The Player (Broken Wishes Series Book 3)

by Joanne Sexton

  “Charlotte called and—”

  “So, the only reason you’re here apologizing and believe me is because you have proof.” He cut her off and stood abruptly. The expression in his eyes shattered her hopes.

  “Even if she hadn’t called, regardless of what happened, I was going to apologize and try and repair the damage.”

  With a frustrated yell he turned from her and slumped back onto the bed. In a strained, barely controlled voice he uttered the words she hoped she wouldn’t hear.

  “It’s too late, Izzy.” His use of the endearment gave her hope for a split second, until he spoke again. “You only believe in me when you have reason to, not because you just do. Every time I’m late or we have a fight, you’re going to assume the worst about me. I can’t live like that. I’m going to sell the house. You and your family are going to have to find somewhere else to live. I’m done.”

  “Mitch, honey, please…” She reached over to place a hand on his shoulder, but he shrugged her off. “If this is what you want,” she said as her heart shattered into a million pieces.

  “It is,” he said through gritted teeth, his back to her.

  Hot tears slid down her cheeks as she left the room, where her heart lay smashed at his feet. With a strangled sob she went to her room, buried her head in the pillow and allowed heartbroken cries to consume her. The man she loved, the man who had saved her from loneliness and shattered dreams, had just turned away from her.

  When Isabelle asked him to look at her it took all the strength Mitch had left. He heard her words, but they weren’t the ones he wanted to hear. Her faith in him was shaky, even though her memories had returned.

  It seemed, at the first test of his devotion, she’d assumed the worst. She didn’t believe in him at all and didn’t love him anywhere near as much as he loved her. The benefit of the doubt could not be given to Mitchell Montgomery as far as she was concerned. Only when her assumption was debunked did she believe in his conviction and loyalty.

  When she’d touched him, it set his skin alight. He’d craved so badly to feel her again and her touch was like fire. Lying there staring at the ceiling didn’t appear to be helping and he wanted a clear head before he sought her out. Deep down he knew he didn’t want to lose her, but right now he couldn’t think straight and needed to calm down.

  Poking his head out of his room, he checked the hall and noticed her door closed. Now was not the time. Mitch moved swiftly to the balcony, as it seemed to be the only place he could find solace of late. The turbulent ocean matched his heart.

  Voices drifted up from the pathway below. It was Carol and Jesse returning from the beach. With a deep sigh, he pushed aside his turmoil and put on a brave face. The last thing he wanted to do was upset Jesse as well.

  “Mitch?” Jesse called as he raced through the gate and up the stairs to join him on the balcony. “Look how many shells I found.” Jesse stopped in front of him and shoved a bucket under his nose. “We built a sandcastle too, with a moat and everything.”

  “That’s great, buddy. You’ve been busy.” The smile that lifted his lips was genuine. Despite his melancholy, Jesse’s contagious enthusiasm caused him to smile.

  “Next time you’ll have to help! I’m gonna go wash these now.”

  “Okay, buddy, go ahead.”

  “I see by your expression that things aren’t going well,” Carol said once she’d joined him.

  “No, not really. It’s great that she remembers, but she didn’t believe in me, not even this morning. I know I was out all night, but she doubted me straight up without a second thought. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in the past, but I would never hurt her.”

  “She knows that, Mitch. This all overwhelmed her this morning…” Mitch went to speak but Carol silenced him with her hand. “She still should have believed in you. I can’t help but think that some of this is my fault.”

  “How can it be your fault?”

  “A number of reasons. When she was young, I was bitter about her father. The mistrust and rash judgement came from me. I regret my influence on her, but at the time couldn’t see past my pain. Over the years I was able to let it go, but it took Isabelle a lot longer. It’s an old habit she’s had for a long time. She does trust you, she just doesn’t know how to.”

  “I understand all of that, Carol, I do, but we were past all this.”

  “She made a mistake, we all do that. I made mistakes when she was growing up and recently too. When she started to get those letters, I didn’t push her hard enough to do something about them.”

  “That isn’t your fault, Carol. The thing is, she’s back now, which is great, but we’re back where we started. I just don’t think she loves me as much as I do her and I can’t accept that.”

  “You’re wrong.” Mitch shrugged. “Men are so stubborn. If you want to lose her because of ridiculous pride, then more fool you. I saw how happy you made each other, and I know not everyone is that lucky. If I was you, I would be grabbing the opportunity, not running away.”

  With that, she left him to brood and went to check on Jesse.

  The same stubborn pride that Carol had accused him of kept him glued to the chair while he decided what to do.

  Chapter Thirty Two

  Gone

  When Isabelle was woken by the sunlight spilling through the window the following morning, she realized she slept the afternoon and evening away.

  Although she’d achieved hours of sleep, she still felt drained. Her head and eyes ached from restless slumber and heartbroken tears. She couldn’t believe Mitch had turned away from her, had shrugged her away. He told her he wanted them gone from his life and it stung to know he no longer had any feelings for her.

