My Heart

Home > Other > My Heart > Page 18
My Heart Page 18

by LEIGH ARMSTRONG


  I shake my head not able to say anything.

  “Let’s brush, then go to bed. Whether we sleep or not.”

  I go about washing my face and brushing my teeth, then join him in the bed.

  His steady breathing and his arms around me lulls me asleep, only I wake me up some time later from a dream where a stranger is holding me by my waist as I kick and scream for him to let go. I see Michael slumped on the floor, but I can’t get away and then a door shuts and I lose sight of him. I sit up in bed, breathing heavily and look to my left, where I find him sleeping. I crawl out of bed, then head to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, I see that my eyes are puffy from crying, so I turn on the water and splash cold water on my face.

  I’m handed a towel. “You tossed and turned the whole time.”

  I scrunch up my face. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. Our apartment was broken into. It’s disturbing.”

  “I woke up from a dream where I was being held by a man and you were lying on the floor. I couldn’t get to you.”

  He pulls me to him. “I’m right here with you and we are going to be fine. Let’s shower then grab breakfast. Sergeant Rose left me a message so we can go to the station after we eat.”

  “Do you think they know more?”

  “He didn’t say but at least maybe we can find out more about the calls you’ve been getting.”

  “I hope so.”

  Chapter 31

  Returning home after more questions at the police station, the task ahead of us is daunting, but I won’t feel better until it is all cleaned up. We decide to work individually to get it done faster but turning on the light brings reality to life. I pull the sheets and comforter off the bed and lay them next to the door. I look under the mattress and under the bed and find nothing but broken glass from frames. Next, I start putting items back into the nightstand but notice nothing missing. Next is the top drawer of the dresser—some clothes are in, some out but nothing strange. The second drawer is the same, but the third drawer proves to be different. My journals were in this drawer and they’re missing. A stack of three tied with ribbon. Gone. Who would want something so private? I call out to Michael.

  He comes down to my room. “What’s wrong?”

  “My journals aren’t here.”

  “Maybe you took them out and put them somewhere else?”

  “No, they were here. I’ve checked all the drawers. Why would someone take them? One of them my mom started for me when she got sick that last time. I remember one day I was cleaning out my room and I think I was about 12 years old when I found the journal with written entries from her to me in the closet.” I throw back my head. “This is insane.” I look at him concerned. “Phone numbers and addresses were in one of them for Ruby, Susan and even the lawyer.” I go to the closet looking for my dad’s briefcase but it’s also gone. “The letter from the lawyer and the contents from the box he gave me are inside the case.” I sit down on the bed.

  He sits beside me. “I don’t have answers for you, other than maybe they thought more was in the case.”

  “So you feel all this is weird too.”

  “I do. Let me help you in here and then we can go finish mine.”

  We do just that, putting my room back together and even start a load of laundry. His room is next, where he had also piled sheets by the door.

  “So far the picture of us in Colorado is gone. I looked under everything, thinking it flew out of the broken frame but nothing. Oh, and my college ring, my watch that was given to me by my grandfather, and some team metals. Also an odd assortment.” His phone vibrates. “It’s my insurance company.”

  “Go, take it. I’ll be right here.”

  I walk into his bathroom and see he’s cleaned up everything. Looking up, I see the fear, the realness of what a person feels when an intruder enters your safe place. Enough of the pity party, Jamie. Get mad, fight back because fear is weakness and I won’t let this wreck me.

  I go to find Michael. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, they needed some information. Let’s finish and then I will call Sergeant Rose. After that, I’ll make my spaghetti for dinner. Sound good?”

  “Okay. Only if I can assist.”

  “I would love that.”

  After about 30 minutes or so, we left his room to prepare our dinner. One tomato sauce splattered t-shirt later, we were done and enjoying our labor of love. I also received a phone call from Lidia in HR at ECON offering me a position to start Monday and apologizing for the delay in getting back with me. I accepted the position gladly.

