Love & Lies

by Michelle Iannarelli

  “You can hold his hand, Dear.”

  Alex smiled at the nurse. She knew she meant well.

  “Miguel, it’s Alex. They told me that you can hear me. I don’t know if it’s true or not. So if you can hear me, I wanted you to know that I’m alright. You saved my life. Thank you. No matter what happened between us, I want you to know that I never regretted being with you that first time. I think I fell in love with you after reading the first article I found about you and meeting you was like a dream come true. Well, I think I babbled a little too much. I have to go now.” Alex let go of Miguel’s hand and wiped her eyes. Then she leaned over and gently kissed his cheek. As she pulled away, she whispered, “I will always love you.”

  Alex turned to leave and Miguel grabbed her hand. Alex looked down and he was blinking. She could tell he wanted to keep his eyes open but he was probably too weak or the medication was preventing him from doing so. His grip on her hand was slipping. Alex thought Miguel had fallen back to sleep, so she placed his hand down. Again, she attempted to leave. She made it about two steps before she heard the words she never thought she would hear…spoken in a very weak, shaky voice, “Alex…I love you too.”

  Alex spun around. Miguel’s eyes were only half open but when their eyes met he managed a half smile. Alex grabbed his hand, then she leaned over and kissed his lips.

  “Stay.”

  “Eden will be here any minute to chase me out. I think she only let me in to see you because she was tired of listening to you mumble my name.”

  “What…about Dane?”

  “Dane knows how I feel about you.”

  “Alright, Miss DiPietro, time to go. Mr. Cruz need his rest.”

  Alex turned and nodded to the nurse, then she looked back at Miguel, “I’ll be right outside.” Alex gave Miguel’s hand one good squeeze before she let go and walked out.

  Miles spoke to Dane for a few minutes and updated him on the current situation at hand. Dane was doing better physically but Miles could tell he was preoccupied, no doubt it had to do with Miguel and Alex.

  “Hi, can I come in.”

  Miles looked at Alex, then back to Dane. “I’ll catch you later.”

  “Come in.”

  “Dane…”

  “Don’t, Alex. I should have known. I always felt like there was something or someone in our way and at least now I know I was right.”

  “It’s complicated. Miguel and I, we never dated or had an affair. It was just something that happened. I didn’t think it was possible for Miguel to ever…”

  “Fall for you? We all saw how he looked at you; how you both looked at each other. Then when the bullets went flying Miguel threw his body in front of you, not his sister…you, Alex.”

  “I know. I just spoke to him.”

  “How’s he doing?”

  “Still critical, but if he continues to improve steadily, then he should get upgraded to serious by the end of the day.”

  “Good. I’ve known Migs for a long time. He’s like a brother to me.”

  “I’m sorry, Dane.”

  “Don’t feel sorry for me, I already got four phone numbers, three nurses and a doctor.” Dane smiled.

  Alex ruffled his hair with her hand. “Thank you.”

  “You better get going before the cranky nurse comes back.”

  “I’ll stop back later.”

  “That’d be nice.” Dane watched Alex walk to the door, as she pulled it open to leave he yelled out, “He better treat you right or I will kick his ass.”

  “If he doesn’t, I’ll let you.”

  “Deal.”

  Alex waved as she walked out the door.

  Faith woke up in Ryan’s arms on the couch. She remembered getting home and asking Ryan to come in for a bit but she didn’t remember much after she finished off a few glasses of wine. She peeked under the blanket and she was dressed so she doubted they had sex and then got dressed again.

  “Nope, nothing happened.”

  Faith chuckled. “I figured as much once I saw that we were still dressed.”

  “You were scared and then you drank and passed out cold. I didn’t think you should be alone.”

  “That’s sweet. Thank you.”

  “I’m not as sweet as you think, trust me. I had a very hard time, literally, not taking advantage of you while you were passed out.”

  “I’m not passed out now.”

