Almost Lost, Never Forgotten

by T. L. Sieving

9:11am

  Me:Sadly no, some asshat tried to deliver flowers to me after 8pm and it was a bit chaotic after that.

  My phone rings immediately and I answer on the first ring, “hi Chase.”

  This is the first time I’ve talked to him on the phone since high school, it’s a little strange. “Luciana what’s going on, are you ok?”

  “Yeah I’m ok; someone showed up at NBC after 8pm and called me from the reception desk saying I had flowers. There was a card that read, ‘soon Lucy, soon.’… Did you send me flowers Chase?” I ask just to lighten the mood but he doesn’t find it funny.

  “Not funny Lucy! No I didn’t and if I did I would send them at a normal time, not to scare the hell out of you.”

  “OK.”

  “So what’s the safety plan?”

  I tell him how Rebekka wants me to work from home and let him in on our secret plan to go to Boston. He mentions he has games so he can’t make it but will see me next week when they are in NYC playing again.

  I didn’t invite him to Boston with me but it’s nice to know he cares. It’s nice to know I have another friend who’s looking out for me.

  I promise to let him know if anything else happens and he promises to be honest with me about how he’s feeling. He’s ok but last night’s game took a lot out of him.

  Finally Sam is ready and we head to pick up our friends. When we pull up at Jax’s apartment he’s ready and walks right out and into the car.

  “Nice apartment,” I say to him with my snarky attitude. It hits me when we were on our way over that I’ve never been to Jax’s apartment. I knew he had an apartment here but I’ve never even seen his building before.

  He looks at me like he isn’t sure what I mean, “It’s nice to see where you live,” I say to him. I’m not accusing him of anything but it’s odd that I’m his girlfriend and I’ve never seen his place.

  “Do you want to run up and see it?”

  “No thanks,” I say and look down at my phone. I know I’m being bitchy but really, why haven’t I seen this place?

  He pulls me onto his lap and kisses me. I don’t kiss him back for a half a second and then I give in. I can’t help it, the man can kiss.

  “I come into town late and go directly to you. I have everything I need at your house because I’m a gentleman and have never called you late to come over to my place. I’ll always come to you.”

  Yup my man has never asked me to come over late for a booty call, but I’ve asked him to come over late and he comes even when I don’t ask.

  “Are you guys done?” Sam asks.

  “Depends on what you want us to be done with Sam.” Jax says with a wink and a kiss to my head. Sam and I both laugh.

  “Well, I’m done being a bitch for the day,” I say.

  We pull up to Ana’s apartment and she comes running out. “Did you pack enough there sweetie?” Sam asks her as she puts three bags into the trunk.

  “I’m leaving from Boston to Los Angeles sweetie,” she tells us using the same tone Sam gave her. I smile to myself; I miss this sisterly bond we have.

  Our trip to Boston is fast and effortless. We’re there before we know it and we arrive to a gigantic suite that is ridiculously too big, that’s what you get when you plan a trip with friends like these.

  Chapter 29

  It was way too hot and humid out, so we rented a boat and sailed for the day. It was the perfect day on the water; I haven’t had this much fun in a long time. We are tan, wind burnt, and exhausted, so we head back to the hotel to take a little nap.

  “I’m starving,” I hear Ana shouting as I get out of bed. It’s already 8pm and we haven’t eaten since lunch on the boat. I look around and Jax isn’t in bed with me so I walk out to the living room.

  Ana is out in the living area so I ask her, “Where’s Jax?”

  “He’s on the balcony. Hurry up get him and get ready biatch, I’m starving!”

  I wink at her and head back in my room to get ready for dinner.

  I throw on some white pants, a black strapless top, and heels and I’m ready to go. I walk out on the balcony with two glasses of brandy and hand one over to Jax. “Cheers babe,” I say as we click glasses and I swallow it. “HOLY SHIT!” I never drink brandy, now I know why.

  Jax laughs and pulls me down on his lap. We have an awesome view of the harbor; people are out enjoying this warm night and its picture perfect.

  Ana walks out and lets us know its 8:30pm and our reservation is now! We get up and head downstairs for dinner.

