"Did he seem interested?"
"He said he wasn't."
"Well then...see?"
Raina drew in a breath. "He did go say hello to her though."
"Oh," Emily squeaked a little.
"What!?"
"N...nothing...it’s just...if they're still talking..."
"Spit it out Emily McRay!" Raina was sweating now.
"It doesn't mean he's into her...but they still have some sort of connection if he is still on speaking terms. Maybe seeing her confused him. I still believe he's just swamped with work," Emily assured her. "Now, what’s say you and I go for lunch? I'll get your mind off of the ever gorgeous Nolan Gregor with some much needed shopping after we stuff our face with yummy Mexican food!!!"
"More shopping?" Raina groaned.
"Yes," Emily barked. "Oh and I forgot to tell you, Monday, you me and Donna are going for coffee. She called me last night and went on and on how nice it was to see you. She really missed you Rain."
Raina smiled. "I didn't know until I saw her again how much I missed her too," she admitted.
"Girl time...that’s what you need! I will be there around noon...be ready!"
The call ended abruptly, as was Emily’s way.
Raina set her cell down and stared down at Turk. She'd need to exercise him before she left. It never went well when he was left for a long period of time inside.
"Let me get dressed, and we'll go throw the ball for a bit, ok boy?"
His tail thumped in response.
"And you...mister..." she pointed at Percy, "I won't leave you empty handed," she promised. She ran up the stairs, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, and hurried back, pulling her long hair back into a ponytail.
She went to the cupboard they both knew well. It contained the toys, their food, and their treats. It was always a good thing to the fluffs when she opened that door. She pulled out Turks pull rope, which worked well for fetch too. Percy got his jingle ball, which, when infused with catnip, made one happy cat! She tossed it for him, then grabbing her cell, she headed outside with the anxious collie.
The sun peaked a bit through the clouds. It was a tease...today was supposed to be rainy. She unhooked the gate and allowed Turk out in the yard. She set her phone on the railing carefully. From the porch she began throwing the rope across the yard, and he began the game of fetch and throw.
Raina found herself scanning the trees. They weren't there though...they'd be working. She found herself wondering about others. How many immortals had she unknowingly met, and would never know? It was an intriguing thought. There were three she now had seen...a fourth, responsible for Nolan that she may never see...but felt she would like him. Even if he was the grandfather of the she-devil.
Involuntarily, an image of the long dark hair, the chocolate brown eyes, perfect skin, height and stature came to Raina. She felt the jealousy. She had never been threatened by another woman’s beauty...even her lovely friend Emily. And Raina had always been content with being the cute one, with her long blonde hair...bright blue eyes and petite stature. But the thought of the perfect being, in love with Nolan bothered her. He had to see the difference in the two of them. Maybe he had been momentarily taken by her cuteness...but what man could resist Elenora's charms? Maybe he realized what he was trading down for.
Raina blinked back a tear and tossed the rope. But he had said Elenora was ugly in her ways. Did that really make a difference to a man? And what about the immortality? Raina would one day pass...Elenora was pretty much here to stay. Had he considered that? It would be easier to consider someone less...breakable? Less...mortal?
She sighed and leaned against the railing of the deck. She watched Turk whip the rope about on his own. He was using up his stored energy.
Maybe he was staying away for her own good though. If she could be so attached in as little as two weeks...what would happen in the long run when she could not be without him, period? Was that fair to him? As she aged and he remained beautiful and young...what kind of life would that be? At least at the moment, physically, he was still a few years older than her. And she looked many years younger than her age of twenty eight. They could go on ten maybe fifteen years before others would really start to notice. It would break her to have to let him go...or have others look at them strangely.
She wanted to cry in frustration. Immortality had made it possible for her to be able to meet him. Now, immortality could be the reason she would lose him...had lost him. He'd protect her, keep his word to David. Of this she had no doubt. He'd be there...but would she see him...would he continue the friendship they had started?
Was Emily right? Was it work that kept him away?
