Mangled Hearts: Francesca and Cade (Scarred Hearts)

by Felicia Tatum

  “Francesca Taymon? Lawyer at J & B Firm?” he questioned, sounding astonished.

  “The one and only,” I said, giving my best smile and a little spin. I always expected Max thought I was pretty or something, because he usually flirted.

  “Well, what the heck are you doing in there?” he gasped, reaching for his keys.

  “There was a little altercation…she provoked me, I lost my temper. It was a mistake, won’t happen again,” I explained, not looking at Jade at any point.

  “Hey, I want to press charges!” she exclaimed, jumping to her feet.

  Max raised his brows, giving us both a once over. “Alright, ladies. You two need to discuss this. I’ll give you a few minutes,” he said, gently smiling at me as he walked away.

  I turned quickly, cornering Jade against the cot. “Listen, I didn’t press charges the time you threatened me in the school parking lot, or all those times I saw you drive by my house. So just drop it, ok? I’m a lawyer and you won’t win anything. The most I’d get is a few hours community service, but let’s face it, I know all the judges and cops in this town and you are trouble. Always have been. This is not in your best interest.” I glared at her, not even blinking.

  Her eyes were wide and I saw fear in them. She sat down, “I was always jealous. He never loved me,” she whispered.

  “I’m not talking about Cade. Are you pressing charges?” I inquired.

  She stared up at me, then shook her head. “No.”

  “Ok.” I spun on my heel, “Max!” I called.

  He reappeared, a smirk on his face, and unlocked the cell. “You two are free to go.”

  “Thanks, Max,” I smiled sweetly, patting his arm.

  “Yeah, thanks, Max,” Jade cooed behind me.

  He recoiled from her touch, taking large steps backwards. “Good evening, ma’am. I’ll see you in a moment, Francesca.” He nodded his head to us both, then escorted Jade out.

  Crossing my arms, I leaned against the bars and waited. My stupidity meter was on overload the past week or so. I punched Jade Smithson. I grinned…I punched Jade Smithson. Daphne would flip her lid before she threw me a congratulatory party. I was giggling to myself when Max walked up with an amused grin on his face.

  “Don’t start talking to yourself, there, Francesca. I don’t wanna call the loony bin on you,” he chuckled.

  “Ha. Ha. Max, you’re hilarious. Can you give me a ride to my car?” I asked.

  “I was planning on it. That’s why I got that hooker looking girl out of here, so we wouldn’t have to deal with her,” he confessed.

  I almost snorted. “She does look like a hooker. Acts like one too,” I agreed. “Let’s go,” I said, linking my elbow with his offered one.

  He smiled, patted my hand, leaned in, saying, “You did good. She’s gonna have a black eye.”

  I tried to hide the smile, but it was hard to contain. As bad as it was, I was proud of myself.

  Chapter Sixteen-Cade

  My date that Francesca wasn’t calling a date was in less than twenty four hours. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. My stomach was a constant knot, my palms eternally sweaty. Pops hadn’t called me since yesterday, but I couldn’t tell you if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Cason still hadn’t returned my keys, but I suspected once I explained to him my plans for tomorrow, he would oblige for the greater good.

  I hoped anyways.

  I downed the last of my beer an hour ago, and I only had a bottle of Whiskey and a bottle of JD left. The liquid burned on the way down, but it calmed me all over. Planning out and reliving all of mine and Francesca’s important moments was a big deal. It could make or break me. I didn’t want to scare her, or make her sad, but I had to let her know how important she was to me. She deserved better than me, I was the first to admit it, but she also deserved to know how much of my heart she held captive. To know how her eyes could peer at me and see my soul. How her touch lit me on fire, and yet I wanted to endure it forever. How her voice was like angels singing a song only I could hear. And how seeing her face made me want to puke, make love to her, and run all at the same time.

  I continued drinking, watching some dumb movie on television while I sprawled out on the couch. After it ended, or the bottle emptied, I couldn’t remember, I called Cason. He hated excuses, but he loved Francesca, so I was praying for success. His phone rang and rang, making me wonder if he was ignoring me when I heard him mumble a greeting.