  The hotel is luxurious to say the least. There’s a butler at our door, but my guess is he’s armed and works as security as well as whatever a butler does. Jax lets him know our plans and he answers with a nod. At around 5’10 he isn’t that tall but his wide shoulders and defined arms, even in his suit, show he could take someone out swiftly.

  The elevator doors open and the lobby is full of activity. It’s the middle of the week but business professionals pack the hotel during weekdays and tourists on the weekends. We walk through the lobby in a mob; there are 6 of us including Luke and Shane.

  Dinner is fabulous but we’re all tired so we make it an early night. We plan a day at the beach followed by a really nice dinner on the water tomorrow night with some friends of Jax and Sam. What a great few days to relax before my interview with Chris.

  ***

  Our trip to Boston was a success. I’m completely 100% comfortable with these interviews and cannot believe there’s only one more to go.

  We did every touristy thing imaginable in Boston. We went to the Franklin Park Zoo and Copley Square, but I loved the architecture and the cobble stone streets the most. Dinner with Jax’s friends was… interesting. They are a very lively bunch and joke around a ton. It was great to see him so relaxed and happy.

  My interview at the Park was one of the best I have done. I think it was in large part due to Chris being so great but also the very relaxing week I had.

  Being back in NYC is nice. We’re going to a rooftop pool party today and I’m super excited. Another lazy day in the sun before life gets a little hectic.

  Ana went to Los Angeles from Boston, it’s always sad to see her leave but this time felt even worse. She’s been leaving for longer and longer amounts of time and I’m just waiting for her to tell us she’s permanently moving.

  Jax, Sam, and I are heading to the party and Jax tells us that he talked to Chase and he’s coming with a few of his friends. I’m surprised to hear that, but I remember the conversation that Jax and I had about Chase being a good guy and friends not being the easiest to find.

  I talked to Chase twice while I was in Boston this week. Both were quick texts mostly asking how each other were doing. It’s nice catching up with him, even for a few minutes.

  I’m wearing a new La Perla bathing suit that I bought in Boston. I loved it when I first saw it here in New York so when I saw it again in Boston I had to get it; it was meant to be.

  The rooftop party is packed when we arrive. People are standing around enjoying this beautiful day in ‘barely there’ bathing suits. Jax says it reminds him of a Hollywood Hills pool party but I haven’t been to one of those, yet. These are New York style pool parties and I think they’re fun.

  We’re sort of VIP type guests, so there is a cabana set up for us that we are being escorted to by a host. We pass a large pool in the center of the deck with a swim up bar and the DJ booth is in the corner. He’s playing remixes of pop and rap together and people are getting down all around the deck.

  So far we have passed three bars stationed around the pool that look like huts you would see on a beach in the Caribbean and waiters carrying colorful frozen drinks with umbrellas.

  There are ‘A list’ actors and models all around that I recognize from seeing them over the years and we say hello to almost everyone as we pass.

  Sam and I stop and talk with some people that we knew from NYU. We chat for a few minutes but it’s hot so I suggest we meet them late
r for a drink and tell them where we’re sitting. I look around not able to see Jax and then I spot him in deep discussion with Chase.

  We walk over and Chase spots us before Jax does. Chase gets a huge smile across his lips and I know I’m mirroring him. Jax turns around to see who Chase is looking at and sees us coming.

  “Hey,” Chase says as we walk up and immediately gives me a hug, “How are you?”

  He’s holding me tightly as I respond, “I’m doing good. How are you?”

  He releases me and gives Sam a hug too.

  “I’m doing much better - That’s what Jax and I were talking about, my lucky strike after getting hit by the ball.”

  Chase isn’t over-exaggerating, either. Since he was hit he’s consistently hitting home runs and it’s incredible.

  “Keep it up slugger; we’ll be at your game next week,” I say playfully hitting him. Chase will be playing three games in NY next week so we’ll be able to see him play.

  He winks at me and Jax suggests we go to our cabana and get some drinks.

  The cabana is a hut-like style with bright orange and yellow colors. There are six lounge chairs and three sofas allowing plenty of room for everyone. I plan to be stretching out on a lounge chair in the sun next to Sam.

