Intercepting Love

by L. P. Dover

  Scanning the menu, my eyes went wide when a couple of the dish selections popped out at me. “Holy shit,” I said. “You have some of my ideas in here.”

  The selections were Cooper’s Calamari, and Cooper’s Grilled Chicken. The descriptions were exactly the way I used to cook them. Claire wasn’t the best cook, so I always made our food when I was in town.

  “This is amazing,” I remarked in awe. “She never told me she did this.”

  “Well, it’s not like you two really spoke after you broke up. You kind of went on a downward spiral after that. This time, however, I’m rooting for you,” she added slyly. “I know Kate is a hard person to crack, but if you’re anything like Claire says then you’ll have no problems winning her over.”

  “Speaking of Claire, I can’t help but wonder … if she’s been in here several times and Kate’s your best friend, have they by any chance met?”

  Sheepishly, Lara stood from the table and pushed in her chair. “Actually, they have,” she confessed. “Kate knows everything about Claire, Cooper. We talked about it today when she told me who you were. She just didn’t realize until today that her wine buddy was your ex-girlfriend.”

  So that’s why she asked me questions about Claire today.

  “Oh, and to give you a heads up, Luke has been trying to get Kate for months. He’s already worn her down enough for a date this weekend. Trust me, it hasn’t been easy for him. Don’t get me wrong, I like Luke, but I honestly don’t see them working out.” Pausing, she bit her lip and sighed before saying, “Whatever happens just bear with her, okay? She’s had a rough two years and it’s taken its toll on her. She may not know what she wants now, but she will if you show her the right way. I think you both have been through enough to understand each other.”

  She smiled one last time and strolled out of the back room. To get to Kate, I needed her to open up to me and vice versa. We weren’t going to get anywhere if we didn’t. I wonder if she trusts Luke. Does he know her intimate secrets? Does he know what happened to her in her past?

  Over the rim of my glass of water, I watched as Kate walked in with Luke, her gaze unreadable. Luke, however, was ready to play the game by the smug expression on his face. Bring it on, cocksucker.

  Lara waltzed back in with a bottle of wine and set it on the table, along with some wine glasses, acknowledging Kate and Luke with a smile. She winked at me and nodded before walking off. I was glad to have her support because I knew her opinion would matter to Kate.

  Kate took the seat across from me, and Luke took the one to my right. She almost looked pale, but brightened as she grabbed the bottle of wine and poured herself a glass. After she took a large gulp, she motioned from me to Luke. “Cooper, I’d like you to meet my friend, Luke, and Luke, I’d like you to meet Cooper.”

  Extending my hand, Luke shook it firmly and said, “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Wish I could say the same, I thought. Instead, I said, “Same to you.”

  We both knew that was a fucking lie. “So how is it playing for the team?” Luke asked. “It must suck coming from a bad ass one to ours.”

  Kate’s head snapped up and she glared at Luke before turning to me. Our team needed a lot of work, but even then, Kate had great pride for her team and she didn’t like anyone saying they sucked. I hadn’t known her very long, but even I knew not to say anything like that.

  “Actually,” I informed him, “it’s not that bad. The guys are really smart and quick on their feet. With a little more team work, I feel that we’ll be just as good as any of the top teams out there.”

  In all honesty, I did believe that. A few days ago, I didn’t, but being with the team and working with them made me see them in a whole new light. They had what it took to win.

  Satisfied with my answer, Kate smiled and turned to Luke. “So what was the good news you wanted to tell me?”

  Moving his chair over, he put his arm around the back of hers, and smiled wide. “I just got a sponsorship with Red Bull. They’re one of the top motocross sponsors in the world, and they want me. Can you believe it?”

  Kate squealed and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Oh my God, that’s great.” Smugly, he smiled at me over her shoulder, but I knew better than to let him get to me.

  “Congratulations,” I said. “So with racing you’ll be travelling all over the States, right?”

  Luke narrowed his eyes. “Yeah, the supercross races start in February. Why do you ask?”

