by Jaye McCloud
“I’m sorry. I’m mucking this up—”
Antonio interrupts impatiently, “What’s going on, Ti, and what the hell are you doing at the hospital? You are supposed to be at home resting.”
Rolling her eyes at her cell phone, she huffs, “We can talk about that later—”
“You’re damn right we will.”
Choosing to ignore the implied warning, Tiressa continues, “Kathy’s regained consciousness and Will has received some shocking news.”
“Kathy’s awake?” She smiles at the relief and joy in his voice, but her tone remains serious, “Yes. And you need to get down here now Antonio, Will needs you.”
“Okay Baby, I’m on my way.”
***
“Mr. and Mrs. Walters.”
Still smarting over the reprimand, he received days ago, and all too aware that the arrogant William Bentini is responsible for it, Dr. Campbell addresses Kathy’s parents and sister; deliberately excluding the glowering man listening attentively over in the corner. “I know how anxious you all are, so I’ll come straight to the point. The swelling on the brain that occurred as a result of the initial injury has almost completely abated, drastically lessening the pressure on the brain. Now that Katherine has regained consciousness, we have every reason to believe that she will make a full recovery with no long-term adverse effects stemming from the brain injury.”
Mr. and Mrs. Walters and Emily converge on Dr. Campbell thanking him profusely for all that he has done to bring Kathy back to them.
Smiling with confident charm, he replies, “I’m glad I am able to serve such a wonderful family,” then saying in his customary doctor tone, “But I must remind you that although we predict a full recovery, it will be in stages. Fortunately, Katherine was in a comatose state for only a few days, she may not need more than a couple of weeks before she is back to her normal self. We will continue to monitor her progress closely.”
“Thank you Doctor, thank you so very much,” Mr. Walters says again. “Can we see her?” Mrs. Walters asks anxiously, clasping her husband’s hand tightly.
“She’s sleeping at the moment.” Seeing their instant distress, he clarifies, “No, please don’t be alarmed, it’s a normal sleep. I know this isn’t easy to hear, but I would suggest that you folks head on home for a few hours of rest yourselves.”
“No, absolutely not. I’m not leaving here until I see my daughter,” Mrs. Walters states adamantly, upset at the mere notion of leaving at a time like this.
“I understand. However, I would ask that you not wake her. Right now rest is what she needs most.”
“Thank you Dr. Campbell.”
Tiressa and Will watch as the little family follow the doctor out of the waiting room. Neither considers accompanying them—it seems right to give them time alone, besides Will has something else on his mind. Piercing Tiressa with a hard, probing stare, he demands, “Did you know?”
Tiressa doesn’t pretend not to know what he’s asking. “No, Will, I didn’t know…I don’t know anything.”
“You don’t know anything about what?” Tony asks entering the waiting room.
“Antonio, you’re finally here!” she exclaims, jumping to her feet and rushing into his open arms. “Baby, what’s all this about? Your call was so cryptic.” Hugging her close, he looks over her head at his brother’s dark visage. “Will… Talk to him Antonio. He needs you,” she whispers, going up on the tip of her toes to meet his lips. “I’ll see you at home.” She makes a speedy exit leaving the brothers alone to talk.
After Ti leaves, Antonio approaches his brother, wondering why he looks so cross, when he should be smiling from ear to ear. “Hey man, what’s going on?”
“Contrary to what your lady told you, I don’t need you and I sure as hell don’t want to talk about it.”
“Okay, big brother, I can respect that. But, isn’t Kathy waking up a good thing?” Antonio ask, sauntering a little closer.
It takes a minute, but then Will answers. “Of course it is.”
“Then why aren’t you happy?”
“I am happy…I’m fucking elated.”
“One and one is not adding up to two. Something is definitely wrong.”
“Jeez man, why don’t you leave it alone?”
“Because you’re my brother, and I care about you.”