  “Cason, I’m sorry ok?” I started.

  “Have you been drinking, Cade?” he questioned.

  “Cason….”

  “Don’t, ok? It doesn’t matter what you say, you aren’t getting your keys back. And I went and got your spare from Dad, so don’t even think of calling Mom,” he argued.

  “I’m taking Francesca out tomorrow, Cason. Dammit, I can’t make her drive. And I already promised her I wouldn’t be drinking, so come on. Lighten up,” I pleaded. Not that I wanted to, it was a must at this point.

  “No,” he said frankly.

  “Damn you,” I hissed, ending the call before he could reply. The old motorcycle in the garage at home was my only hope. It hadn’t been ridden in a couple of years, and I had no idea if Francesca would get on it, but I didn’t see any other option at this point. Gaining my courage, I dialed Mom.

  ###

  Sneaking around with my mother at 2:00 a.m. wasn’t something I ever anticipated I’d be doing. Ever. She quickly agreed to help me get the bike off the property, but we had to be stealthy. Pops was on the lookout after Cason’s warning, so we waited and waited until he fell asleep. Who knew my mom was so secretive. It made me wonder how many times she hid things from Pops, but I wasn’t curious enough to actually ask.

  “Tell me again about your plans,” she sighed.

  “Mom, come on. I told you twice already,” I groaned. She wanted Francesca to be the daughter she didn’t have. And she was adamant I get things rolling quickly.

  “It’s just so romantic. You love her,” she stated.

  I hadn’t told her that at any time in my life. I did love her, but no one knew. It wasn’t something I was comfortable sharing with others. “Don’t put words in my mouth, Mom.”

  “I didn’t. Your eyes gave you away,” she said, slowing the car and shutting the headlights off.

  “What are you doing?” I questioned.

  “We have to walk from here,” she explained, dead serious.

  “What? Why?” I turned quickly, confused about what was happening.

  “Listen, Cade, you’re old enough to know this. Derek doesn’t like it when I help you. He says I baby you, so I go behind his back quite often to help you out of your problems,” she told me, turning to face me. “He’s threatened to leave me, Cade, because I help you when you drink. I don’t want a divorce, so we’re sneaking. Either we walk from here or you’re on your own,” she stated.

  I was shocked. I couldn’t believe she just told me that. “Mom, I’m sorry….” I wrapped my arm around her, realizing just how much my mother did for me.

  “Just…Cade…don’t screw this up with Francesca, ok? You two have something amazing, and she makes you different. So let her help you. It’s time to grow up, you know?”

  Her words sank in and I nodded slowly. I couldn’t, and wouldn’t, make any promises, but I would try. For Mom and for Francesca.

  She didn’t say anything else, only shut the car off and quietly got out. The door made no sound when she shut it and she headed up the driveway. It wasn’t a particularly long driveway, but I didn’t want to think of how many times she’d been out here alone in the middle of the night. Our town wasn’t known for violence, but it happened.

  “Mom,” I hissed, sliding into step with her. “How are we going to get it out of here?”

  “You’re going to walk it down to the road and ride it,” she told me, looking at me like I wasn’t all there in the head.

  “I haven’t rode it in years. What if it doesn’t work?�
�� I whispered back.

  “It’ll be ok. It’s been ridden.”

  “Who? Who’s been riding it? Don’t tell me Pops,” I said in shock.

  “No,” she said, shaking her head. “Me.” She strolled up to the garage, which was already open, and uncovered the sleek, black bike.

  It was shiny, it looked like it had been recently painted, and it made my heart clench with want. Riding was an escape. A way to leave my problems behind, but when I wrecked at nineteen, Pops had called it off limits. Why he let me keep it, I didn’t know, but it seemed as if Mom had kept it in working condition for me. My mom, the silent but strong woman that always stood up for me was not the type to get on a motorcycle, much less actually drive it, but here she was, surprising me once again.

  “You’re awesome, Mom,” I said, grinning widely.

