"What are you doing?" I asked.
"He can't wake up here, right? So we move him and he won't." She darted out into the hallway and came back a few seconds later with a doctor's coat, a hospital bed and some sheets.
"How did you--? Nevermind." I chuckled and helped her hoist Cody up onto the bed and covered him up with the sheets. I was glad he wasn't much bigger than she was. Then she glanced out the hallways again and once the coast was clear, she rolled him out of the room.
I straightened out the rest of the room and placed my IV stand back into place. Just as I finished crawling into the bed, Grams walked into the room.
"Timmy, are you okay?"
"Hi Grams," I said with a smile.
"Angela said you were hurt."
"Yea, but it's no big deal. I'll be fine. I just need to rest is all. They'll let me out soon. You'll see."
"Oh thank God," she said as she lunged over into a hug. She kissed my forehead and cheeks and checked my temperature with the back of her hand.
"I'm fine, Grams. Really. I'm okay."
"Grams!" said Angela. "I went back to the house, but you weren't there."
"Oh I know, dear, I'm sorry. Marti insisted on everyone getting their hair done for the wedding. I told them to just drop me off here and I could take you back to the house, dear. I just wanted to check on Timmy first. I brought your dress. So you can get ready here and then you and I can come back and check on Timmy after. Would you like that Timmy? We'll bring you some food or something okay? You'll get sick on all this hospital food."
"Grams, I'm fine, really."
Footsteps clopped down the hallway outside as my nurse came back in to check on me.
"Would you tell her I'm fine, please?"
He smiled. "He's fine."
"What's going on out there?" Angela asked.
"Oh, a patient disappeared. It's probably nothing. He probably just stepped out to go for a walk or use the bathroom or something. It happens all the time. But the interns get all freaked out whenever they can't find a patient they want to check on."
"Well, Angela and I need to get going. We'll be back later." Grams grabbed Angela's shoulder and ushered her out the door.
***
I wished I had time to tell Tim exactly what I had done with the beamer asshole. I tried to sneak a peek into the room where I left him with the chart I stole off someone else's bed, but the door was closed. There was no way for me to look in gracefully without being noticed. I was just glad that I was able to ditch the doctor coat before anyone caught me.
Now to get to Marti's wedding. This was going to be a disaster. Poor Marti would end up standing up at the arch, waiting for her groom to arrive, and he never would. Of course, it kept her from marrying a psychopath. But at the same time, if I took the psychopath part out of the equation, Marti was really just going to be getting stood up at the altar. I couldn't stop myself from smiling at that bit, either.
I just hoped I wouldn't get caught smiling while she was crying about it.
We pulled up to Grams's house and I ran into the house and up the stairs without bothering to look at anyone. If I could just get dressed and made up half way decent, then I could be ready on time for this thing and I'd have front row tickets to the chaos to follow.
In my room, I slipped into my dress and threw some pantyhose on. I grabbed my hair and whipped it up into a loose french braid, allowing a few curls to cascade down the side of my face and neck.
I decided to skip the makeup, electing instead to grab some lipgloss and glide it over. "It's not like we're going to have pictures or anything to memorialize this day," I told myself.
In record time, I was ready to go. I could hear the procession gathering downstairs. Marti bellowed for everyone to take their places. I ran down the stairs and slipped into line next to Aaron. Marti tossed a small bouquet at me and before I knew it, the music was playing and it was time to walk.
I wasn't sure how everything got thrown together so nicely, but close to 200 people sat and watched as we walked down the aisle toward the arch. I smiled my best smile, wondering exactly how I would react when Marti realized her groom wasn't coming.
Then the couple in front of us turned and separated to take their spots up on either side of the arch. Standing in the center of the aisle, the pastor smiled and nodded. Next to him, the groom.
My breath escaped before I could catch it.
His smirk and arrogant stance glared at me as if to say he won. Aaron let go of my arm and smiled as he left me to take his place over with the other groomsmen. I froze in place, staring at the groom.
The pastor finally reached his arm out and pointed toward the rest of the bridesmaids.
Oh God. Now the groom was here, and I was the bridesmaid who messed up the march.
I stepped over to my spot and stared at the ground in front of me. He must have gotten out--simple as that. But had he stopped to visit Tim before he left the hospital?
Was Tim okay?
How had he beaten Grams and me here?
My mind raced with questions and the sweat built up in my palms. I tried to calm my thoughts and my breathing by taking in a few deep breaths. They proved useless. All I could do was stand here and wait for things to unfold. Wait for this guy to make his move.
The suspense was killing me.
The pastor read through the ceremony. Introducing Cody and Marti to the crowd. Asking who would be giving the bride over to Cody. He talked about how they met, the love they shared, and the journey they were about to take.
It all passed in a blur. Then the pastor asked the crowd for objections.
"If any of you hold any reasons that these two should not be married, please speak now or forever hold your peace."
I stared over at Marti. She would hate me if I said something. But could I really stand here and watch her marry this man? I shook my head and took in a deep breath. I suppose someone needed to be the hated black sheep of the family - and it might as well be me. Not the most comforting words I could think to myself as I prepared to ruin my sister's big day. But better than nothing.