“Fine. Just care silently.” Antonio doesn’t take offense at his sibling’s gruffness. He understands him because he’s like that too; they are like wounded bears, when they hurt they feel it deeply.
The two men sit in companionable silence for many minutes. Suddenly, Will—facing the window with his back to Antonio—begins to speak, his voice scratchy. “Emily, Kathy’s sister accused me of getting Kathy pregnant and abandoning her…and the baby.”
“What?!”
“You heard me. I haven’t confirmed it yet, but I think there is a very high probability that I’m a father…and Kathy never told me.”
“Oh shit!”
“Oh shit is right.”
“Damn man. Things being what they are, should I offer you my congratulations?
“Not yet,” Will says solemnly. “I need to talk to Kathy and find out exactly what the truth is. I can barely wrap my mind around the concept of being a father…me. The thought is terrifying and exciting all at once.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean. But we Bentini men never run from a challenge or our responsibilities.”
“If it’s true, then I don’t understand why Kathy didn’t tell me. What kind of woman doesn’t tell a man he has a kid?”
“Kathy is a good woman, don’t lose sight of that,” Antonio advises softly.
“I can’t believe she was ever pregnant, we saw her almost every damn day. When did she have a baby?!”
“It had to have been during that time she left town to nurse her grandmother, she was gone for a while…maybe there was no ailing granny.”
“That’s plausible,” Will agrees, running his hand through his hair in frustration. “I’m not certain, her sister didn’t get that far. If there had been a knife or gun nearby, I believe she would have probably tried to kill me the moment she knew who I was.”
“Damn man, I don’t know what to tell you other than I’m here for you anytime you need me.”
“Thanks brother.” They embrace in a manly hug, pounding each other on the back.
When they step apart, Tony asks, “What are you going to do?”
“Nothing until I speak with Kathy.”
***
“Good evening Mr. Bentini.”
“Good evening Ms. Graye. Is Ms. Hawkins in?”
“Yes, sir. She’s in the kitchen.” Antonio strolls into the kitchen to the sound of his girl and his cook standing close together laughing. “The secret to making the world’s best rice krispies treats is not to burn the butter and don’t let the marshmallows cool before you have all the cereal mixed in evenly,” Garret instructs Tiressa, who smiles up at him in a way that makes Antonio see green. “What’s going on?” he says stiffly, trying to control his jealous suspicion at the sight of his chef so damn close to his woman, in what he considers too intimate a setting.
“Hi babe,” Ti greets, taking her attention from stirring the ingredients in the pot to smile up at him. But, upon seeing his serious expression, she gives the rubber spatula back to Garret and approach Antonio, “How’s William?”
Ignoring her inquiry, he sends Garret a nebulous look. “What’s on the menu for dinner tonight?”
“Pork tenderloin with apricot, cranberry and almond stuffing,” Garret answers with an open, clear expression that eases some of Antonio’s misgivings.
“Sounds great. We’re going to dine upstairs tonight, have the balcony table set for seven.” Turning his attention to Ti, he lifts her chin as he leans down to take her mouth in a possessive kiss meant to show his undisputable claim. “Come on Baby, let me help you get out of these clothes,” he says against her lips, taking her hand.
�
��That sounds nice, but I’m helping Garrett.”
“Garrett will have to finish without you,” he replies, and Ti catches the hint in his firm tone. “I need you more,” Antonio insists, leading her out of the kitchen.
The minute they enter the master suite, Ti snatches her hand out of his. “So, I take it by that macho display in the kitchen, Garret and I have done something to displease you.”
“I’m making sure he knows who you belong to.”
“Oh really. So, I belong to you?!”
“Yes damnit! You belong to me and I belong to you! And I will make sure everybody knows it; that includes my damn cook.”
“Tony, I told you when you behave like that it makes me feel—”
“Don’t you dare say cheap. In this instance, if that’s how you feel, you only have yourself to blame.”
“How do you figure that?” she asks, indignant.
“Because you won’t marry me,” he replies angrily.