  Her blue eyes blazed with confidence and she stood a little straighter. “Thank you, Son. Now, listen…I’m letting you take this, but Cade, you have to straighten up. Grow up. Be responsible. Francesca isn’t going to put up with your shit, and if you’re the man I think you are, you’ll want to change for her. I see how she changes you. You shine from the inside, your eyes glow with happiness,” she stepped forward, placing a hand on my arm, “Don’t lose that.”

  I stared at her. My mother just said shit and was telling me who I loved. The twilight zone had come and taken over my life. I simply nodded, kicking the kickstand loose so I could walk the bike out. “Love you, Mom.”

  Taking a step towards me, she hugged me tightly, “I love you too. Be careful,” she whispered.

  I saw tears in her eyes, but I didn’t know why. “What about your car?”

  “It’s ok. I parked it on the road before, so I’ll leave it.”

  “Ok, bye, Ma.”

  She raised a hand to wave, a small smile crossing her face.

  I turned, slowing and quietly making my way to the road. The bike moved smoothly and my legs were itching to straddle the seat, to feel the power beneath me as I glided down the road, to feel in control of something for once. I made it to the street, flinging my leg over and sliding in the key. I cruised it down a few houses, then turned it on. The motor roared with power, the adrenaline pulsing through my veins. Revving the engine, I balanced myself and took off. The wind whipped around me, the cool of night enveloping me. The drive was short, but enough to calm my nerves. Racing inside, I finished off the alcohol I had left and fell into a deep sleep, excited at the possibilities only hours away.

  Chapter Seventeen-Francesca

  It was 100% official, I’d lost my mind. I made plans to have a half day at work to get ready for a non-date with Cade. I rolled my eyes at myself every five minutes or so, because I really was being an idiot. I hurried in the building door, stopping exasperatedly to say hi to Zander. He looked me over, the deep blue depths seeing right through me. He chuckled, a rich and deep sound, while shaking his head.

  “What is with you?” he questioned, standing to hand off the notes he’d taken and my mail.

  “Z….” I groaned, planting my face in my palms. “I’m an idiot.”

  “Not completely, you did finish law school,” he teased.

  “Yeah, but, I’m still an idiot when it comes to men,” I mumbled.

  He leaned forward, his voice lowering, “I’ll come to your office on break.” His fingers clenched my upper arm, a frightened gleam in his eye.

  “Ok,” I said, confused. I looked around, seeing many of the partners moving around the building. Now I understood. I nodded to him, then hurried to get to work. The partners rarely all came out at once. So something was definitely up. Zander was still working on his undergrad degree, but hoped to be a lawyer, so neither one of us could afford to screw up around them. I slid in my little corner unnoticed, closing the door softly behind me. Whatever was going on, I didn’t want to be in the middle of it, especially since I already asked for a half day. I shuffled through the notes, stopping when I saw one about the city.

  City Ordinance 1057: The city council designates clean-up of all sidewalks in city limits. Replacement of all street lamps, bus benches, and updating all advertisement boards required.

  Blah, blah, blah. All I saw was the replacement of bus benches. The place where Cade and I met would be gone forever. My heart was hurting, my feelings all over the place. Resting my head in my hand, I willed my eyes to not drop tears. A knock on my door startled me. I snapped up straight, shuffled the papers to look like I was working, and yelled, “Come in!”

  Zander slid in, his dark hair ruffled, a few buttons of his shirt popped open. “Holy shit, Francesca. These people are crazy.” The door clicked behind him. He strutted over. Stretching out in the chair, he leaned his head back and sighed loudly. “They’re doing half the performance appraisals today,” he muttered.

  “What? Appraisals are supposed to be months away,” I exclaimed, hopping to my feet. Frantically, I searched for my notes on the matter, then my phone. I had to let Cade know I would be working late. I needed to find a mirror and make myself more presentable.

  “Chill, ok? Yours is next week,” he said, his eyes wide as he watched me.

  “How do you know?” I inquired.

  He shrugged, “I know things.”

  Relaxed, I gingerly sat back down, staring at him. He was fighting a laugh as he stared back. “What?”

