by Pamela Ann
I was instructed to get on the daunting surgical table while they started preparing everything. As soon as I laid down, I immediately closed my eyes and tried to drown out the sound of everyone. Only opening them when the doctor addressed me, “Trista? This procedure will be very quick. It’s going to be over before you know it. How are you feeling?” The doctor’s kind eyes probed into me.
I blinked back a few times before I responded to her question. “I’ve been better.” If I really had a choice, I would’ve stayed mum and ignored her completely, but heck, she was my doctor, I was obligated to respond.
A nurse tapped my arm and searched for a vein to prick a needle into. “We’re going to give you something to sedate you.” The doctor smiled down at me before she nodded towards the nurse, which I took as a signal to start injecting me with the sedative.
“How are we feeling? Still good?” the doctor asked me again after the nurse finished with my arm. I gave her a small nod, deciding to not really talk if I didn’t need to.
I saw her nod her head again and I heard some stuff being carted towards us. The doctor then started shooting questions at me. I suppose it was a strategy to distract me from what’s really going on around me. What did you major in? What do you want to be? Do you like the beach? Do you like Sea World? I mumbled my replies to all of her mild, pseudo-interrogation, questions. She kept on going until I thought I couldn’t stand it anymore, then everything started to get blurry. Her voice had begun to sound like she was speaking through a glass wall as my senses started to decline quickly. The noisy background heightened before my lids drooped low and shut completely, the noise fading right along with my consciousness. Darkness swallowed me whole. Silence filled me.
I woke up disoriented and slightly drugged as I took in my surroundings. I might’ve grunted a bit since a nurse immediately had begun seeing to me.
“How are you feeling, dear? When you’re feeling a little stronger, we have tea and crackers for you to nibble on. Do you need some water?” the nurse checked on my vitals as she went along asking questions.
“No, I’m okay.” I spoke with a dry mouth and explicit tightness in my chest. It was done… no more… pregnancy.
“Sleep some more. You did great, Trista. I will be back to check on you shortly.” The nurse gave me a pleasant smile before she took hold of my hand for some type of affection. It was a comforting gesture that I appreciated greatly.
Even in my drugged stupor, sleep didn’t come again. I laid in the silence of the room, my mind taking stock of the minute that slipped away. It took the nurse exactly an hour until she came by again with the promised tea and crackers.
“Thank you,” I murmured as my hand reached out for the tea. It shook slightly as I brought it to my lips. The nurse sat next to me as I finished the snack she had brought, silently giving me comfort with her presence. I had the impression it was mandatory to eat them since we were barred from eating anything the night before and because of the blood loss from the procedure.
Before I checked-out of the private clinic, the nurse gave me a year’s supply of birth control pills, condoms and was told to get myself checked three weeks later to make sure my uterus was intact and not scarred from the procedure. I bravely bid her goodbye before I left the place.
The driver helped me to get inside the car, once I was comfortably seated, I heard him clear his throat. “Ms. Stevens, I was told to give you this.” The driver handed me a letter.
I dared not to open it until I reached my place. I knew what it was, though. It was Harry’s goodbye. The idiot wasn’t brave enough to come and see me through this ordeal. He wasn’t courageous enough to face me in person to end our affair, either. The letter was the best he could muster.
After the three-hour jaunt, I was finally back at my place. My fingers were fumbling as I tried to open the small piece of paper that held my life, my love. My eyes scanned the letter, but all I could see were the words, I’m sorry to do this, but this has to end.
My fears were right. I knew it was coming and yet I couldn’t bring myself to really believe it. Now here it was, in bold lettering. With shaky legs and in a trancelike state, I sought the toilet. Something recoiled in my stomach and I tried to wretch all of it out, but nothing came. I sadly laughed about it as tears flowed. “I’m not even granted some release from the pain.” Torture me some more, karma. Give me all you’ve got until all the fight’s left me.