  A waitress comes over and Sam and I each grab a colorful frozen cocktail as we take our sundresses off and lather up with sunscreen.

  Jax moves up next to me and whispers, “Holy Shit, Lucy…”

  I whip around, “What is it?” I’m worried something is on me or exposed that I don’t notice so I quickly look myself up and down.

  “You did quite a little strip show there and you look smoking hot putting that suntan lotion all over you; here let me help you with those hard to reach spots,” he says as he grabs it from me.

  “No thanks, I’m finished, but thanks for the offer,” I say with a wink.

  Sam hears us and asks Jax to help her so he lathers sun tan lotion onto her back. I lay on my chair and enjoy the sun beating down on me.

  “I think you gave the boys a ranging hard on Lucy, you should have seen Chase’s face!” Sam tells me.

  I spit out my drink, “Holy hell these are strong!” I say and give Sam a wink. She laughs while I continue on, “Come on Sam; he bathed me naked a few weeks ago, remember? He isn’t seeing anything he hasn’t seen before. You have a perfect body and were doing exactly what I was doing.”

  We enjoy lounging in the sun for about a half hour before we finish our yummy, yet incredibly strong, drinks. Sam made sure I heard her slurp up the remainder of the drink before suggesting that we go sit on the edge of the pool with our feet in the water.

  We grab two more drinks before walking through the crowd toward the pool. The DJ is spinning and people are having a great time.

  In unison I hear male voices shout, “Hi Lucy!” and look over to see Chase’s teammates. I smile and make my way over to them. We all seemed to have had a few drinks and they’re giving me huge hugs and thanking me for taking care of ‘our guy’ when he was hit.

  There it is again, ‘our guy’.

  We’re laughing and having a good time when one of them picks me up and threatens to throw me in the pool. I seriously don’t want to get thrown in the pool, but luckily right when he’s about to do it Chase takes me from his arms and into his.

  “Dude, she’s off limits, don’t mess with her,” Chase tells his teammate who was threatening to throw me in. He’s smiling and playing, but there’s definitely an edge to Chase’s voice.

  “That’s right Mike, we don’t mess with Lucy,” another teammate says to this poor guy before they throw him in the pool. I’m dying with laughter.

  Mike makes a big splash and all the guys start jumping in. Chase is shaking his head and walks me over to where Sam is sitting on the edge of the pool, a little ways down from all the splashing.

  Chase finally sets me down next to her and sits down next me. Sam is talking to a group of people and doesn’t realize I’m next to her yet. Chase and I make small talk about the party and I’m enjoying catching up with him.

  He’s so close to who I remember him being, but there’s definitely an added maturity. He’s very comfortable in his unbelievably toned body and carries himself extremely well. He’s getting a lot of attention from girls but he’s ignored them so far today. Not that I’ve been watching… well, maybe a little.

  “Are you going to be ok here for a few minutes? I need to go to the bathroom real quick,” Chase asks me.

  “Yeah I’m good. I’ll be right here.”

  As he leaves I’m finishing up my drink so I tap Sam on the shoulder, “Ready for another?”

  “You read my mind!”

  Right on queue a waitress squats down next to us. “Hi Ladies! Jax sent these over for you, said they were your favorites,” she tells us.

  “What is it?” I ask.

  “Ciroc and Sprite.”

  “Guess he doesn’t want me drinking all these calories for my new role,” Sam says while jokingly shaking the remainder of her frozen drink.

  We both laugh and take the drinks Jax sent over. “Here’s to not so many calories, but still getting drunk!” she toasts to me and we both take a big sip, “Mmm, this is so good.”

  “You looked rather comfortable in Chase’s arms over there,” Sam says to me.

  “Much more comfortable in his arms than in the pool, that’s for damn sure,” I say with a wink.

  “I bet,” she says back and we both laugh.

  “What’s so funny?” Jax says and tries to squeeze in between us. I get the hint and move over to let him fit between me and Sam.

  “Oh you know, girl stuff,” I say.