She thought of Thanatos and his obvious intentions. He hadn't contacted her either. But she was sure he was chasing Elenora about in his free time...even with Nolan in the picture. His lack of contact didn't bother her. It was a Thanatos thing to do.
Turk scared her, when he barked at her side. He had dropped the rope and was waiting for her. She held her hand to her heart, and laughed, leaning down to toss the rope again.
Well, today, she'd worry about it no more. She was going to enjoy her lunch with her best friend...and she would endure the shopping! She really could stand to revamp her closet. She stamped down the memory of Nolan teasing her about her lack of variety. What did it matter now what he thought? She'd buy herself pretty things for herself...if he happened to see her in them...then...well, then lucky him!
She smiled at her own thoughts, and lifted her chin proudly.
Her phone decided to buzz then, with a text. She had figured it would be Emily or even her mother. It was from neither.
You know my secret now...how about sharing some of your own?
Thanatos! Raina rolled her eyes, but felt relief. She shook her head at the silly edge in the text. He and Nolan had spoken about the talk. Ladies never reveal their secrets.
She was tempted to ask him how his partner was. How obvious would that seem? And she was sure he'd just send some teasing remark. She waited patiently for a response...she didn't want to seem too eager.
What did you do to buzz kill?
Who?
FUNNY...you know who!
Raina scowled at the text. What did it mean? I did nothing, why?
He's just quiet...
He’s always sorta quiet. She shook her head at the silliness.
Not this quiet
I really don't know how this concerns me!
And he went on a date.
Raina's heart crashed. She felt her hands tremble...then her lip, just a little. She bit down hard on it. Was Thanatos trying to get under her skin? She couldn't even send a response. She forced herself to breath, and just looked at the phone. He must have guessed what she would be thinking because he buzzed back pretty quickly.
Not a real date...more of a meeting.
Her heart recovered from the near failure. He goes on meetings regularly, or so I've been told.
For business. Not for fun.
She drew in a breath, and her heart threatened to fail again. Elenora?
The one and only.
She sat down hard on the chase. Her worse dream come true. And that makes you jealous?
no...it makes him stupid.
Raina considered his answer. Why?
YOU!
She felt a little jolt of relief. And then apprehension. Thanatos on her side? That was...unusual. He’s a big boy...he can meet whoever he likes. Besides...you should be the one upset! Isn't she your girl?
Nothing compared to you. He can have her!
Raina smiled. He was such a flirt. She didn't know if he was blowing this up for his benefit, or if he were honestly concerned. Sure! I’ve seen her before! Get back to work Thanatos!
Thanatos? Don't you mean you gorgeous green eyed devil?
Raina blushed. She shook her head and typed her reply. No one likes and eavesdropper! She wished she had never mumbled those words.
Doesn't make it less
true...I am gorgeous!
Maybe it was because she was feeling jealous over the Nolan, Elenora situation. Maybe she was feeling her independence. Maybe she wanted to throw Thanatos a bone after hearing what he'd been through with that witch! She smiled and laughed, as she pressed the buttons and hit send. No words were ever truer!
She only got the response of !!!!!!! :) back. Nothing else needed to be said! She hit end on her phone to power it down, and then turned her attention back to Turk. She felt smug and almost wished Nolan could know what she just said to his nemesis!
Suddenly she felt lighter, even with the knowledge she had been given. She knew now...and she understood. She was going to have to get use to life ala natural. She, Raina Foster, would need to truly move on with her life. She prayed not move on from him...but if needed, she thought she could!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After an afternoon of shopping with Emily, Raina just wanted to head home, but her best friend insisted she come home with her. They brought their bags in and decided to try everything on again, before DE tagging it all. When that was done, they settled in to watch a movie...involving vampires, per usual.
She had to prevent herself from laughing when the heroine revealed what the gorgeous mysterious man was. "Vampire." She recalled her own little meeting in the woods, and Nolan denying it vehemently! She snuggled down into the cocoon of blankets they had made on the couch and smiled. "I just love this movie!"