I took a step forward and prepared to say the words when police sirens echoed out through the driveway.
Everyone turned to face the house and I stepped back in line.
Marti glanced around. Her eyebrows furrowed in disgust and confusion.
The next thing anyone knew, half a dozen police officers poured into the backyard. "Cody Grimes," one officer said.
Everyone's eyes fell on the groom.
"You're under arrest for insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, and tax evasion."
"Holy shit," I said out loud as my mouth dropped.
"What is this all about?" Marti glared at Cody as he tried to find the words to say anything.
Instead he ran. The crowd gasped in unison as he shoved the pastor aside and began jumping over chairs and people to get away. I held my hand up over my mouth to stifle a laugh as he tripped and fell into a rose bush. The police officers caught up to him quickly, yanking his hands up behind his back and slapping the handcuffs on him.
Marti's face turned bright red. Her eyes darted around the crowd as tears welled up and made them glossy. Seconds later, she ran into the house, followed by the pastor. I glanced around the yard. People were whispering and asking each other questions. Even the bridesmaid standing next to me asked if I had any idea what was going on.
No one sat still for very long.
We all stared as the police dragged him away from the crowd, still reading him his rights as they ducked his head down into the back of the police car.
I took advantage of the chaos and snuck back through the house. Grams and I met up in the kitchen.
"Well, today just finally got interesting. What the hell do you think all that was about?" Grams asked.
"I have no idea," I laughed.
CHAPTER TEN
I had to get out of here before Grams brought Angela back here. But I couldn't until
I knew for sure that everything was okay. And the wait was killing me.
Normally, I hate giving my phone number out to anyone. But today I found myself wishing I knew Angela's so I could at least text her to find out what was happening. What did she do with Cody? Did he show up at the wedding after all?
"Holy fucking shit, Tim, stop it," I told myself.
My thoughts were getting too wrapped up in Angela. That much was obvious. I was going to need to get away from her before it went much further.
Nothing against Angela, I thought. She's great. If I were ever to want to settle down and stick with someone, it'd probably be her. But that was just the thing.
I didn't want to settle down.
Settling down meant no more runs. No more freedom. It meant endless arguments over finances, money, whose house to hold Thanksgiving at. Not to mention the family history there.
"No, better to make a clean break," I said out loud.
"Clean break from what?" the nurse said as he closed the door behind him.
"Nothing. Just rehearsing. Am I ready to get out of here yet?"
"You know the doctor wants to monitor you for at least another night."
"Not happening," I said as I slid out of the bed and grabbed my clothes to change into.
"Okay. I can get a resident to explain to you about signing out AMA."
"AMA?"
"Against medical advice. It means we are telling you not to go because something bad might happen, and you are choosing to go anyway even though you understand all the bad things that might happen."
"To keep me from suing you? Sign me up. I'll sign a waiver."
"All right. Get dressed and I'll go grab a resident to bring in the forms."
By the time I finished tying up my shoes, the nurse was back in the room with the doctor.
"All right. Now, so you understand, carbon monoxide poisoning is very serious. You can sign these forms to leave, but if you develop any new or worsening symptoms, get yourself into an emergency room right away. Severe nausea, severe and persistent headache, changes in vision, or muscle fatigue. Do you understand the risks?"
"Yep," I said and grabbed the forms from her. "I sign here?"
"Yea, right there at the bottom of the form."
"All right." I handed the clipboard back over to the doctor. "Is that it?"
"That's it."
"Thanks."
I grabbed my jacket and started toward the hospital doors. Flagging down a cab was easy, since they were all sitting right there in front of the main entrance to the hospital, just waiting for people who might need a ride somewhere.
Crawling into the backseat of one cab, I gave the driver Grams's address and settled in for the ride. A short while later, we were staring at Grams's front yard. My heart sank and my stomach clenched into knots. Police cars filled the driveway.
"That's $24.50." The cab driver said over his shoulder.
"Right. Sorry. Here," I said as I grabbed my wallet and handed him the cash. I jumped out of the cab and he drove off without another word.
I started to jog up to the front door and into the house. Everyone was out in the backyard, completely unaware that I was inside grabbing my stuff and getting ready to take off.
"Timmy, you're home," Grams said. "We were just getting ready to leave here to visit you."
Damn.
I took a deep breath and turned around to hug her. "Hi Grams. I'm sorry. I have to run."
"You what?"
"I got a call from Trish. There's a big bike run for charity happening tomorrow. And if I leave now I can make it to LA in time."
Grams's eyes glazed over in tears and disappointment. "Timmy."
"Hey, did the groom ever show up? What's with the police cars?"
"He showed up," Angela's voice came into the kitchen next. "And he got arrested for insurance fraud and a bunch of other things."
Just my luck I would run into the two people whom I was trying to avoid the most. I turned around to face her. The sunset caught her hair and made it shine like a fire. I was mesmerized by her smile. Those soft, full lips.
I shook my head and grabbed my keys.
"Insurance fraud. Are you kidding?"
