I didn’t stop him because I was scared of him. He did awful things, things that you don’t know about. But I can’t excuse my behaviour and I can’t take back what I did. I can’t explain how wonderful it is to see you. You have turned out to be an amazing man and this girl, sitting by your side, is an angel. Don’t turn out like your father, promise me.” Adrian frowns at Alice.

  “What things don’t I know about?” Alice looks down at the table as she tries to hold back her tears.

  “It doesn’t matter it’s in the past.” Adrian leans forward.

  “Tell me,” Alice takes another sip of her drink. “David was an evil man and I never thanked you for saving my life. If you hadn’t have stabbed him, then I would be dead right now. I want to say sorry for running out and leaving you, that night. I was scared and didn’t want to sit around and watch the guilt take over you.”

  “You still have not told me what he did.” Adrian insists. Alice begins to look very uncomfortable as Adrian presses her more on this subject. I can’t help but wonder what it was that David did? To Alice’s relief, the server ushers over to our table – with our food. She carefully places our plates down onto the table and she quickly excuses herself. Adrian begins to pick at his steak all the while he watches me.

  “Alanna, eat.” He says in a firm tone. I smile at him as I begin to cut through the oversized steak. As we eat in silence, Adrian again asks Alice about his past. “I need you tell me what I don’t know.” Alice pushes forward her plate as Adrian maintains his persistence. I stop eating to look at Alice. Her face has turned a light shade of white and her eyes seem asif they have sunk into her head. I stare down at her hands as they shake against the table. I feel terrible as I stare more at her. What has happened to her? I quickly shoot Adrian a look of despair and he quickly replies.

  “Baby, are you alright?” I nod at him.

  “Yes I am fine, but Alice seems uncomfortable talking about the past maybe we should give her a break?” Adrian shakes his head at me. “No we need to get everything out in the open. Please Alice, tell me what happened?” Alice forces out a smile as she nods in agreement. She takes another gulp of her ice tea as she begins to talk.

  “As you know David and I took drugs along with the alcohol. I would get so high that I knew nothing. David on the other hand, never used to get quiet as high as I did. He would always hold back or perhaps he was just used to the drugs more than I was. I don’t know if you know this but, David and I were never an item. I never wanted him like that and he was more of a drug buddy than anything else. But one night things changed. I was alone in one of the bedrooms upstairs and I was very drunk. I can’t remember exactly where you were.”

  “I was most likely locked in the cupboard!” Adrian says bitterly. Alice sighs as she wipes away a gentle tear from her eye. “Anyway, I was lying on the mattress on the floor when David came in. From what I can remember he was sober and what he did next, I will never forget.” I have to hold back my tears as I have a feeling that I know what David did.

  “Adrian, David raped me.” Alice bursts into tears as she confesses. Adrian immediately drops his fork onto the plate with a loud bang. He holds his head into his hands as he takes in what Alice has said. I try to comfort him as I place my hand onto his shoulder. He looks up at me and then he turns to Alice.

  “How many times,” Alice looks embarrassed by Adrian’s question. “That night was the first time, but it wasn’t the last. He would force himself on me at least three times a week. If I was lucky enough to be sober he wouldn’t try anything. But he would always keep me drunk orhigh so that he could have his way with me.” I am stunned at how bad things were for Alice. I feel awkward and I don’t know what to say. I remain speechless.

  “I never knew any of this, why didn’t you tell me?”

  “How could I tell you a thing like that? What type of woman would want to relive a thing l
ike that?” Adrian nervously runs his fingers through his hair as I stare at Alice. She notices my actions and soon questions me.

  “Alanna I know that this is hard to take in.” I clear my throat. “I am sorry if I seem rude, it’s just I don’t know what to say.” Alice smiles at me as she reaches out her hand towards mine. I clasp my hand onto hers and I watch as Adrian stares at us.

  “Sweetie, there is nothing that you can say. What happened is in the past now so let’s, forget about it, okay? ” Adrian reaches out for his fork as he takes another bite of his steak. I let go of Alice’s handas I try to force down some more food. “So tell me all about this wedding?” Alice says as she wipes her tears away from her cheeks. I smile at her as I fill her in on the wedding details.