  The irony wasn’t lost on her. Now she remembered him, he didn’t want her. Isabelle finally felt as though she’d met the man she wanted to spend her life with and now a cruel twist of fate was taking him away from her. It couldn’t be possible to love anyone more than she loved Mitch. Staying in the house while searching for a new place to live would be far too difficult. Being around him would be too painful.

  With a heavy, aching heart Isabelle packed a suitcase with the intention of returning for the remainder of their belongings when she found an apartment. In the meantime, they would have to stay at a hotel. She still had some money saved to tide them over until she found a new job. Going back to modelling wasn’t an option she wanted to take. It appeared she would have to give up on her dream and start to be more practical.

  After packing what she would need for at least a week, she headed to Jesse’s room and did the same. Fortunately, he was in the kitchen with Carol and wasn’t aware of what she was doing. Explaining this to him would be the hardest thing she’d ever had to do.

  With silent steps Isabelle headed to the kitchen and caught Carol’s attention. A flick of her head indicated Isabelle wanted to talk in private with her mother. A frown creased Carol’s brow before she followed her daughter down the hall to her bedroom. Carol’s eyes took in the suitcases, before turning to Isabelle, who closed the door.

  “What’s going on?” Carol asked.

  “We’re leaving.” Isabelle hoped her tone left no room for argument.

  “Where do you think we are going to go? What about Mitch? And what will this do to Jesse?”

  “We can go to a hotel for now. I’ve booked a taxi, it will be here shortly. I know Jesse will be upset but he’ll—”

  “Upset! Isabelle, you have no idea how close those two have become! You can’t do this to him!”

  “I have no choice. Mitch doesn’t want us here.”

  “Of course he does.” Carol rolled her eyes. “He’s letting foolish pride get in the way, just as you are now.”

  “He doesn’t want to talk to me. I tried.”

  “Try again. Jesse will be devastated.”

  “Don’t you think I know this? But I can’t stay here if he doesn’t love me.”

  “Isabelle…”

  “I don’
t want to argue about this.”

  It took the remainder of Isabelle’s strength to get Jesse into the taxi when it arrived. Isabelle thought his protests would wake Mitch and she didn’t want to see him again. The only thing she had left of him now was the photograph he’d taken of her and Jesse that wonderful day in the park.

  When Isabelle didn’t resurface again that afternoon, Mitch decided to get an early night to be fresh, ready to make amends and move forward. The door to her room was open; assuming she was already up, he sought her out. Carol was right, it was childish holding onto his pride and shutting out the best thing that had ever happened to him.

  Now that Isabelle had regained her memory, he should be happy, not sulking because she made an assumption that anyone in her position would have, considering his background. It was time for action and to start their future together. The past needed to be forgotten and put behind them.

  After searching the house and finding them all absent, Mitch wondered where they may have gone. Perhaps an early morning stroll on the beach?

  On impulse he went back to Isabelle’s room as something niggled at him and he discovered it looked decidedly emptier. Most of her clothes were missing and after checking Jesse’s room and the bathroom he realized they’d gone.

  Where would they go? They no longer had an apartment to return to. All they had was each other. The only relation he knew of was Anthony and knowing Isabelle as he did, he knew they wouldn’t have gone there as she wouldn’t want to put him out or burden him. So where would they stay? What had he done?

  Digging his phone out of his pocket, he went to dial her number and then realized he couldn’t, as her phone had been in her pocket when she went off the bridge. With everything that had happened, it hadn’t been replaced.

  Angry at himself, he grabbed his keys and without actually knowing where to look, jumped into his car.

  Two long days had passed since leaving the house and moving to their temporary home. Jesse’s silent treatment weighed heavily on his mother. Not only did her heart ache for Mitch, but for her upset little boy. Guilt tore at her when she thought about how she had taken Jesse away from the closest thing he’d ever had to a father. The reception from Carol wasn’t much better. Worried frowns and disappointed gazes followed Isabelle around their room.

  After scouring the newspapers for both an apartment and a job, Isabelle obtained a waitressing job at a cafe located near the hotel. Her first shift started that afternoon and although it wouldn’t be anywhere near as glamorous as her previous vocation, Isabelle looked forward to the distraction.

  She thought over time her pain would dissipate, and she would miss him less. How wrong she had been. The longer she was away from Mitch, the harder it became. Her waking thoughts were dominated by his face, how he was and what he was doing. Did he miss her too? At night her dreams were filled with passion.

  Somehow, she managed to get through her first week at work, which she soon discovered was tiring and arduous. This brought the realization that modelling had been comparatively easier, and she earned a lot more.

  Knowing that modelling would be financially beneficial and would therefore stop the assault on her savings, she knew what she had to do. One week after leaving behind Mitch and her dreams, she called her agent.

  The morning of Isabelle’s first shoot brought with it nervousness. Her mind was no longer focused, and she worried it would show in her shots. Gone was her dedication and drive and in its place was the shell of the woman she once was, and this made her nervous. Could she still do this? She wasn’t sure.

  When Isabelle discovered Adele would be preparing her for the shoot, she remembered her deception at the hospital, and this caused her anger to flare. She thought they were friends, but the first moment she could, Adele stabbed her in the back.