  “Well, I thought it would be kind of cool to come watch you race. I’ve never been to one before. Since we’ll be busy with all of the games this fall, it works out perfectly. You travel to the away games, don’t you, Kate?” I asked, tilting my head in her direction.

  Pouring another glass of wine, she nodded and took another gulp. “Yeah, I go to all of them. Unless, of course, I absolutely have to stay home for some reason.”

  Either she was too engrossed in her wine to notice the jab I made at Luke or she didn’t care. I was starting to think it was the former. Luke, however, snarled his lip and rolled his eyes. While he was at home, Kate would be with me and the team every single weekend until the season was over with. Right now, the ball was in my hands.

  “Do you all know what you want to eat?” Lara asked, coming into the room. “I figured the ice had to be broken by now.”

  The room fell silent until Kate handed Lara the menu and said, “You know what I want.”

  Lara laughed. “Of course, that’s nothing new,” she quipped. Turning, she smiled at me and Luke. “And for you two?”

  I ordered the Cooper’s Grilled Chicken because I had to see if it tasted anything like what I used to make back at home. Once Lara got our orders, she disappeared and came back with a basket of bread. From the looks of Kate she needed to eat something; at least to soak up the amount of alcohol she’d consumed.

  “Kate, are you okay?” I asked. “Maybe you should eat some bread.”

  She laughed just once before downing the rest of her wine. “Trust me, that’s not going to help, but if you’ll excuse me for a moment I’ll be right back.”

  After shakily getting to her feet, both Luke and I stood to help her, but she lifted a hand to halt us. “I’m fine, guys. It’s just been a while since I’ve drank this much. I didn’t realize how fast it would hit me.”

  She seemed a little preoccupied earlier, but I didn’t want to pry and ask her what was wrong. My whole summer was spent drinking my problems away, and I recognized that look in her eyes as the same one that used to be in mine. When she disappeared from sight, I turned to Luke and asked, “Does she normally drink like this?”

  Shaking his head, he kept his concerned gaze on the doorway. “No, never. I don’t know what her problem is tonight. She’s not acting right that’s for sure.”

  “Well, for starters, you don’t have to make me look bad to get her to choose you. Kate has more pride in the team than any of the players combined. I’d be careful what you say about them.”

  Luke scoffed. “Please, I don’t have to try and make you look bad because you do that yourself. She knows what you are and what you’re like. There’s no competition here. She’s mine and that’s it.”

  What a cocky bastard.

  “We’ll see about that,” I said, “so just keep playing your games. I must warn you though … I don’t ever lose.”

  Getting to my feet, I marched past him and out of the room. Kate might not have said it out loud, but I could tell when someone needed help, and she definitely did. For the first time in months, it wasn’t me that required it.

  On my way to the restrooms, I passed Lara. “Hey, have you seen Kate walk by? She left a few minutes ago and I know she’s had a little too much to drink.”

  “No, I haven’t seen her. Do you want me to check the bathroom?” she asked worriedly.

  I nodded and followed on her heels when she rushed off. Slipping into the bathroom, it only took her about two seconds later to burst out. “Cooper, I need yo
ur help,” she exclaimed. “Now! I need you to help me pick her up.”

  Rushing inside, I found Kate splayed out on the floor, unconscious, and her phone scattered into a million pieces. She must have thrown it to cause that much damage. Quickly yet gently, I picked her up and held her in my arms.

  “You care to tell me what’s going on?” I snapped. “What’s wrong with her other than being drunk off of her ass?”

  Lara picked up the shattered pieces of Kate’s phone and threw them in the trash before running cold water over a handful of paper towels. Placing them on Kate’s forehead, she sighed and explained, “Cooper, I would love to tell you, but it’s not my place. Right now she needs to go home. I should’ve known better than to make her come out tonight. I thought it would help, but obviously I was wrong. I’ll pack up your food so you’ll have it when you take her back.”

  “Does she take any meds? Is there anything I need to do for her when I get her home?”

