by Kimi Flores
Leah’s eyes grew wide. “Siblings? As in, more than one?” It was so weird that Abby had someone else to share secrets with now.
“Yes, we’ve talked about having several kids. I just didn't think it would happen this soon.” Both women glimpsed down at the plastic sticks to find plus signs staring back at them.
“Oh my gosh, Abby, you’re pregnant!”
Springing up from their seats, they clutched onto each other, squealing as they bounced up and down.
Tears filled Abby’s eyes. “Caleb is going to flip. I can't wait to tell him. For the longest time he thought Madison would be his only child. I'm so excited.” She grabbed Leah’s hands, giving her the most heartfelt look. “I love that you were here with me.”
“I'm honored.” Leah pressed a hand to her heart, touched that her friend would want to share this, but also to press down the ache rising up inside of her.
Abby grabbed her in a death-grip hug, and Leah chided herself again, choking on a few tears.
Selfish, Leah. Stop.
This was her best friend. Abby would do everything in her power to make Leah still feel included in the special moments of her life.
Swiping the tears from under her eyes, Abby said, “I’m going to let you get back to work now, or we’ll stand here all afternoon, crying. Besides, I have a husband to go tell.” She raised her arms and did a little jig. “Eeek! I can't believe it.”
Abby picked up her purse before giving Leah a final hug and heading out.
Leah was so happy that after so much heartbreak, Abby got her fairytale ending.
The part that stung a little was that Leah wanted to be right beside her, going through the same phases of life. More than anything, Leah wanted to be happily married with children. Unfortunately, she had to find a suitable guy for any of that to happen. The only man her heart wanted had shattered any hope of a future.
The ache reemerged as she thought about Stefen. Now that he was out of her life, there was no good reason to let him consume any more of her time. More than likely, he had some new ditzy bimbo by his side while he recovered, so many miles away.
Yeah, definitely not worth anymore of my energy.
As soon as Caleb and Abby left for home, Stefen missed them. They’d stayed during his critical period, but they had a little girl and new life to get back to.
Despite his mom's orders, Caleb and Stefen both agreed that his sister, Bri, needed to know what happened. She’d rushed to the hospital once Abby called her, and she hung out with him throughout the remainder of his stay.
As usual, she and his mom got into several nasty fights. That soured things for Bri so Stefen insisted she stayed away until after he was released. He hated how his mother treated Bri, but they weren't a family that sat down at the dinner table and discussed their feelings.
The longest weeks of his life were spent stuck in that hospital bed. Thanks to his parents, he'd received the best care money could buy, including specialists in every field. Nonetheless, Stefen was relieved to be out of that medical facility and nearly clicked his damn heels after the nurse wheeled him out to his father’s waiting car.
The moment his father dropped him off at their pool house, the shower beckoned him. He'd only received sponge baths from a few overly friendly nurses, including one male. Taking a shower without any help proved to be a challenge since he still had a cast on his arm and stiches on his collar bone, but he managed. Still, no matter how hard he scrubbed, that stale hospital scent lingered on his body.
Stretching across the couch, he turned on the TV and surfed the channels. He glanced around to see if anyone was watching as he turned to one of those chick flick channels. He’d never admit this to anyone, but he started watching them as a teen to learn what girls wanted in a guy. Somewhere along the line, he found that he actually secretly liked them.
There was an eighties marathon on. Perfect. Sinking back into the couch, he made himself comfortable. His doctor put him on bed rest, so he was ready to settle in for the night.
Normally, he struggled to just stay put. At this point, however, he wasn’t going to complain. Ending up back in that hospital was not an option. Home care nurses would be popping in to check on him periodically, which he thought was a bit much, but his parents insisted. It wasn't worth the argument.
Other than a few courtesy phone calls, no one else came to visit. He wasn’t used to being so isolated. Honestly, he was beginning to feel abandoned. The only time he saw either of his parents was when his dad had papers for him to sign and his mother was running out to see another friend about a fundraiser.
Sometimes she was sober. For the most part, she smelled like alcohol. Her drinking was getting out of hand. Stefen wondered how long the family was going to keep avoiding the elephant in the room.
The one thing that uplifted his spirits was reading Leah’s text. It came while he was stuck in the hospital, but he hadn’t had a chance to read it yet. His dad thought he might try to work from his bed, so he kept his cell phone hostage until he was home.
It was a simple message but because it was from her, he found himself reading it over and over.
Leah: Praying for you.
People said things like that all the time and didn't mean it, but he had a feeling that she was actually praying for him. That damn kind heart of hers—one of her many attributes. He'd sent a simple ‘thank you’. What else could he say?
While staying at his parent’s house, it didn’t take too long for reality to slap him upside the head. The fantastic life he'd worked so hard to make for himself in his hometown, wasn't so great after all. At least, not right now.
He begrudgingly gave Caleb a call a few days ago and plans were in the works to get him back to Santa Barbara for a while. Every precaution was being taken to ensure that no one knew where he was going or when he was leaving. The last thing he intended to do was put anyone he cared about in harm’s way.