Emily nodded, but wouldn't tear her eyes from the screen. She loved it a little too much!
They were halfway through, when Bradley came home.
"Early?" Emily smiled, and hit pause on the movie. He looked pleased.
"Seven pm is hardly early when you go in at Five thirty am," he chuckled. "But early for this week, yes." He leaned down gave her a kiss, then roughed Raina's hair. "Hello Rain!"
He glanced at the screen and groaned. "Not this again."
Both girls gave him a murderous look. He only laughed harder at this. "What are we doing for dinner?"
Emily looked guilty. "I lost track of time! I can order pizza!"
He nodded, taking off his jacket, and loosening his tie. "What were you girls up to today?"
Raina sat up, and pulled her hair back into its ponytail. "Lunch, shopping...Robert Pattinson." She smiled at the frozen scene...the good looking actor with perfect cheek bones. He's got nothing on Nolan, she thought with surprise.
Emily threw him a kiss and ran to the kitchen to call in the order.
"What about you? Heard you've been busy."
He nodded. "Quite!"
Raina bit her lip, so wanting to ask about Nolan...but she wouldn't! Hadn't she promised herself today there would be no worries?
Silence hung for a moment between them. She was struggling to not ask, and Bradley was struggling with not wanting her to ask. He knew about something.
"Bradley, get in here, tell me what you want on your pizza," Emily called.
He took that escape with pleasure, shooting Raina a smile.
Raina sighed, and headed to the bathroom. She needed to splash her face with cold water, before the tears appeared, or her flushed cheeks gave her away.
When she came back, the couple was embracing in the kitchen. She held back to give them a moment. Then wished she hadn't hesitated when she heard what they were talking about.
"I mean she's beautiful! Doesn't hold a candle to you...but pretty stunning."
"What was she there for?" Emily murmured against his shoulder.
"Supposedly she and Clay were going to lunch...but she really seemed there for Gregor. The two of them talked for a bit, and she would not...could not keep her eyes off of him! It was comical seeing Clay’s response."
"Did Nolan...encourage it?"
Bradley chuckled. "Well, he didn't discourage it. I told you, the girl was stunning!"
Emily poked him in the ribs. "Yes, I heard that part!" She smiled up at him. "So she left with Thanatos?"
Bradley shook his head. "She left with both." He frowned. "I heard Clay and Gregor later. I guess Clay laid into him about Raina...and how stupid he was being. How he should be on his knees thanking God she even gave him the time of day! Nolan made a remark that surprised me...I’ve never heard him be curt to anyone, ever. He told Clay he was just jealous Elenora was here for him this time."
Raina bit back a cry. Her heart was heavy, and she just wanted to be home. She wanted to shut herself into her little house, with her boys that loved her unconditionally. She wanted to find a book to lose herself in...and go back to feeling the nothingness her old grief had allowed. Yet...not even that would work now! She had started healing, so not even that could drag her to its depths. This though...losing Nolan to the she-devil? How could she escape this fresh hurt?
"Don't tell Raina," Emily sighed. "Please don't tell her."
Raina entered the kitchen. "I heard," she whispered.
Bradley frowned. "He was just cutting Clay, Rain...I know he was. He....he really didn't seem into that girl. I promise!"
She smiled sadly. "It’s okay...I have no claim to him."
Emily put her arms around her, but Raina, ended the hug abruptly. "You'll only make me cry doing that," she said gently. "I won't break, I promise. Yes I'm disappointed, but that’s life."
Bradley tugged her ponytail. "I really thought..." he shrugged, "I still think he likes you Rain. Just sometimes when your past shows up...you have to deal with it, so you can move on to the future."
Raina nodded. "Sure, I know. We had a few...dates, if you can call them that. They were fun....but we didn't sign a contract, or make promises. I can't say he was obligated to me." She shrugged too and then she burst into tears.