  Sadly, she gazed down at Kate, and then back up to me. “Yeah, don’t leave her alone tonight. I would take her myself, but I won’t be able to lift her if she needed help. She’s going to be pissed in the morning when she realizes I let you take care of her instead of me. Are you sure you want to be on her bad side tomorrow?”

  “If it means making sure she’s safe and taken care of, then I’ll do anything. She can be mad at me all she wants.”

  Lara smiled warily and gently brushed the hair off of Kate’s forehead. “Okay, then. Just so we don’t have anyone asking questions, take her out the back door and put her in the car. I’ll have your food out to you in two minutes.”

  “What about Luke?” I asked.

  She waved me off. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ll take care of him.”

  Opening the bathroom door, Lara motioned for me to come out and led the way to the back door. As soon as we got out, I carried Kate over to my car, gently laid her inside, and buckled her in. It was literally two minutes later when Lara came out with our food and handed it to me.

  “Here’s your and Kate’s food, even though she’s most likely not going to eat tonight. She’s kind of a lightweight when it comes to alcohol. Most of the time she doesn’t drink a lot; it’s only during stressful occasions when she does.”

  “Trust me, I know the feeling all too well,” I mumbled. “Thank you for the food.”

  Lara nodded. “Anytime. Just get her home,” she commanded, handing me a little slip of paper with a phone number on it. “Here’s my number in case something happens. Call me anytime if you need anything. The key to her house is the one attached to the keychain with her name on it. I’m sure they’re in her purse.”

  “I’ll find them … and again, thank you.”

  Once in my car, I double checked that Kate was securely buckled before we left. Her blonde hair draped over her face, hiding her behind a veil of gold so I gently pushed it to the side and tucked it behind her ears. She was so beautiful, but asleep she looked vulnerable and scared. What was going on in her life that would drive her to break down?

  Carefully, I drove the few minutes it took to get to Kate’s house, constantly peering over at her to make sure she was all right. Once we were in her driveway, I reluctantly searched through her purse to find her keys. It felt like I was violating her privacy, but I had no choice. After finding them, I lifted her out of the car and took her inside, only I did not know which room was hers. Sure enough, it was the last room I looked in; I knew it had to be hers because the room smelled like apples. Gently, I laid her down on the soft, yellow and light blue striped bedspread and turned on her bathroom light so it would give her room a little glow.

  Her room was very feminine with a certain southern charm, consisting of floral arrangements with soft yellow walls. She had a couple of paintings depicting meadows and farmlands, along with horses running through the fields. It all showed a softer side to her, but I had yet to see it for myself.

  As I was taking off her shoes, she started to wake, or at least I thought she was waking up. Whimpering, she curled into a ball and whispered, “I’m so sorry. Scott, I’m so … so sorry.”

  Who was Scott? I wondered.

  Carefully, I climbed onto her bed and wrapped my arms around her. “It’s okay, love.”

  Kate shook her head hard. “No, it’s not. He’s gone and it’s all my fault. They tell me it’s all my fault.”

  “Who does?”

  I knew I shouldn’t pry while she was drunk, but she was obviously upset about something, and if I could help I was sure going to try.

  “They say I killed him. They want me to suffer like them,” she cried. “And I do. I suffer all of the time because they won’t leave me alone.”

  “Who are they? What do they do to you?” I asked quickly.

  She was so completely out of it that I didn’t know if she was speaking the truth or if it was just drunk talk. Shaking her head quickly, she sat up and put her hand over her mouth, stumbling out of bed. “I think I’m going to be sick,” she sobbed.

  As fast as I could, I jumped up and helped her to the bathroom just in time for her to dispel every ounce of wine she drank for the night. Rubbing her back with one hand, I held her hair in the other to keep it out of the way. When her body started to sag toward the floor, I picked her up and carried her back into her room, feeling her tremble against my chest. She began to shiver and shake uncontrollably so I pulled the blankets over her body and mine to keep her warm, holding her tight against me. I wanted her to talk some more so I could find out what was wrong, but instead, her breathing became heavy and deep. She was asleep. For the rest of the night, I held her in my arms but was woken up several times to her whispered words.