  “Faith…”

  Faith got up, she was embarrassed that she suggested they have sex. “I’ll go make us some coffee.”

  Ryan knew he upset Faith. He really wanted to have sex with her but he didn’t think it would be right to lead her on. A one-night stand meant nothing but more than that and women seemed to think you owed them something. He heard Faith banging things in the kitchen and decided he better go and explain.

  “Faith, can we talk for a minute?”

  “It’s ok Ryan, there’s nothing to talk about.”

  “I find you very attractive, I do, but like I said, I don’t want anything serious. I’d have sex with you again in a heartbeat but I don’t want to lead you on.”

  “You can’t lead someone on that knows the deal up front.”

  Ryan walked closer to Faith, Faith put down her cup and looked up at Ryan.

  “You’d be ok with that?”

  Faith nodded her head. Ryan kissed her and in moments they were both naked and Ryan had Faith on the kitchen table and was balls deep inside of her.

  EDEN AND ALEX TOOK turns checking in on Miguel all day but he never woke up again. Finally, Miles sent them both home to get some sleep. He said he would stay with Miguel and call if there was any change. They were both too exhausted to fight with him.

  “So how’s he doing?”

  Miles turned around and Dane was there in a wheelchair. “He’s doing, alright. The doctor said he should make it. How about you?”

  “They wouldn’t let me walk so I’m stuck in this contraption for a few days.” Dane looked around the room.

  “She’s not here.”

  “I see that. You do have her protected?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good.”

  “Dane, I don’t know exactly what’s going on here but…”

  “Nothing’s going on. Alex and I had some good times and now it’s over. She belongs with Miguel. I think we all figured that out.”

  “Yeah, I’m just happy Migs finally came to his senses.”

  “Sometimes it takes a near death experience to make you realize what really is important in life.”

  “You’re right. Listen, can you hang with him for a few? There’s someone I need to call.” Miles jumped up and walked out.

  Alex woke up for the first time in months, happy. She hummed as she showered and dressed. Miguel loved her. She needed to call Faith and tell her.

  “Umm, hey.”

  “Faith, are you alright.”

  “Yes.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing, I’m still in bed.”

  “Oh! Am I interrupting?”

  “Yes, but it’s alright. How are you feeling today?”

  “You’re having sex and you answered the phone?”

  “Yes, well no, we’re just taking a break.”

  “Oh my God, Faith! Good bye, call me later.”

  “Alex, wait! Don’t hang up. How are you and how are Dane and Miguel?”

  “This is awkward talking to you knowing you’re in bed with some guy.”

  “It’s not some random guy, it’s Ryan.”

  Ryan looked at Faith and closed his eyes as he pulled the pillow over his face, horrified that Faith just told his sister that he was in her bed again. So much for keeping it a secret.

  “RYAN! My brother?”

  “Umm, yes.”

  “FAITH!”

  “Maybe we should talk later.”

  “You think?”

  “Text us, if you need anything.”

  “Good bye, Faith.”

&nb
sp; Alex hung up and rolled her eyes.

  Miguel opened his eyes but before he got them to focus he heard Dane’s voice.

  “Hey, welcome back to the world of the living.”

  “Thanks.”

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Pretty bad and you?”

  “I’ll be ok once they let me stand up and walk.”

  “Is Miles around?”

  “He was but he ran out to make a phone call.”

  Miguel wanted to say something about Alex but he didn’t know what to say or where to start. He did the one thing that guys don’t do to their brothers…he stole his girlfriend.

  “Any idea on what went down?”

  “Miles mentioned a few names.”

  “Nothing solid?”

  “Migs, before Miles comes back, I just want to clear the air…”

  “I never meant…”

  “I know. I won’t lie, I really like her. But I don’t love her and I don’t know if I ever would have. Besides, when have you known me to stay in any relationship, long term?”

  “I’ve never been in any relationship, now this.”

  “Like I told Alex, you treat her good or I’ll kick your ass.”

  “Migs, you’re awake.”