“Tony, we are engaged…of course I’m marrying you.”
“I can’t tell. You’re not wearing an engagement ring. We haven’t had an engagement party. Hell, we haven’t even set a wedding date yet,” his voice rises with each complaint.
“You’re not being fair, Tony. The accident happened only days ago and with Kathy being in a coma…finding out that I’m pregnant…” She deliberately runs her hands up his sexy sculpted chest in a way she knows he likes, “With everything that’s going on, I don’t see a need to rush.”
“There are three major reasons why there is definitely a need to rush…one, you are pregnant with my baby…two, I love you and you love me…three, I don’t want to play house with you, I want us to be man and wife. Do you not want that too, Ti?”
“Just because we aren’t following some fast paced timeline, doesn’t mean that I don’t love you or want you…because I do,” she kisses his pouty, masculine lips. “I love you, and I want you,” she assures him, kissing the underside of his chin. “Tony, I really want you,” her voice heats as she nibbles on the side of his neck. “You said you were going to help me out of my clothes,” she reminds him, running her tongue along his bottom lip.
“Yes, I am…I’m going to help you out of your clothes and into a warm soak with me caressing your hot body with my hard body.” Pausing, they share a steamy kiss. “And then we are going to have dinner and go to bed… you need your rest.” He chuckles against her beautiful, now pouting, lips. Pulling back, she playfully punches him in his muscle-packed stomach. “No. Tony, I need you. I promise to rest afterwards.”
“No.”
“But—”
“No Ti, I’m not making love to you until your doctor’s appointment with the specialist and he tells me that it’s safe; that I won’t hurt the baby.”
“You won’t hurt the baby,” Tiressa tries to sway him, caressing his male nipples through his shirt. When she feels them bead, she gives a little moan and tries to lift his shirt so that she can place her lips on them. “Just give me a couple of inches,” she practically begs. “Tony, it’s safe, I feel fine. I feel better than fine.” Surprised at her boldness, but enjoying it, he gently worships her, passionately binding them in a long steamy kiss, before regaining his self-control. “I know you say you do, but I want to hear it from a doctor,” he maintains, walking her in the direction of the bathroom.
“Antonio.”
“Now Baby, please don’t beg, you’ll swell my head—literally,” he teases with a grimace, adjusting himself to relieve the pressure his expanding manhood is making against his zipper.
Chapter 6
“You’re looking so much better sweetheart; you finally have roses back in your cheeks.” Mrs. Walters smiles, brushing Kathy’s thick long titian hair in slow soothing strokes, her eyes glowing with thankfulness to see her daughter alive and recovering quite nicely.
“I miss my baby mom,” Kathy whispers, thinking about William, but unable to voice those feelings. “I want to hold my baby.”
Mrs. Walters pauses mid-stroke. “I know we haven’t talked about…well, you know…about William Bentini. I don’t think it’s a good idea to bring Will—”
Ignoring the mention of William’s name, Kathy lashes out at her mother, “Mom, I need my baby! I want her here! Now!” she cries, hiding her face in her hands.
“Kathy please, calm down. Getting yourself all worked up can’t be good for you.”
“I don’t care.”
“Kathy think about what you’re asking.”
“I just want to hold her mom.”
“I know you do sweetheart and you will. But please don’t bring her here…the situation with William Bentini and his mother is so uncertain.” Seeing that she isn’t having much success getting Kathy to see things her way, Mrs. Walters tries another tactic, “I have an idea…as soon as you’re released, you come back home with us. I will take care of you and you can have some much need time with—”
“Kathy, guess who’s coming down the hall?” Emily bursts into the room out of breath.
“Who, the Easter bunny?” Emily ignores her sister’s sarcasm understanding that Kathy is still cross with her for telling William Bentini about the baby. “No silly, Mrs. Bentini, and she looks like a woman on a mission.”
There is a brief rap on the door and suddenly Mrs. Bentini is standing in the middle of the room looking as Emily said –like a woman on a mission.