  “I’m sorry,” she would say. “I’m so sorry, Scott.”

  I needed to find out who Scott was.

  Six-thirty had finally arrived and my shoulder screamed at me to take my pain pills. I wasn’t at home so I couldn’t do it, but I’d make sure to take one as soon as I got there to get ready for practice. As quietly as I could, I slipped out of Kate’s bed and sauntered into her kitchen to make her some coffee before I left.

  Pulling out Lara’s number, I dialed it and prayed that she wouldn’t get pissed from the early wake up call, but I had to tell her Kate was all right. “Hello,” she answered groggily.

  “Lara, it’s Cooper.”

  “Hey, how did everything go last night? I was going to stop by, but by the time I got away from the restaurant it was late and I figured you two would be asleep.”

  “Everything’s fine,” I told her. “I’m making her some coffee, and then I’m going home before heading to practice. Do you think she’ll stay home today?”

  “Of course not,” she laughed. “Kate doesn’t let anything keep her away from work. She may be late, but she’ll be there. Don’t worry about her though, this has happened before.”

  “Does it involve someone named Scott?”

  The line went quiet.

  “Lara? Are you there?”

  Nervously, she cleared her throat. “Yeah, I’m here. What did she tell you?”

  “She just said she was sorry. Over and over she kept saying his name and that she was sorry. She also said that they blamed her. Who are they?”

  Lara sighed and blew out a nervous breath. “Okay, I’ll tell you what’s going on, but I’m not giving you all of the details. Kate would kill me if I told you. Two years ago yesterday she found her boyfriend dead in his bed. He’d overdosed on pain pills. Needless to say, his family blames her and they won’t leave her alone about it. Every year on the anniversary they come around and do something to her so she’s reminded that he’s dead. I have a feeling they called her and that’s why her phone was shattered.”

  “Why doesn’t she change her number?”

  “She has, but they always find it somehow. I wish I knew of a way to help her.”

  We might not have a way to help her, but unfortunately, we both knew of someone who could. I never thought there
would come a day when I wanted advice from the man who stole Claire from me, but I guess there always came a first time for something.

  “I’m going to call Mason,” I told her.

  Lara gasped, “What? Why?”

  “Lara, you know what he’s capable of. As much as I don’t like the guy, I can’t deny that he used to be one of the best undercover detectives out there. He’ll be able to find these people and put a stop to whatever they’re doing to Kate. If he can’t do it then I’m sure he has connections here to people who can.”

  “Okay, fine, but don’t you dare tell Kate I told you anything. She worries too much and I don’t want her drinking like she did last night ever again. She only does it once a year on the anniversary of Scott’s death and that’s more than enough.”

  As soon as Lara and I hung up, I finished the coffee for Kate. It was four in the morning in California, so I knew I needed to wait a few hours before I called. She may not want my help, but by lunch time I was going to have a plan in motion. Since she was still asleep in her bed, I wrote a note to tell her that if she wanted to see me later to give me a call. It was closing in on seven-fifteen and I needed to leave so I could make it to practice on time; there were penalties if we were late.

  After shutting her front door, the moment I turned around, Luke Collins pulled up in the driveway. When his gaze found mine, he snarled and jumped out of his truck.

  “What the fuck are you doing here?” he growled, slamming the door to his metallic blue Ford Raptor.

  “I could say the same to you,” I replied coolly, ambling over to my car. He eyed me up and down, and I knew he didn’t like what he saw. I wore the same clothes from last night and they were wrinkled. All night I was in the bed with Kate, but it wasn’t what he thought.

  “Lara told me she was taking her home and that Kate didn’t want to be bothered. Why would she lie to me for you?” When all I did was shrug in reply, it pissed him off even more. “You told her to, didn’t you? You told her to lie to me. So help me if I find out you took advantage of Kate while she was drunk I’ll kill—”