They'd already gathered all of his personal belongings, but his dad didn't want to raise any suspicion, so they were waiting to evacuate his apartment. It was an eye opener when he realized that, besides his clothes and electronics, he didn't have many personal items. Everything was for decoration.
No wonder the apartment seemed so impersonal a few weeks ago.
Arrangements were made for him to leave tomorrow morning. A nurse would accompany him on the trip and make sure he got settled. His only reservation was that he’d have to face what he’d done to Leah, head on.
The selfish side of him hoped that she would just pop in for a visit, but he wasn’t sure he wanted her to see him looking like a monster.
Using his good eye, Stefen peered through the sliding glass door on the other end of the room. His suit-clad father walked past the oversized pool that hadn't been used at all since he and Bri left for college.
As soon as his dad walked through the door, Stefen noticed the concern on his face.
Pushing himself up on the couch, he asked, “Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” He offered his son a half-hearted smile, scrunching the side of his mouth. “I know it’s for the best, and I still insist that you go, but…I'll miss having you around.”
Stefen was speechless. That was unexpected.
But the emotion was short lived. Handing some papers over, his mood switched and his father’s mask was back. “Here's your agenda for tomorrow. I have everything set up. All your records have been sent to UCLA Medical Center. It’s about two hours south of Santa Barbara, but your doctor here has assured me that their specialists can take care of you better than any other hospital in the area. They’re expecting a call after you get there so they can evaluate your care.”
“Thanks, Pop. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” He’d been dreading bringing this up but really needed this for himself. “I also want to keep working. I can still do research for you remotely. Just send me my cases.”
“When the time is right. Until then, you need to recover completely.�
�� Pointing his finger, he narrowed his eyes. “And no calling anyone else for work. Everyone in the office knows that if they send you anything before I say it’s okay, they’re out.”
Stefen didn’t doubt the gravity of this statement. Alec Hunter had fired employees on the spot for lesser offenses.
“Fine,” Stefen huffed.
In the worst mood ever, Leah was ready to call it quits for the day. The bride from hell that she worked for today, complained about every little detail of the flowers.
The initial meeting should have clued her in that this woman was out of her ever-loving mind. Her ideas were absolutely ridiculous, and Leah had tried but failed to talk her out of them. Now that the bride's vision had come to life, it looked like a nightmare and she’d hated it all.
There were freaking flamingos roaming around during the wedding and reception, crapping all over the place for goodness sakes. The wedding dress was a hideous bright pink monstrosity that dipped so low in the back, it almost showed her ass crack, and her boobs were only barely contained.
How she could have her father give her away at a family event dressed like that was beyond Leah. Then again, her father seemed all too eager to give his daughter to the groom. This was one wedding she wished she'd never agreed to and couldn't wait to forget about.
Completely exhausted, Leah did something she loved to do at the end of a long day. She threw on her most comfy jammies, crawled into bed, and flicked on the channel that played non-stop romance movies. One of her favorite eighties movies, featuring ‘The Brat Pack’, flashed on the screen just as her phone rang.
“Hello?” She muted the catchy song blaring from her TV and moved further down on the bed until she was laying down.
“Hey, Leah,” she was greeted by a not so enthusiastic Abby.
Alarmed, she sat back up. “Everything okay? Isn’t Caleb happy about the baby?”
“Of course. He’s beside himself and can’t believe I’m pregnant already.” There was a slight pause before Abby quietly continued. “I’m actually calling about something else, though. As you know, Caleb’s been trying to convince Stefen to come back to Santa Barbara for a while now and…”
Stefen? Back here? In my town? In my life?
Leah’s heart began to beat profusely. She had a hard time focusing on anything else Abby said.
“…well, he’s coming back tomorrow. I’m sorry I waited to tell you, but I wasn’t sure how. He really needs family right now, and we’re it, I guess. Caleb’s going to lay some ground rules as soon as he’s settled.” There was a long awkward silence. “I’m so sorry, Leah. This is out of my hands.”
Shocked, Leah sat quietly for a whole minute. “I don’t know what to say. It’s not your fault, but the circumstances just suck.” Tightly squeezing her eyes together in an attempt to keep tears from falling, Leah had to get off of the phone. “I’m not angry with you Abby, and I know it’s not you, but I already feel like I’m being shoved out of your life and now the asshole that broke my heart is weaseling in.”
Abby gasped, “Leah…”
“Don’t. Like I said, I know it’s not your fault, and he didn’t ask for any of this either, but I need some time to digest it all. Can we talk later?”
Abby sniffed, her broken voice sounded like she was holding back her own tears. “Of course. Take the time you need, but please call me back. If you don’t, then I’m going to call you because I have no intention of letting you walk away from me. Just so you know, Caleb would never let that happen either.”
The tears continued to fall. “I have to go. Talk to you later.” Leah ended the call, then looked up at the television to find a young couple from different walks of life, kissing and embracing each other.
A few minutes ago, she wanted to get lost in a romantic movie, and now couldn’t stomach it. It was all bullshit—romance, happily ever afters.
Turning off the TV, she threw the remote across the room, screaming out in frustration.