Chapter 4
Present
Trista
We arrived in Aspasia mid-afternoon on a Tuesday. Lindsey look well rested since she slept most of the flight from LA to London, and another few more hours from London to Athens. I was glad she was wide-awake during our short Cessna flight from Athens to Aspasia. I didn’t sleep a wink on either flight since it had been impossible. I was left alone with my thoughts, which liberally played havoc with my sanity, so having Lindsey final awake during the last leg of our journey had been a relief.
I heard Lindsey make an excited squeal. “Man, Emma wasn’t kidding about these pimped out golf carts.” I saw her greet the driver and shake his hand. The young Greek male looked enthralled but a bit shy about it. I walked over to the cart and hopped inside.
Lindsey was busy talking to the man. How long have you worked here? How old are you? Do you watch when they start filming? She kept going on and on about everything. That’s Lindsey for you.
Okay, I admit that the island was absolutely gorgeous, and that I am a wee bit excited to be spending a month here. The beautiful Aegean Sea was breathtaking to look at. The soft clean breeze that went along with the view helped ease some of my tension.
From the looks of it, this private island was well equipped with everything. The lavish design and architecture showed understated elegance. It was modern-meets-old-school-Mediterranean-style.
When the driver stopped at the very last cottage on the lane, Linds and I immediately hopped out. “Your belongings will be delivered shortly. Miss Emma is still out filming, but someone is here to welcome you. Enjoy your stay in Aspasia. More importantly, have a lot of fun in Greece. You have never seen true beauty until you’ve seen Greece.” The young man grinned at us and gave us a nod before he left.
“Oh, God! I think I really love the idea of being friends with a celebrity now!” Lindsey announced gleefully before she strode towards the cottage and pushed the buzzer. I was about to respond to her statement with some smartass remark, but the door was yanked open by a guy who was only wearing beach shorts and nothing more. Ripped, tanned muscles, up close and personal was such a heady thing. His hazel eyes looked amused as he watched both of our faces. “I’m Taylor Montgomery, Bass’s friend. Come on in. They should be here in a couple hours or so.”
Lindsey held out her hand. “Lindsey, Emma’s best friend.” Taylor jovially shook it, smiling down at her. She then pointed her thumb at me. “This is Trista, second in command.”
I wanted to roll my eyes at her statement but refrained from doing so. “Second in command of what?” Taylor inquired as he smiled down at me. His eyes twinkled mischievously.
Now, why wasn’t I surprised that Bass Cole’s best friend was another version of him? True, Bass rocked his own hotness planet, but this Taylor dude was not far off. He could be the moon of that hotness planet. Bass was… well, just Bass… but this dude was sculpted more and it was topped off with a pretty face. In what sense? You couldn’t find a single fault with his facial features, that’s what. Not like I could find any with Bass, but there was just something more to his friend.
“Top secret girly protocols.” Lindsey started to stroll towards the living room, leaving me with Mister Pretty.
“Are you an actor, too?” I asked while I followed Lindsey inside.
Taylor gave a light chuckle before he shook his head. “Nah, nothing like that, though I model from time to time. I’m a law student, actually.”
I perked up from his response. Mister pretty boy is loaded with legal mumbo jumbo, interesting mix.
I definitely didn’t see that one coming. He looked like he wanted to chat some more, but I wasn’t up for it. He and Lindsey could do that without me. “Do you know which rooms are available? I want to rest for now.”
Lindsey immediately spun around from the wide-open sliding doors. “Oh boo! Come on, we’re in Greece and you want to rest? I’m only going to let you off if you promise to join us once Emma and Bass come back, comprende?” she pouted while folding her hands underneath her breasts, making them pop out more.
I smirked. One thing I admired about my childhood best friend, Lindsey, was her power to use her body like a weapon. It came naturally to her, but when she’s on a hell bent mission, that shit is absolutely lethal—a definite must see. Just ask all the fallen, besotted men. It was never a wonder to me why Cece hated her guts—bitch hated Emma, too. I had reservations with Cece before, but she declared war when she and the skankerette club betrayed Emma that way.