  “Wow it all sounds wonderful. All I want is for you to be happy and you have chosen an amazing girl.” When we have talked for a while and once we have eaten our food, Adrian leaves to pay the cheque. I am left alone with Alice and my heart gently races as I feel guilty that we have not invited her to the wedding. I awkwardly flash Alice a smile as I place my coat across my shoulders.

  “I want to thank you again for everything that you have done. I don’t how you managed it, but you have changed him, for the better.” I smile politely at her but I feel uneasy about her words. What does she mean by her comments?

  “I am not sure what you mean?” “That night I saw him at the Chatwal Hotel, that wasn’t the guy I saw tonight. He seems quieter and more at peace with himself. He is not as angry as before and I can see in his eyes that you complete him.” Igently laugh at Alice as I reach out for her hand –again.

  “He is my world and I would do anything for him.” Igush. “He reminds me so much of his father.”

  “I have never saw Edward is he really that similar to Adrian?” Alice and I both stare over at Adrian as he talks with the server. I notice that it’s the same woman from earlier and I really hope that Adrian is apologising for his behaviour.

  “Oh yes, he is very similar to his father. From his smile to his voice and of course those eyes. The way he acts around you also reminds me of Edward.” I frown as I begin to worry.

  “In what way?” “Oh dear don’t look so worried. I just meant that Adrian has the same personality as his father. The way he bosses you around and runs his fingers through his hair, he gets all of that from Edward.” I laugh as I would love it if Adrian could meet him. I wonder if Alice has ever seen him since he left.

  “Alice did you ever see Edward, again?” “No, I haven’t seen him since the night that he left us.” I let go of Alice’s hand as Adrian makes his way back over to our table. He reaches us and he holds out his hand for me to take it. I grab him as I rise up from the seat. Alice quickly places on her coat as she follows Adrian and me out of the restaurant. When we step out into the cold street I huddle closer to Adrian. He notices my actions and he quickly wraps his strong arm around me.

  “So I guess I better get going?” Alice says as she whistles for a cab. I stare up at Adrian and he knows what I am thinking. He rolls his eyes at me. “Alanna and I would like to invite you and your husband to our wedding.” Alice looks stunned as she takes in Adrian’s invitation. I smile at her as she begins to cry. I try to break free from Adrian as I want to give Alice a hug, but he maintains his hold on me. Alice lunges forward as she beams at us.

  “This means the world to me and I would love to be a part of your wedding.” Adrian briefly smiles at Alice. “Okay well, Alanna and I need to leave now.” Alice nods at his words as she again signals for a cab. A taxi instantly pulls byher side and Alice jumps in. I flash her one last smile and then Adrian leads me to our car. I slide into the back seat of his Rolls Royce.

  “That went well, right?” I ask as the car pulls away from the entrance of the Oak Room.

  “Yes, I guess you could say that.” I am sensing that Adrian is upset about something. I catch his hand as I try to ask him what is wrong.

  “Is everything okay?” Adrian smiles at me. “Yes baby, everything is fine.” He leans over and kisses me softly on my cheek he pulls back when his phone starts to ring. Adrian answers his call and from what I can make out it’s a business call. I stare out onto the streets of New York as I reminisce on tonight’s events. I was stunned when Alice told us about her relationship with David and I was sick to my stomach when she relieved how much he had hurt her. Just thinking about it now sends shivers down my spine and I am going to do as Alice said and try to forget about it. I felt happy when I saw Adrian and Alice talking. Their relationship is far from mended, but Adrian inviting Alice to the wedding is a very good sign. I wanted him to repair things with his mom and tonight was only the beginning.

  Three

  The next morning I wake to the sound of Adrian on his phone. He is talking rather loudly and I can’t make out what he is saying. I sit further up into the bed and I open my eyes to sunshine beaming in through the tall glass windows. I try to focus my ears as Adrian’s voice rises.

  “Look, I don’t expect you to understand but it’s what I want. Now please, let me be!” Adrian almost shouts down phone to whoever he is talking to. I begin to climb out of our four poster bed and then I stop as Adrian glides into the room. He is dressed in dark blue suit trousers anda white shirt. His collar is open to reveal his tanned skin. His hair –as usual is messy as it falls onto his forehead. His face looks strained as he holds his phone to his ear. I watch as he rolls his eyes at whatever he is being told. He begins to march around the room until he answers back.