  Miguel was happy Miles walked in and interrupted their awkward conversation.

  “Talk to me, what have you heard?”

  “Let me get Eric on the phone, he’s been at headquarters working with the Agency. The four of us need to figure out how to proceed with this because I really think this is looking more and more like an inside job.” Miles sat down with Miguel and Dane while he contacted Eric.

  Alex wore a dress to the hospital to see Miguel. She felt nervous, almost like it was her first date with him. Miles had texted her to say that he was awake and doing well. She stopped at the gift shop to buy him something but flowers seemed too feminine, balloons a bit childish, she didn’t think he was able to eat yet, so she opted for practical and grabbed Chapstick, The Wall Street Journal and as a joke a condom. It did cross her mind as to why they had condoms in the gift shop of a hospital but…oh well.

  When Alex got to Miguel’s room the nurses told her that the doctor was in with him and asked her to wait for him to leave before she went in. She decided to text Ryan while she waited.

  Alex: So how mad were you at Faith when she slipped and told me you were in her bed?

  Ryan: Mad enough to punish her afterwards. LOL

  Alex: EWWW

  Ryan: You asked.

  Alex: I thought you didn’t want anything serious?

  Ryan: I don’t. She knows.

  Alex: I just don’t want to see her get hurt.

  Ryan: I don’t plan to hurt her, unless it’s during sex. HAHA

  Alex: OMG! I need to unread that!

  Ryan: Seriously, I don’t plan on it happening again. I stayed with her last night because she was scared and then this morning…

  Alex: I understand.

  Ryan: How are you doing?

  Alex: Good

  Ryan: Good?

  Alex: Miguel told me he loves me.

  Ryan looked down at the phone. After he read that message, he decided he needed to call his sister.

  “Are you sure.”

  “Hello, to you too.”

  “Hello. Alex he just suddenly said he loved you?”

  “Yes, last night.”

  “Last night, when he was drugged up after almost dying?”

  Suddenly Alex wasn’t so happy anymore. She knew what her brother was getting at. He thought Miguel only said that because he was medicated.

  “Yes.”

  “Look Alex, I just don’t want to see you hurt.”

  “I have to go, the doctor is here and I want to ask him how Miguel is doing. I will call you later.”

  Alex hung up. The doctor wasn’t really there; she just didn’t want to listen to her brother’s take on Miguel loving her…or not.

  Miguel had hoped that Alex would have come to see him by now. He knew she was alright because unbeknownst to her, she had a security detail.

  The nurse walked in and placed down a pitcher of water. “And how are we doing today, Mr. Cruz?”

  “You haven’t by chance seen a very beautiful woman with a bandage on her chin and dark hair out in the waiting area, have you?”

  “I have. Would you like me to send her in?”

  Miguel smiled, Alex was there. “Please. Thank you.”

  “Sure, I’ll go get her.” The nurse strolled out.

  Miguel watched the door, waiting for Alex to arrive…and she did.

  Alex looked like an angel standing in his doorway. “Hi, the nurse said that you were looking for me.”

  “I was.”

  “Can I get you anything?”

  “I only want one thing.”

  “To go home?”

  “You.”

  Alex felt overwhelmed with relief, he did mean what he said, drugs or no drugs. She couldn’t help the few tears that escaped her eyes.

  When Miguel saw Alex crying, he began to think that maybe he imagined their conversation the night before. “Alex, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “No, I’m not upset. I’m happy…”

  “Happy? You’re crying.”

  “Yes, happy tears. I was afraid that maybe you…”

  “Didn’t know what I was saying last night?”

  Alex nodded.

  “Come over here.” Alex walked over to the bed. Miguel extended his hand to her and she held it with both her hands. “I still love you.”

  Alex kissed Miguel’s hand. “Me too.”

  “What do we do now?”

  Alex pulled the condom from her purse, “We have sex!”

  Miguel’s eyes opened wide. “I, uh…”

  Alex giggled. “I’m joking. I picked up a few things for you at the gift shop, see.” Alex held up The Wall Street Journal and the Chapstick.