“Yes, Miss Nazi, I hear you loud and clear.” I genuinely smiled back at my friend, a real smile after weeks of not having one. Lindsey blew me kisses before she took her wedge sandals off and went out on the patio. She certainly was not going to waste any time enjoying her heart out of Greece.
I made a quick glance at the man close to me, who stood confidently like a goddamned gladiator, taking in his features once again. Taylor Montgomery was your typical pretty boy. Blonde hair with hazel eyes, tanned skin, awesome six-pack, cherry-red lips and facial features that could easily make other people jealous.
Taylor cleared his throat and gestured towards the other end of the hall, breaking my thoughts. “Bass will be sleeping in Emma’s room since he gave me his. There’s two more available, so you get first dibs.” he played host and gestured towards the other two oak doors on the left.
I didn’t even bother checking out the rooms. I picked the last one and strode towards it. Surprise caught me when Taylor came up and managed to open the door before I did. How chivalrous of him. I murmured my thanks and strode inside the room, checking it out.
“Just in case you can’t nap, there’s a nice alcove half a mile from here. There are also a few taverns and a tiny fishing village if you walk towards your left. The family that owns the island have their own people, I guess. It’s a pretty tight-knit community. You’ll like it here.” Taylor stood against the door, his face animated.
Okay, right on. Could he shoo himself out now?
“Great, thanks for the deets. I’ll see you later.” I know my dry attitude didn’t match the earthy, light atmosphere of this place, but it was impossible to let go of my dark shackles. They’re there and I was bonded to them.
I was glad when he took the cue and bid me goodbye. I guess that smart brain really did work, I mused darkly. I looked around my room and felt right at home. The light blue and white color schematics worked and blended perfectly, along with the wide windows and the rustic accented furniture.
I placed my purse on the cushioned seat and started to take my clothes off. With only my underwear on, I slid inside the bed. The instant my head hit the pillow, my brain—for the very first time in a month—shutdown completely.
Chapter 5
Trista
I woke up when I heard Emma’s shrieking laughter. “Get in the shower now, woman! You can’t tease me like that and expect to get away from it.” I could hear Bass laugh from the hallway. I could also make out Emma trying to hush him, but Bass only growled and I suppose he picked her up since Emma sounded out of breath.
“Put me down!” A few heightened giggles, a light slam of the door, the house became quiet again.
I shifted on my side and smiled at the thought of them. Those two were crazy about each other. I’m glad that she’d stopped taking notice of Carter’s emails, but who am I really to say? If Harry asked me back again, I would most likely think about it for a few seconds and say yes. I admit, it’s beyond pitiful, but the heart wants what it wants. It doesn’t think for you, nor does it make decisions for you. It only beats like a drumroll, marching you toward the person who took your heart.
It’s deplorable to even think of him after all that’s happened, yet here I was, thinking of him, wondering if he’s thinking of me, too.
Languidly, I got out of bed and looked outside. It was dusky outside, and I could hear the light, chirpy sounds of cicadas. Beautiful, I thought as I closed my eyes and smelled the pleasing mixture of sea, fresh air and heady blooms. After a good five minutes of appreciating the view, I strode towards the light switch. I was surprised to find my luggage next to the door. Instead of going through it, I went to grab my phone inside my purse. There were still no messages or phone calls from Harry. I guess he really meant it when he said he will try to cut me out of his life. Well, good for him, I thought dastardly. I’m the one who went through the traumatizing shit and was treated like a piece of ass. Ah, great, just mighty, fucking great.
Dejected, I opened my luggage and immediately gathered everything I needed and headed for the shower. Life goes on, with or without me. I best snap out of it before it forgets that I exist. I’ve been out of it long enough… maybe.
After a quick dry of my hair and light make-up, I declared myself ready. I wore a short, pistachio-colored, cotton dress and jewel encrusted, flat sandals. It was light and perfect for beach ambiance. I stared back at my reflection, a little unsure. “Happy face, Trista Stevens! Fucking put on your happy face!”