  “You were freaking out. It was hilarious,” he chuckled.

  I glared at him before sticking my tongue out. “Shut up,” I huffed, crossing my arms.

  He laughed loudly, “Oh, mature. Please, tell me what’s going on now. I only have,” he drew his words out, looking around to find my clock, “five more minutes.”

  I exhaled heavily, drumming my fingers against my desk. “Remember the client you freaked out about? Yeah, well, he wants to hang out tonight. And I’m a mess, Z. A mess,” I groaned.

  His mouth fell open and he didn’t even blink. “Do it.”

  “What?” I said, shocked, “You’re supposed to tell me how awful this is. Talk me out of it.”

  “I should…but I’m not. You have worked your ass off for these people for too long. I say do it. Even if you get caught, it’ll be worth it. You shouldn’t work here anyways, you could be much more successful in your own practice.”

  “You’re crazy,” I giggled, waving him off.

  He gripped the arms of the chair, leaning forward, “I’m serious.” His face was stern, his eyes staring deep in mine. “Think about it. I’ll come work for you, if you do. I have to go back.” He stood, giving me a serious finger wagging before exiting.

  I leaned back, twirling in the chair. Having my own practice wasn’t something I hadn’t thought of. I dreamed of it often, but Cade’s case was my first. I wasn’t all that experienced. I didn’t want to start something only to fail. I played it safe. I played life safe…just like Daphne was always telling me. I didn’t want to be this way, I wanted to enjoy life. Every second of it. For me and for Josie…but how? I was scared. A big chicken about getting hurt, about failure, even falling in love. I scribbled a few positive reinforcement notes on my pad, then got to work. Less than two hours and I would be able to leave and concentrate on my weekend.

  ###

  The warm water eased my tension. I relaxed some, but not enough to shake the overwhelming feeling of nervousness that was quickly overtaking my body. Cade Kelling was all I ever wanted but everything I wanted nothing to do with. He was my everything but I couldn’t lose myself to him again. He may have been the reason my little sister, my wonderful, amazing, beautiful sister, died. I thought I knew, but now doubt was quickly sneaking its way into my mind. I shut the water off, toweling myself dry and wrapping my hair up. I had no earthly idea what to wear, or where to even start, but I knew I couldn’t look too good. Dressing up would make him think I thought it was a date. And while deep down I felt like it was, I couldn’t admit that to him. Not yet, anyway. He always held all the power, the control, when we were younger. I was just t
he young, innocent girl that was head over heels for him. I couldn’t be her anymore. I had to be stronger, braver, more aggressive.

  I aimlessly lay on the bed, petting Hammy with one hand and tracing the outline of my phone with the other. Tonight was either going to be very, very good, or a disaster. And I honestly didn’t know which way I wanted it to go. Scratching Hamlet one last time under the chin, I headed for the closet. Choosing my skinny jeans and a black top, to keep things simple yet classic, I quickly dressed. My hair was still dripping, so I situated myself on the side of the bed, flipping my head over to scrub and towel dry my locks. My hair was beginning to wave, so I did my best to dry it this way. I knew Cade liked it wavy, and I felt my sexiest when it was this way, so it was definitely what I was going for.

  I kept my make-up minimal, but lined my eyes black. The dark liner with dark eyes was a deadly combo. And I needed all my ammo handy tonight. Cade texted at 5-ish, reminding me he was alcohol free and we had plans at 7:00. This new Cade in the old Cade’s body was…odd. He contacted me first; he remembered our plans, actually acted like he cared. I always felt like he had feelings for me, deep down, but his actions spoke so much louder than his words. He could call me beautiful and kiss me all day, but if he didn’t remember to call or come by the next day, it meant nothing. It took him a year to break up with Jade after our first date, and he never came to me. He didn’t once ask me to forgive him and be his girlfriend…yet, here I was, killing myself to look and feel sexy for him. I shook my head at my reflection, “You’re stupid,” I told the girl staring back. I hated that my eyes were dancing with excitement. That he made me feel this way. I gripped the counter, almost to the point of cancelling, when my phone chimed.