“Hello, I’m Marella Bentini,” she introduces herself walking forward to shake Mrs. Walters’s hand. She gives Emily a cursory glance, before focusing her attention on the woman on the bed, “Katherine, may I speak with you privately?”
Receiving Kathy’s silent nod, Mrs. Walters excuses herself and Emily, “We’ll just go down to the cafeteria for a quick bite.” Then meeting the older woman’s eyes, she warns, “But I’ll be right back.”
As soon as they leave the room, Mrs. Bentini’s nonchalant attitude melts. “Katherine. It’s good to see you awake and almost back on your feet.”
“Thank you,” Kathy replies quietly.
Niceties over, Mrs. Bentini, launches into the main reason for the visit, “William told us about the two of you.”
Not sure how much she knows Kathy attempts to prevaricate, “About the two of us?”
“Yes. That the two of you have been sneaking behind my back having a sordid little affair.”
“Mrs. Bentini…I’m sorry,” Kathy refuses to meet the anger in her employer’s eyes.
“I don’t believe that you are Katherine because apparently you have been deceiving me for years.” Kathy remains silent, believing that she deserves the scathing condemnation. “I don’t understand how you could look me in the face every day and lie. How can you justify that Katherine?” Mrs. Bentini demands to know.
“I can’t,” is the dejected reply. “My only defense is that I love your son and I believe he loves me.”
“You don’t have the right to love him, Katherine. He is promised to someone else. He is engaged to marry someone else. Have you know sense of decency?!”
“But he doesn’t love her Mrs. Bentini. He was only willing to marry Alison to please you, because it’s what you want.” After a brief silence Kathy ask, “Am I really such an awful person that you can’t bear to have me as a member of your family? What did I do that was so appalling, aside from being born to a family that has to work for a paycheck instead of stock shares?”
“This is more than just about money,” Mrs. Bentini says offended, then after a moment she sighs, relenting enough to say, “You’re not an awful person Katherine and neither is Tiressa. I was raised by parents who were blood-proud. They would roll over in their graves at the mere thought of diluting our bloodline. I don’t mean to be harsh, but you must understand that I have a duty to tradition.”
“Families start new traditions every day. You raised your children to see the world differently. They meet people from all walks of life, and they have the ability to appreciate them for who they are, not how
pure their blood is. You should be proud of that, Mrs. Bentini.”
“I am. I am very proud of all my children.”
“Then how can you punish them for being the very people that you raised them to be?”
***
“Why the hell didn’t you tell me you were in a car accident?! Do I always have to hear about things that happen in my own daughter’s life from other people?!” Mrs. Hawkins complains bitterly.
“Sorry mom. You’re right, I should have told you, but I didn’t want anyone to worry and besides I wasn’t the one who got hurt.”
“Tiressa, I don’t give a flying fig if you broke a gawddamn fingernail! I am your mother and I deserve to know anytime you are laying up in somebody’s hospital!”
“I know mama, I’m sorry…but really, I’m okay. I wasn’t hurt.”
“Save your breath, your father and I are on our way…we want to see for ourselves that our baby girl is alright.”
“No, mom don’t—”
“What do you mean, don’t?”
“Only that you don’t have to inconvenience yourself and dad by driving all this way just to see that nothing is wrong with me.”
“Girl, hush. We are your parents, we’ll be there in a couple of hours, you know how slow your daddy drives.”
After the phone call, Ti sits quietly for a second until she finally notices Antonio frowning across the table at her. “I thought we had established a no cell phones at the table agreement.”
“Not exactly…we established that there may be a need to establish a no cell phones at the table rule.” Seeing that Antonio is not amused, she apologizes, “I’m sorry, I know that you want table time to be one of our special times where we aren’t supposed to focus on anything or anyone but us, but that was my mom calling.”
“Yes, I heard,” his lips quirk in amusement.
“Then you also heard that she and my dad are on their way here.”
“Okay, so what’s the big deal?”