  “I’m sorry, Isabelle,” Adele said once Isabelle had slipped into the chair.

  “Why did you do it?”

  “I was jealous.”

  “Well, you will be pleased to know we broke up, so he’s all yours.”

  “He was here earlier in the week looking for you.”

  Her heart leapt for a moment in excitement. Did he want them to come home? No, he would have called. Her phone had been replaced and the same number restored, so if he wanted her to come home he would have called.

  “I’m sure he’s just anxious for me to move my things out.”

  “If you say so,” Adele replied with raised eyebrows.

  “I do.”

  Adele shrugged. “I’m still really sorry. We were friends and I shouldn't have done what I did to you.”

  “It’s okay. It doesn’t matter now anyway.”

  Chapter Thirty Three

  A New Life

  The dark cloud of depression hung over Mitch and grew heavier as each day passed.

  The possessions of the woman he loved in the house were a constant reminder of what he’d lost. He’d even begun sleeping in her bed so he could surround himself in her enticing aroma. Mitch thought he should stop torturing himself but couldn’t bring himself to do so. His family attempted to coax him into moving on or at least finding something to occupy his time and mind, but he found this impossible, no matter what he did. The only thing on his mind was Isabelle.

  The one thing keeping him focused was his career; if he didn’t want to ruin this aspect of his life as well, then he needed to fill his orders from the exhibit. His lack of inspiration ensured he’d yet to create anything new for the gallery, even though Valery encouraged him to do so.

  After assuring her he would fill the orders he did have, he set to work. Amongst the prints required was the shot of Isabelle. Her lovely face staring up at him during happy times slashed at his already shattered soul. As unbearable as it was, he was obligated to complete them.

  Mitch shuddered when he thought of the portrait of Isabella, the one he stared at right now, had been found in Anton’s house after the police searched it, confirming Anton’s obsession with Isabelle. It made Mitch sick to think his print had contributed to the psycho’s mania. What if these prints were ordered by other crazed fanatics too? This thought compelled him to pick up the phone and have Valery remove Isabelle’s shot from the collection and the gallery wall.

  Reluctantly she agreed after Mitch relayed the story. It was selling well, and Valery thought it was one of the best in the collection but understood his need to remove it. Nevertheless, the prior orders still needed to be filled.

  He’d purposely left the prints of her until last. Prolonging the inevitable hadn’t dulled the pain as her smiling face came into view in the developing tray. Memories flashed through his mind of the day they’d taken the shot, which led to further reminiscing. Would his heartache ever end? His phone ringing in his pocket brought him out of his reverie and he contemplated not answering it.

  “Yeah.”

  “Mitch?” a female voice asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “It’s Adele.” When he said nothing, she continued. “She’s here.”

  “Who is?”

  “Isabelle.”

  “Where?” Adele filled him in. “Keep her there. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  Shoving his phone into his pocket he raced to the door filled with renewed vigor.

  Upon arriving at the set, he stood out of sight and watched her work. Her beauty stole his breath. He missed her so much and the longing to touch her almost induced him to cross the room and interrupt her.

  Her usual composed professionalism appeared in place, but Mitch detected that it was false bravado. He smiled to himself; perhaps this meant she still loved him too. She appeared to be struggling as much as he was.

  Somehow Isabelle managed to maintain a mask to disguise her heartache and nerves. She fell back into the demanding requirements of the job with ease, regardless of the fact it would never be the same without Mitch.

  No other photographer had the flair and patience. She’d always known exactly what he wanted from her
, unlike the schmuck they’d stuck her with today. Not only did he have no clue as to the client’s brief, he had no people skills either.

  “No!” he yelled yet again. “That is no good.”

  Isabelle shook her head. She thought she’d nailed it. Changing poses again seemed to satisfy him for a moment, before he barked another set of instructions. Even after she had followed him to the letter, he began to rant once more.

  “You stupid models have no idea what you’re supposed to do. I have to do my job and yours! You aren’t doing what I ask. It really isn’t that hard to stand there and look pretty, is it?”

  Isabelle simply stared dumbfounded at both his words and the ferocity he’d delivered them in. It was almost enough to push her over the edge, and it took all her control not to quit on the spot. She didn’t need this. Not now. There was no way she could deal with this idiot today.

  Mitch watched as the moron barked his orders and insults at Isabelle. He’d never seen such amateur work in his life. Isabelle followed what the client required as well as the wrong requirements this fool wanted. Yet he still couldn’t see it.

  His anger rose when the final tirade began. Isabelle looked shocked by the photographer’s lack of professionalism and the fact that he had absolutely no idea what he was doing. There was no way Mitch was going to stand and watch this clown insult her anymore.

  “Hey, buddy, who do you think you are?” Mitch asked as he stepped from the shadows.

  “I know who I am. Who do you think you are coming onto my set?”

  “Someone who knows what he’s doing, which clearly you don’t.”

  “Ah, yes, now I know who you are. The famous Mitchell Montgomery. The photographer who thinks he’s an artist.”

  “Still firing insults, I see. Do you have any other way of communicating or are you just a fool?”