  “It’s simple, you either want to be my best man or you don’t?” My heart begins to race at Adrian’s words. He must be talking to Michael. I start to feel nervous as Adrian awaits his answer.

  “I won’t ask you again.” Adrian says firmly. There is a brief pause and then Adrian smiles. “Thanks mate,” Michael must have agreed to be his best man. Oh my god this is going to be awkward.

  “Alanna,” Adrian says as he rushes over to me and gives me a huge, sloppy kiss. I melt into his affection for a while but then I pull back from him. I need to know exactly what’s going on with Michael. Adrian hates it when I question him so I have to ask nicely, if I don’t then I risk him not telling me at all.

  “You have sorted out who is going to be your best man?” Adrian kisses me again but this time on the neck. He slides his lips along my collar bone as he talks.

  “You were eavesdropping again, weren’t you?” I blush but I manage to maintain my composure.

  “If you don’t want me to overhear your phone calls then take them outside.” Adrian snarls at my sarcastic response. “Fair enough,” Adrian says as he slides his hand through my hair. “Michael is my best man. There won’t be any problems, will there?” I shake my head at him.

  “Not from me.” “Michael has told me that you are angry with him.” I push Adrian away as his words ring in my ears. He looks stunned at my actions and he soon has harsh words for me.

  “Don’t push me away like that. You know that it makes me feel unwanted.” I feel guilty for making Adrian feel bad. I lean in and kiss him and then I nicely back away from him, as I need to know exactly what Michael has told him.

  “I am sorry, but please tell me what Michael has said to you.” Adrian stares at me and I can tell that he is annoyed with me. He hates it when I push him for answers.

  “He just said that you were angry with him and that you rushed out of lunch yesterday.”

  “I only did that because he was saying negative things about you meeting with Alice.” Adrian smiles at me as he clutches my face.

  “Baby, how many times must I tell you to not argue with your friends over me?” “I won’t just sit by and listen to him talking badabout you.” Adrian moves his face closer to mine and I can feel his minty breathbrushing against my skin. His eyes are glowing and his lips are parted.

  “I will handle Michael anyway; it’s none of his business who I see.” I laugh at Adrian as he places a soft kiss onto my lips. I jump up from
the bed and I follow him into the lounge area of the condo. I scan theroom as I enter and I am surprised when I see a few bunches of flowers lying on the side table by the door. I walk over to them and I gently lift out the card from the flowers. Before I read it, I ask Adrian who they are from.

  “Adrian, do you know who has sent us these flowers?” Adrian quickly walks over to me as he sends a text on his blackberry. “Read the card.” He says smugly. I smile at him, but inside I am worrying what if the flowers are another threat? I brace myself as I open the small, white envelope. I sigh as I read the message.

  Congratulations on your engagement, love always Charles and Tabatha x I gently touch the white roses as I place the card back into its position. I look back at the display as I make my way into the kitchen. I quickly pour myself some coffee as Adrian sits on the bar stool –sipping his earl grey tea. He is texting again on his phone and I cannot help but wonder what he is up to. I know that I can’t ask him because that would only upset him. Instead I try to put it out of my mind as I walk over and lean onto the counter across from him. Adrian looks up from his phone and he has a serious look on his face.

  “Alanna, have you packed yet?” I frown at him.

  “No not yet.” I snap. Adrian rolls his eyes at me.

  “Alanna,” “Yes I will go and pack.” I say as I take another sip of my strong coffee. Adrian reaches out his hand for mine. I place my hand into his and he gently squeezes my fingers.

  “It’s only for a few days and they will fly by in no time.” “I know but that won’t stop me from missing you.” Adrian pulls me closer across the kitchen counter. He grabs my face with his hands as he kisses me tenderly. I melt into his skin as he holds me. I reluctantly back away as I need to pack.

  After I have showered and I have packed everything that I need, Adrian escorts me down to the car. He places my bags into the trunk of the car and then he carefully slides me into the back seat. He closes the door, but luckily the window is rolled down. I reach out my hand for his, but he doesn’t take it. Instead he lunges his head through the open window and places his lips onto mine. I kiss him until I can’t breathe and when our lips part Adrian says those words.