Bradley collected her into his arms, Emily at his side, rubbing Raina's back.
Bradley hushed her. "I know you really like him. I...I couldn't believe how you...blossomed. It’s not like you to put yourself out like that, only to get hurt," he whispered. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart."
Raina drew in a calming breath. "I was just a silly girl, that’s all. I should have...we should have just said we'd be friends period...then this wouldn't hurt so much! I...I shouldn't have kissed him!"
"What?" Bradley and Emily chimed in unison.
Bradley held her at arms-length. "You kissed?"
Raina blushed, and tears streamed down her face. "The night of the party."
Emily smiled. "Then he got you out of clean up and took you out for the day? Raina that’s a good sign."
"Excellent sign,” Bradley agreed.
"The kiss was a mistake! I know it was!" She didn't want to admit he stole her away to set up friendship boundaries, and talk about the fact that he and Thanatos were supernatural beings. She simply shook her head. "It’s ok...it just wasn't meant to be."
Bradley got a paper towel, and mopped her face with it. "Give it time Rain...I think he's just tying up loose ends. He was even asking me this morning how you were. Clay up and told him, you and he had just texted this morning, and you seemed quite frisky."
Raina moaned. "Great!"
"It was to get under his skin," Bradley laughed. "They do it to each other all the time. And it worked...Nolan got pissed and went to his office. He didn't make an appearance until that Elenora showed up."
Raina rolled her eyes. "That’s when he decided to mend it with her," she moaned. "Because I chose to flirt...because I was jealous too! Did you know he meet with her? This was before the lunch." Raina's blue eyes clouded. "That’s not a good sign."
Bradley hugged her again. "It’s ok Rain...us guys can be fickle creatures. Give him time!"
Emily squeezed her hand. "He'd be a fool to pass you up as a love or a friend! Nolan doesn't seem like the foolish type."
"Now that Clay..." Bradley grinned teasingly. "That guy I'd watch."
Raina nodded and smiled. "You're right."
Bradley’s blues twinkled..."Now get on in there and finish drooling over your vampire...t
hen we'll stuff ourselves with pizza."
Raina smiled. "I swear you two are fattening me up for the kill." But pizza sounded awesome right about now.
Bradley drove her home later on that night. He assisted her with her shopping bags...said a quick goodbye, and hurried home to his Emily. It had been quite a full day. What she thought would be time away from thinking of Nolan, had turned into a Nolan cry fest. She hoped she had gotten it all out of her system.
"Hello boys," she greeted Percy and Turk.
Turk jumped on her, and she felt guilty for leaving him all these hours. But he'd been good, nothing was torn up. Quickly she deposited her purse and the few bags she had filled with new spring and summer clothing. She refilled the water dishes for both of them, then let Turk out the front door, not much feeling like going to the back. Too many memories held in that back yard.
Turks growl alerted her...then she saw him.
Thanatos walked up the driveway, away from the large black pickup truck that was parked in the road. She wondered if he had been waiting there for long. Hadn't even paid attention when they had arrived home to realize if he'd been there then or not.
He stopped in the middle of the drive, and stood there, unmoving.
Raina grabbed Turks collar to keep him from attacking. She wasn't afraid for the man, but for the beast.
"Hello, beautiful," he said with that smooth charming voice.
Raina swallowed...where did he learn to talk like that? And why did she react to the sultry voice the same way she reacted to Nolan’s gentle low voice?
He frowned when she didn't respond.
Raina found her voice. "What is it?" she whispered.
He hesitated a long while. His green eyes just studied her closely.
"Thanatos," she said softly. "What is it?"
His eyes warmed when she said his name, then they darkened with uncertainty. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "But I had to bring you a message...I'm compelled to."
"Because of Elenora." She sighed. She nodded, turning to let Turk in, then walked out to meet him. Goosebumps raced along her arms, but she shook off the fear. "Nolan told me how it is."
The Awakening (Wake Up #1) Page 16