  Chase walks back over and sits down next to me. The guys start talking and I close my eyes enjoying the sun beating down on me. I’m drunk and really need to eat soon.

  “Have you eaten yet Sam?” I ask without even opening my eyes. “I’m hungry,” I say out loud but to nobody in particular.

  “Are you ok, Lucy?” Chase asks me as he puts a hand on my leg.

  “Yup just getting a little drunk and I’m hungry.”

  He laughs at me and lifts up my drink, “Why did you girls move to something harder?” he asks us.

  “Jax sent them over to us; apparently he wanted us to keep drinking but without all the calories,” Sam says as she finishes her drink.

  “Nice!” Chase says and leans over smacking Jax’s back.

  “I did what?” he asks Sam.

  YOU sent us these drinks!”

  “No I didn’t.”

  No he didn’t? I look at Chase and Jax and try not to panic. “Jax a waitress came over and delivered these to us and said you sent them over and that they were our favorite… She said JAX sent them.”

  Jax and Chase look at each other and silently agree on what to do. They take the glasses we were drinking and pick us up.

  “I can walk,” I tell Chase as he carries me to the cabana. Jax has Sam in his arms securely and Chase is holding me tightly in a very protective way.

  Jax grabs his phone and calls Luke telling him to meet us at the cabana to gather the glasses. I’m watching this all unfold and feel fine. I’m a little drunk but this has scared me sober. I see an envelope with my name on it on the chair I was lounging on earlier. There’s a lot going on in the cabana and even though Chase has his arm around me he’s talking to someone else.

  I grab the letter and rip it open.

  Dear Lucy,

  I’m going to let you in on a few little secrets:

  1. Your best friend Sam and your boyfriend Jax were lovers. Not just intimate lovers; they were in love. Can you imagine what it’s doing to your best friend that you are sleeping with her true love?

  2. Your boyfriend continues to save your best friend first before saving you. I made a point of showing you again in case you forgot that night in the bar. Who did Jax want to save today?

  3. There was nothing in yours or Sam’s drinks today; let that be
a lesson to you.

  You have to remember that I wrote this before you figured out it wasn’t Jax who sent those drinks over, I hope I’m correct on which girl he grabbed first. If I’m not, you get a free pass, and I’ll never bother you again. But I’m pretty sure I know who will ultimately be in Jax’s arms, and it’s not you…

  I look forward to holding you soon.

  Chapter 30

  I turn around with the letter in my hand and walk back toward Chase. I pull him down to me and whisper in his ear, “get me out of here please Chase, please.”

  “What’s wrong Lucy?” he asks me with grave concern in his eyes. I pass the note to him and stare at the ground.

  He reads it and nods his head before taking control. “Luke, can you see if you can get any prints off of this? I doubt you can, but try please.” He walks over to Jax and whispers something in his ears and I see Jax’s eyes get bigger and then I see sadness seep in. I know Chase is telling him everything that was in the letter. I don’t know which part Jax is feeling sad about, but I need some time to think this all through.

  I have let Sam be as private as she wanted to be and I know that helped us become really close. She never had to tell me anything and I would never research her trying to put any pieces together. We have a totally normal friendship. I asked her if she ever had a relationship with Jax and I don’t think I ever got an answer.

  I think back to that first night at her parents club. Jax was the one Sam wanted me to call to help us knowing he’d be at her ‘beck and call’. Ironically, he was at the club that night yet didn’t talk to us before I texted him, but I remember he knew it was me texting him because he was watching us. I also remember that he took complete control over the security for Sam and I and everyone knew to listen to him.

  Oh my God I’ve been so dumb. How could I do this to Sam after everything she has done for me? I won’t jump to any conclusions but damn it I need a few minutes to myself.

  I walk over to Sam and I hug her, “I’m going to go spend some time with Chase and I’ll see you tomorrow.” I kiss her cheek and she nods her head.

  I hug Jax and let him know we can talk tomorrow but I’m spending the rest of the day with Chase and I’ll be careful. He tells me to take Luke with us and I agree. I kiss him on the cheek and walk back to Chase who escorts me out of the party.