  Going to bed that night took longer for us to fall asleep. I heard every little sound and he felt every flip that I made.

  Chapter 32

  We implement safety procedures suggested by Sergeant Rose and monitor our credit cards, bank accounts, and I notified Ruby and Susan. Insurance is filed for Michael’s missing items but my personal items have not shown up anywhere. A few weeks have passed since starting my new job at ECON and I’m loving the work and grateful for the opportunity.

  Sipping green tea with honey reading over an assignment for class, I notice Josh on his balcony talking on the phone. He’s clearly agitated with the person on the other end. He tosses the phone in a chair, then disappears only to come out with a beer, downing it in seconds. I head out to check on him and I guess the sound of the sliding door startles him because he shoots a wild eyed look at me.

  “I saw you from inside and you look upset. Everything alright?”

  He hesitates, forcing a smile. “Work.”

  “Can’t leave it behind, huh?”

  He looks down at his bottle. “Well, not this part. Do you want a beer?”

  “No thanks. Do you want to talk about it?”

  He sets the bottle on the table walking to the balcony railing between us. “Your eyes are a beautiful green color. A man could get lost in them. Can I take your picture?” He turns to find his phone.

  “I need to get back inside. I hope whatever is going on works out.”

  “It will. Goodnight, Jamie.”

  I close the sliding door, looking over at him. He smiles, then walks inside. Over the next couple of weeks, he’s distant and I surely didn’t approach him on the balcony alone as the last situation was awkward enough. One night, Michael notices him hit the door outside his apartment with his fist, so he asks if he can help. Josh says nothing other than, “I got to go.” He goes inside his apartment, slamming the door behind him. He didn’t show up this week for the game either. He is different now, but why? Michael called him wanting to meet but he said he had no time.

  *

  Tonight is Open Mic night at 42 and a big crowd has formed inside. I make my way straight to the clock in station and see Pete.

  “How’s it going tonight? Nice crowd out there.” He gives me a look.

  “What’s wrong? Staff call out?”

  “You and Michael are friends with that guy Josh, right?”

  “Yes, but he has been distracted lately and we don’t know why.”

  “Well he’s been here for a while drinking, talking loud, and is about to get cut off or thrown out.”

  “That’s weird.”

  “Do you want to talk to him? I’m sure you know Michael got delayed with a flat tire on the team bus.”

  “Yeah, he texted me. I’ll try.”

  “Look, if he gives you any trouble, tell Stuart, and he’ll be removed.”

  “I will.” I approach Josh cautiously, remembering our last encounter. “Hey Josh.”

  He spins around on his stool and smiles, his arms open to greet me. When I don’t move, he drops his arms, noticing my reaction. “I was hoping you worked tonight. You have the face of an angel.”

  “I’ve never seen you drink this much. What’s going on?”

  He pats the stool next to him. “Please sit with me.”

  I spot Stuart filling the glass bin and I take a seat. “Can I get you some coffee or water?”

/>   “I’ve missed hanging out with you guys. But there’s a problem I’m trying to fix.” He turns, placing his knees on each side of mine, locking me in from leaving. He has two minutes to move before I call over Stuart.

  “I’m lucky to have you guys as my friends. I hope Michael knows how lucky he is to have you, because you’re not complicated, demanding, or twisted. A nice girl.”

  I go to move, but he tightens his legs.

  “Please stay. You asked if you could help.”

  “Josh, what is going on? I’ve never seen you drink like this or act this way.”

  “It hasn’t been work making me crazy. I’ve been seeing a woman who doesn’t have a calm, warm, or giving bone in her body but is sexy as hell. Stupidly, I keep going back to her.”

  “Have you told her how you feel?”

  “It doesn’t matter. Her agenda is one thing and one thing only: her getting what she wants, regardless of who gets hurt. She could learn a lot from you on what a real relationship is and how to love someone other than herself.”

  “Do you love her?”

  “No. Maybe.”