Why did he ever come here? And why does he have to come back?
She knew the answer to those questions, but her heart felt like it was going to burst. Now he would be parked at her best friend's house indefinitely. How would she avoid him? What the hell was she going to do?
Both anger and sorrow filled her as she started to cry into her pillow, just like she'd done before. Pushing herself up, she grabbed for her phone again. She needed some time to think things through, and there was no way she’d be able to do that in the same town that Stefen was in.
I need to get away for a little while.
Fighting her exasperation, she text her sister, Dani.
Leah: Coming for a visit tomorrow morning…may stay a few days.
Dani: Everything ok?
Leah: Yep, just need some time away.
Dani: Will tell Mami. See you soon!
There were only so many tears a girl could shed for one man, and she’d hit her quota when it came to Stefen Hunter. She had to do everything in her power to get over him.
All I have to do now is convince my heart that it’s possible.
The more Leah thought about it, the more she looked forward to this little trip away. Not only was she having a difficult time with the whole Stefen situation, but she was beginning to realize that her life revolved around Abby’s.
Her best friend was now married, had a new daughter, and pregnant, while also taking care of an injured house guest. As much as Abby tried to keep Leah involved, the bottom line was that she needed to make her own path. She was a grown woman, and it was about time she looked toward her future.
Her staff was scheduled to run the store for a week, and she pushed herself not to feel guilty about taking time away. Paying the extra hours to her employees wasn’t something she’d budgeted for the month, but for her sanity's sake, she had to make the sacrifice.
She planned to be back by next weekend, though, since one of her brides insisted that she attend her wedding. For the trip, she would need a rental car. Her mini-van needed to stay behind at the shop for deliveries. The car was another unwelcome expense, but a necessary one.
She was driving into the San Gabriel Valley, and the song on the radio got her thinking. The lyrics were about desires turning to flames and, in the end, someone getting destroyed by that fire.
After her time with Stefen, she couldn’t agree more. She still couldn’t understand how she’d fallen for him, ultimately ending up in bed with him so quickly. As if they were two wildfires that couldn’t help but combine, flames burning so powerfully that they had no other option but to consume each other until they were incinerated.
Genuine, lifelong relationships started out slowly and built over time. That was what she needed—a guy who would take his time wooing her, and falling in love with her. Then, in due time, sweep her off her feet. Any idiot that pushed her for something she wasn’t ready for would be kicked to the curb.
Parked in front of her mother’s house, she breathed in the smog-filled, warm summer. She stepped out of the car and glanced around the neighborhood she grew up in. Everything looked the same, smelled the same. Even the sounds hadn’t changed. She'd lived here her entire life and knew every Spanish-style home and landmark up and down the oak tree-lined street.
She took another deep breath. It felt good to be back.
Her mom came running out of the house with open arms. “Huy! Mija, you're here. I’ve missed you since Abby’s wedding.”
Pulling her into a tight hug, Leah breathed in the familiar scent of her mother. Herbs and spices. When her mom worked in the garden, she always came in smelling like whichever plant she’d been tending.
Releasing Leah, she gave her daughter a traditional kiss on her cheek.
Leah looked up with somber eyes. “I missed you, too. Sorry I didn’t come sooner. Work’s been hectic.” She wasn’t about to mention the gorgeous Italian guy that had taken up a lot of that time several weeks ago.
“Estas buen?” Leah’s mom eyed her suspiciously. In he
r infinite wisdom, she’d caught that something was off.
“Yeah, Mami. I’m fine. Just tired.” Leah offered her best faux smile.
Up on the covered front porch, she wasn’t surprised to find her oldest sister, Elena, arms crossed, wearing her standard sour expression. Her niece and nephew were dressed in bathing suits, running around the front yard.
The stairs on the porch were drenched, forcing Leah to walk carefully so she didn’t slip in her heeled sandals. The kids must’ve been playing with the hose in the front yard.
Leah glanced at Elena, waiting for her standard retort. Ever since Leah had moved north to her beach town, Elena acted like Leah thought she was too good for everyone.
Sure enough, Elena lifted her eyebrow. “What brings you down to the barrio?”
It was ridiculous. Alhambra was far from being a ghetto, and Leah didn’t look down at her childhood town. Elena’s snide comments made no sense, but there was nothing she could do to stop her.
Leah threw it back. “What’s it to you, Mrs. San Marino?” Leah referred to the very affluent town that Elena lived in with her children and absentee husband. “I'm taking some time off of work to hang out with the familia, that’s all.” She ruffled her nephew’s hair who’d run up and given her a very wet hug. “Where’s Dani?”
Elena rolled her eyes. “Of course you’re going to ask for her right away. None of us are good enough for you.”
“Are you really going to start already? I haven’t even stepped foot in Mami’s door and you’re on me.” Take a breath, Leah. You’ve got enough to be pissed about.
Leah stormed into the house, not wanting to fight in front of the kids. They’d seen this too many times. Enough was enough. She was here to relax.
Once Leah was settled in the guest bedroom, Elena left a few hours later. Thank god.