When I strode out of my room, I saw Emma and Taylor outside, laughing and drinking together. When Emma’s eyes saw me walk towards them, she immediately got up and gave me a tight, I-miss-you-so-much, kind of hug. I hugged her back with the same intensity.
“So, so happy to see you again, Tris!” Emma exclaimed as she wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
“It really is great to see you, too, Boo,” I said, and meant every word. Emma guided me to one of the rattan, chaise lounges, across from the shirtless Taylor. “Going to get you something to drink, b-r-b. Lindsey’s in the kitchen and, as you can see, Bass is over there on the phone.” Emma pointed towards her man, who was well engrossed in a conversation, also not wearing a shirt. He was muscular perfection at its finest. What’s up with these fellas not wearing any shirts? It was a total mind-fuck to all the girly hormones around the perimeter.
The setting they had out here was impressively awesome. Outdoor bed, dining tables and chairs, but what I really loved was the large table around the chaise lounges. It had a Middle Eastern feel, where they shared their meals and broke bread amongst trusted folks. Complete with dim lighting and lit candles scattered about, it was purely soul-lifting and therapeutic. “They ordered dinner from the villa’s kitchen. It should arrive soon. How was your nap?” Taylor eyed me casually.
“Good, thank you.” I politely replied. Curiosity won out and I blurted, “Is there a Who’s Got the Best Six-Pack Competition around here that I should know about?” Taylor barked out a loud laugh. It was deep, throaty, and very manly. It was the opposite of Harry’s polished, restrained and practiced one.
“Why do you ask? Does it offend, or please you?” Taylor smiled at me before he took a long gulp of his beer.
My eyes instantly darted towards his neck where his Adam’s apple was bobbing up and down, mesmerizing me for a mere second. Taylor caught me staring at him, but I didn’t even blush or stand down from his penetrating gaze. I’m sure pretty boy was used to this kind of attention. Sure, he may be good-looking—to some—but he’s not my type, no matter how much I may enjoy ogling him. “Honestly, it doesn’t offend or please me at all. You could say that I’m indifferent about it.”
That caught his attention. “Even the ever-drooled over Bass Cole doesn’t affect you?” Taylor looked pretty much entertained.
Okay, maybe not Bass. Honest to God I don’t know a living soul who doesn’t have the hots for him. Not one. “I think it’s already a given how the entire universe sees him. I’m not immune to it, no one is.”
Taylor leaned over and studied my
face with such concentration. To me, it looked like he was trying to read me, or better yet, read my mind. “Is this your subtle way of telling me that you don’t find me attractive?”
Damn it, he’s pretty forward, too. Hmmm! “I wasn’t trying to tell you anything, but, to answer your question, no, you’re not my type.”
Taylor’s face lit up with a devilish grin. “Women with excess baggage are unattractive to me. Good to know that we have something in common.” He then stood up and saluted his bottle at me before spinning around and heading towards Bass.
Staggered speechless, I stared after his form. What the flying FUCK was that? How the Hell would he know that I have excess baggage? Do I have a fucking tattooed sign on my forehead or something?
“Uh-oh, looks like you influenced Trista, Lindsey!” Emma chided Lindsey as they approached me with a tray of assorted alcoholic drinks.
My eyes happily took in all the amazing concoctions as Emma placed the tray on the table. Lindsey and Emma then settled on separate lounge chairs. “This is why girlfriends are the best! You can always count on them to cheer up a down and out friend,” I happily said, as my hand grabbed a martini glass with a bright blue liquid in it. Now, if this drink would only turn out to be an AMF (Adios Mother Fucker), I would be an even happier woman. The smile that stretched across my lips was absolutely genuine as it turned out that it was! It was time to get back on boozeville.
“I’m taking it that Horrible Harry is no more?” Lindsey asked while Emma and I took a sip of our drinks. “You used to be like this when there was trouble in paradise with him, but now there’s a dark edge to it. That can only mean one thing, you guys are kaput.”