  “Let me get you that coffee.”

  He runs his hand along my thigh and squeezes to keep me from getting up. I push his hand away. “Josh, I know you’re drunk and not yourself, but you have no right to act this way.” I wave over Stuart.

  “Jamie, is he bothering you?”

  Before I can answer, I hear the voice of my rescue. “Stuart, I got her.”

  Michael looks at me and reaches for my hand, moving me off the stool and tucking me behind him. Then he turns his attention to Josh. “What are you doing?”

  “What can I say? Your girlfriend is easy to talk to.”

  “I agree, but what I saw was you making her uncomfortable by not letting her leave.” He puts his hand on Josh’s shoulder. “Now taking into consideration you’re going through some type of problem that makes you disrespect someone who is only trying to be nice to you, I will order you coffee. No more alcohol.”

  Josh motions a salute. “You are the boss.”

  “You owe Jamie an apology. I know this is the only time I will have to say anything to you about making her uncomfortable.” Josh’s smile faded as he looks to me standing behind Michael.

  “Jamie, I am sorry for my behavior. It won’t happen again.”

  I nod, not saying anything else. Michael takes my hand and we go upstairs to his office. I step over to the two windows that were installed after the robbery. Josh is talking with a girl and then goes to her table, taking a seat.

  “That was really off. How much did you see?”

  “Enough. He was one punch away from hitting the floor.”

  “Well I think we have done all we can for him. Now, how was your day? That is, before the flat?”

  “Productive. The team decided to change the workout routine and try boxing.” He pulls back his hair displaying a cut on his forehead. “I guess I didn’t duck fast enough.”

  “Oh, you’re hurt! Here, let me kiss your wound.” I pull his head down to place my lips on his head. “Do you feel better?”

  He points to his lips. “I might need a kiss here.”

  I comply with his request, leaving the situation with Josh behind and giving Michael my full attention.

  *

  After a few hours of bussing tables and having two glasses of tea for dinner, I need a bathroom break. I head back, hoping there’s no line at the bathroom. Oh, good two more girls and then it’s my turn. As the last one enters the bathroom, I lean against the wall and check my phone for any messages.

  “Hey you.” Josh is now in front of me, with one hand next to my head on the wall and the other one next to my waist. “I want to apologize again for earlier.”

  I can smell alcohol on his breath. “You were supposed to stop drinking.”

  “Girls like to buy drinks for guys too. Sweet, huh?” A girl comes out of the bathroom and I duck, but he keeps me from moving with his leg. She walks slowly by, then disappears.

  I look at him and frown. “I don’t need to hear anything else. Please just move.”

  “Jamie, we’re talking.” He moves a piece of hair behind my ear and I feel his other hand on my hip and that’s when I react by bringing my knee up to his crotch, pushing him backwards.

  “Enough!”

  Michael comes flying around the corner and sees Josh bent over across from me.

  “Bitch!” Josh lunges towards me but Michael pushes him back forcefully.

  “I should have made you leave earlier.” Josh tries to come at Michael this time, but he twists Josh’s arm behind him, pushing him to the ground on his knees.” He struggles to get up but Michael puts a knee in his back keeping him on the floor.

  The girl who came out of the bathroom before stands now with Pete as the bouncer comes around the corner to assist Michael. “Where do you want him, boss?”

  “Outside, but stay with him.”

  Pete speaks up. “I will call him a cab.”

  I address the girl. “Thank you for getting help.”

  “He’s cute, but no one needs that drama. I’m Hannah.”

  “Nice to meet you. Hey, Pete—can Hannah and her friends get a round of drinks?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  She smiles, then leaves to get her friends as Pete follows behind her.

  Michael comes to me. “Sure you’re alright?”

  “Yes. I was done dealing with his inappropriate advances.”

  He laughs. “Well, he deserved the pain you inflicted. Maybe it will sober him up.”

  “I hope so.”