  “You know me so well.” Miguel smiled. He was getting very tired and started blinking.

  “I want those plump lips of yours to be soft for when I kiss them.” Alex opened the tube and rubbed the Chapstick allover Miguel’s lips. Then she used her finger to massage it into his lips.

  “Keep it up and I’ll need that condom.”

  “I think what you need is some sleep. Close your eyes.”

  “Promise to be here when I wake up?”

  “Promise.”

  Miguel closed his eyes and was asleep in seconds. Alex opened the paper and started to read.

  Miles stopped at Miguel’s house to pack up some clothes to bring to the hospital. As he reached the top of the stairs he heard Eden crying. He ran straight for her room and burst through the door.

  Eden was so frightened by the door slamming opened she sprung up from the bed screaming.

  Miles grabbed her and held her tight. “Oh my God, I thought someone was in here attacking you. I was so scared.”

  Eden pulled away and turned her back to Miles. She didn’t want him to see her cry. “You should have knocked.”

  “Knocked? Eden, did you not hear me? I thought…”

  “I don’t care what you thought.” Eden started to walk around Miles to leave the room but Miles grabbed hold of her.

  “Talk to me, Eden.”

  “I can’t go on like this.”

  “Then move back home.”

  “Because things were any better when I was home?”

  “Eden, you can’t run forever.”

  “I’m not running, Miles. I have a life in Chicago.”

  “Yes, one that keeps you from the people who love you.”

  “Oh please, you know as well as I do that if I move back home…”

  Eric came running up the stairs. “Miles, you have to come quick. You won’t believe what I found.”

  Miles looked at Eric and then back to Eden, “This discussion is not over.”

  “It is as far as I’m concerned.”

  TH
REE DAYS HAD PASSED. Miguel was barking orders at everyone, he was so miserable he couldn’t even tolerate himself at this point. Alex tried to do her best to keep him entertained with work, not that he comprehended most of it, since the doctors upped his drugs to help keep him from getting out of bed…until today.

  Alex got off the elevator and she could hear the nurse and Miguel bickering.

  “Mr. Cruz, get back in bed.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Mr. Cruz, if you don’t get back in bed right now, I’m going to call two very large orderlies to come put you back in bed and then I’m going to sedate you. Do you understand?”

  “You go take care of someone who is sick and needy and leave me alone.”

  “You had a lot of damage that needed to be repaired and if you don’t take care of yourself you could hemorrhage or even worse.”

  Alex pushed the door open. “What is going on in here? I could hear you from the elevator.”

  “I can’t stay in that bed a minute longer.”

  “Bed rest, means you rest in the BED, Mr. Cruz.”

  Miguel was pale and looked like he was ready to collapse. Alex walked over and put her arm around his waist. “Come on, let’s sit you down.”

  Miguel gritted his teeth, “I don’t want to go back in the bed.”

  “You’re not. You’re going to sit right here in this chair.” Alex grabbed a pillow from the bed and tossed it onto the chair and then helped Miguel sit down.

  Alex turned to the nurse. “Is this alright?”

  “I suppose, although he should be in bed.” The nurse walked out in a huff.

  “I’m not sure but you may have just stopped me from strangling her.”

  “She was just doing her job.”

  “I know she was. Alex, I hate being here.”

  “I wish you were home too, but for now, you need to just do what you’re told and get well.”

  Alex had pulled up another chair alongside of, but facing Miguel. Miguel lifted his arm and pulled her closer so he could kiss her.

  “I see you’ve been using your Chapstick.” Alex smiled.

  “I’m trying to stay on your good side.” Miguel winked.

  Faith hopped into the elevator just as the doors were closing. Once inside she was delighted to see Ryan standing there.

  “Hey.”

  “Are you going to visit Miguel?”

  “I’m really here to talk to my sister about something but I guess from here on out he’s part of the package.”