"No," said Grams. "What's going on? Tim?"
I paused and tapped along the edge of the countertop. "Yea, Grams. I have to run. I'm sorry. I'll be back in a week to help you get everything put together and settled. I promise. Okay?"
Come on, Grams. Just say it's okay so I can go.
Grams took in a deep breath and smiled. I could tell the smile was forced, but at least it was a smile. "Okay, Timmy. That's fine. How can I say no to that? I know how important your work is."
***
I wasn't sure what to say. More than anything I wanted to ask him why he was leaving. Was he leaving because of me? Had I done something to offend him, somehow? Or did he think I wanted more than I really wanted?
What if he thought I wanted a serious relationship? Had I given him the wrong impression?
I couldn't ask him any of these questions without sounding like some clingy little girl. The exact opposite of what we had agreed on. Yet my heart was sinking. The corners of my mouth tugged my lips down, and I could feel my eyes fighting back the urge to cry.
"Um," I tried to think of the words to talk to him. "Do you need any help with anything?"
Lame. What the hell is the matter with me?
"No, I'm fine. Really."
I knew this was coming. I knew we were going to part ways after the wedding and that would be the end of everything between us. But somehow I thought we would have more time. More time for me to adjust and to prepare myself.
This sudden heartache was unexpected.
"Oh, shit that's right. Your car. Look, I'm sorry I won't be able to fix it, but here." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pack of business cards. "I won't be in the office this week, obviously. But call tomorrow anyway and have someone pick you up. You can just borrow my car until yours gets fixed. I'll leave instructions with my assistant."
I glanced down at the card. Timothy P. Sanders, Sanders Realty.
"Sanders Realty?" I said. "You're a realtor?"
"Yea. Why?"
"Oh. Uh - no reason. But you don't need to do that. I mean thank you for thinking of that. But I can figure out a ride to work tomorrow. Don't worry about me."
"Well, I'll leave the instructions anyway. If you get it figured out, great. If not, call my office and you can borrow the car until yours is fixed."
A realtor? He's a fucking realtor? What else didn't I know about him? I wanted to ask. Every question led to another question. Curiosity was boring a hole into my brain.
But I didn't. He turned and hugged Grams, nodded at me, and then trotted out the door. And I was left standing there, open mouthed and dumbfounded.
"Ah well," Grams said. "It's probably for the best, given all that's happened today. I can't very well make any announcements today."
"I -I don't. What announcement?"
She took in a deep breath and led me over to the small table tucked into the corner of the kitchen. "Have a seat dear."
***
I stood next to my bike and pondered. Grams had needed my help. She called me because she trusted me to take care of things for her. Was I really going to be deserting her now? No. One week with Trish on a run would set me straight again. I could forget about Angela and the pull she seemed to hold over me. I was ready to go, Trish's number already set up and ready to dial on my phone. I just needed to hit call. So what was stopping me?
The spot.
The small, almost unnoticeable stain Angela left on the seat of my bike.
"So I guess you heard," Marti's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I broke my stare with the bike and looked up. The sky released a new round of rain.
"Heard about what?"
"About Cody. And the wedding being cancelled."
I blinked and shook my head. "Actually, I hadn't heard."
"Excuse me?"
"You and Angela. I know all about you two."
"What about us two?"
"I'm not an idiot, Tim. She came in with twigs and leaves stuck to that dress and said she went out for a walk. Then a few minutes later you walk into the house with leaves and twigs stuck to your suit because you went out for a walk."
"You don't.... Just." I wanted to tell her to fuck off. You don't know what you're talking about. That's what I wanted to tell her. Instead the start of two thoughts fought to come out and ended up a jumbled mess. I grabbed the handlebars of my bike and started to walk it around to take off.
Marti didn't seem pleased. She raced around my bike and grabbed my arm, pulling me over toward her. I jerked my arm back away from her, and she jumped in closer. Her lips brushed against mine. "I can give you more," she whispered. "I can give you so much more."
"Get off me," I said as I peeled her arms away from me.
She jumped on me again. Her hands cupped around my face as she tried to pull me down for a kiss.
"Get off!" I yelled and threw her back again.
"Why?" she yelled back.
"Because I'm in love with Angela--." The words dried and caught in my throat. Had I just said those words out loud? Is that what I meant to say?
But I couldn't take it back.
Marti's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. "Y-you what? Y-you're...you're in love-in love?" She stuttered. "I knew you guys were fucking around but you're in love? Like the time you were in love with me?"
"No, Marti," I said. "Nothing like the time I thought I was in love with you." I mumbled and tried to get my bike moving again.
Marti's eyes darted around as raindrops cascaded down her face. She turned around and walked back toward the house. That was when I noticed Angela standing on the front porch next to Grams.
Fuck.
My mind raced with thoughts about how to explain this. How to buy myself some time so I could straighten out my thoughts. "I--I just." I couldn't do it. I couldn't think of the words. And what was worse, my muscles were beginning to shiver in the cold rain, making me look pathetic and shaky.
Sweetest Sin: Bad Boy Bundle Page 41