  *

  We’ve stopped volunteering at Josh’s company food bank and we haven’t heard from him other than doors slamming from his apartment or pizza delivery for over a week. Our door is open but he has to want to talk to us, not act like he did at the bar.

  But tonight, ECON is holding a fundraiser and we are attending. It calls for a formal gown, which with Meredith’s help again, I found a long deep purple gown with a wide neckline that fell just off my shoulders. It fits my body snugly, with a straight skirt split just above my knee. My hair is up in a loose style with a few pieces that leaves my neck exposed. I place the last earring in my ear, then enter the living room where he is waiting for me.

  I smile at the sight of him. “Loving you in this tux. Why is it guys are so sexy dressed in white and black?”

  He takes my hand, spinning me around.

  “You are stunning.”

  “Thank you. We look good together.”

  “That we do. Our ride is outside waiting for us.”

  “Let’s go.”

  *

  We walk into a charming venue with beautifully decorated tables, easels displaying upcoming projects, and music playing in the background. I was instructed to mingle and help where needed.

  “I’m feeling nervous. This might be a little out of my comfort zone.”

  Michael places his hands on my shoulders, leaning in to kiss me, and lingers enough to help my mind slow down and my body relax. “You are good at this. Talking to people, listening to them and showing your support of the work that is done by ECON.” His eyes cut to the right. “Your boss is heading this way.”

  I turn to greet him. “Mr. Palmer, hello.”

  “Ms. Morgan, I’m glad you are here.”

  “This is my boyfriend, Michael Tucker.”

  “Nice to meet you. Are you the owner/operator of 42?”

  “Yes, you’ve heard of it?”

  “My son frequented there when he attended Hopson. I have the credit card bills to prove it. You’re active with the college and allocating donations to the Animal Center. Jamie will be talking to you soon about an upcoming project. I hope we can work together.”

  “I look forward to it.”

  “Jamie, your roll tonight is to mingle and introduce yourself to as many people as you can. But I want you to also have fun, because the next one you’ll probably be hands-on the
whole evening. Now you two eat, grab a drink, and have a good time.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “He seems like a nice boss unlike the one at 42,” Michael remarks casually.

  I squeeze his arm. “No one can top my first boss.”

  He smiles. “Bar?”

  “After you.”

  With a drink in hand and two or three crab cake appetizers later, we’re off meeting the invited guests. I introduce him to my co-workers and Michael introduces me to people he’s worked with in the past on the council. We are a good team, moving in and out of the crowd like pros.

  Heading out to the balcony for the dessert bar, the night is also cooperating with a clear sky and twinkling stars. I look over at him thinking how grateful I am to be with him. “Thank you for coming tonight.”

  “I wouldn’t have missed it. This company means something to you and I can see it all over your face when you talk about their mission.”

  “Don’t worry Mr. Tucker, I’m not leaving 42 yet.”

  He pulls me in close. “But if you choose to, I’ll understand.”

  I lean back away from him. “I don’t think I would recognize the guy you were before me. You are a respected business owner, good with people and you have a kind heart.”

  “Me, kind? Only because of you. I am better at honesty, trust, and love, due to how I feel about you and what I want for us.”

  “My responsibilities are done for tonight. It’s after ten, what do you say we leave?”

  “Are you sure?”

  I take him by the hand. “Yes, I want you all to myself.”

  *

  He puts his key in the door while I stand close behind him, resting my chin on his coat. The need to touch him is overtaking my proper in public thoughts and I want him out of his clothes. The door opens and he turns to pull me just inside, pressing me against the door. His lips are in pursuit of mine and I give in willingly. I slip my hands inside his coat and feel the hardness of his body while working at the buttons on his shirt, just as a group of rowdy neighbor’s come by cheering us on. We stop, both of us breathing heavy, step inside and shut the door, to continue our quest of one another in private.

  He’s locked the door, peeled off his coat, and wraps his arms around me, catching us from falling into the table behind us.

 

‹ Prev