***
Brynn and I were so exhausted at dinner that night we could barely eat. The other girls said they’d really enjoyed watching us. I couldn’t wait to go back, and I made a couple of the other girls promise they’d get in the water with us.
I started to do some reading that night, but my eyes wouldn’t stay open long enough to read an entire sentence at once, so I stopped fighting it and turned out the light.
I actually slept in on Sunday. I had just enough time to shower and get to breakfast on time. Meditation was fabulous, and as I headed back to my room afterwards, I tried not to be jealous of the family visiting that was about to go on. I’d give anything to have a personal visit today. I was feeling a little lonely. I tried to focus on Wednesday, when I’d get my cell phone back and internet on my laptop. I’d be connected to the outside world again! I yearned to hear Ethan’s voice. It didn’t matter what he was saying, I just needed to hear his voice.
Just as I settled onto my bed and was about to listen to some music, there was a knock on my door. I jumped up and opened it. It was Laura.
“Gia, I’ve bent the rules slightly and have allowed a visitor for you today.” I gasped. My heart raced and I felt lightheaded for a second. “Come,” she said.
My mind was racing. I was so thankful for Laura and her bending the rules! I followed her to the family visiting area, it felt like Christmas morning. She pointed to the east corner and there, waiting for me, was Sean! He saw me, and we met in the middle of the room with arms wide open. He picked me up and spun me around.
“Oh my god, Sean. I’m so happy to see you!” I had tears in my eyes.
“You better be. It took more begging and bribing than I care to admit to get in here. If you see Laura with a huge smile on her face tomorrow, you’ll know my debt has been paid.”
I laughed. “Is that all it took? Shit, I hope she doesn’t keep me in here an extra week for insufficient fun.”
“Ha, ha, very funny.” He turned serious. “You look gorgeous, Gia. I’m relieved.”
“Aww, thanks. Were you worried about me?”
“Yes. Everyone responds differently. I should’ve known you’d be a tough one.” He took my hand and led me outside. I felt loved as I leaned against his arm. He raised it around my shoulders and hugged me close.
“You helped me a lot by telling me what to expect. One week down, three to go, but it’s really not that bad.” I told him about my first week. He was pleasantly surprised with the inner peace I’d made with Lex.
“You’re doing so well, Gia. I’m really proud of you, and so is Ethan.”
What? Did he just say Ethan? My heart about leaped out of my chest. I was in shock and I didn’t speak, I just stared at him.
“Jeez, Gia, I hope someone feels that way about me someday!” He chuckled. “Yes, Ethan is proud of you, and loves you. He wanted me to tell you that.”
I couldn’t believe what he’d just said. Tears ran down my cheeks and I had a relieved smile on my face. I still couldn’t speak. I stared at Sean, my eyes pleading for him to give me more of what I needed.
He couldn’t stop smiling, either. He shook his head. “You two are sickening, ya know that? First, I had to listen to him tell me how great you are.” My knees got weak and I tightened my grip on Sean’s hand. “And now I have to watch you have some sort of orgasmic experience as I tell you about it.” We laughed.
“I’m sorry. You shocked me with that. How—when—why did you talk to Ethan?” I couldn’t figure it out.
“Don’t get mad,” he said.
I raised my eyebrows at him. Then I was really curious.
“I gave my card to Dana and Jo and asked them to give it to him. I wanted to talk to him about you. I wanted to check him out, make sure he had your best interests in mind. I knew he was upset with you and hadn’t answered your email. I had to make sure he was good enough for you.” He winked and smiled.
“He’s amazing, isn’t he?” I sighed and looked dreamily up to the sky.
“He’s all right,” Sean joked.
I pulled his hand and led him to a bench in the sun. “Tell me everything. Is he still upset with me? What exactly did he say?”
“He’ll be here next week. He can answer all your questions then, in person.”
“What? He’s coming to visit me? Next week? On Sunday?” Poor Sean, he nodded, exasperated with all my questions. I smiled, put his arm around my shoulder, and nuzzled next to him.
“Sorry,” I said.
He squeezed me and kissed the top of my head. He was such a good friend. I’d never had a male friend like Sean. He understood me better than anyone did. He’d been to the darkest place, as I had, and he was a godsend to me and my recovery.
“How was your week? More ups? Or more downs?” I asked.
“It was good. I was worried about you for most of it, until I couldn’t take it anymore, so I came over and had a chat with Laura. Now I see how great you’re doing, and I’m very relaxed and content.” I peeked up at him. He had his face to the sun, head tilted back and eyes closed.
“You don’t know what it means to me that you came today,” I said.
“Yes, I do.” Again he squeezed me and kissed the top of my head.
“How long can you stay?”
“Until they kick me out.” He smiled.
We had lunch and played cards. Brynn came by after her mom left and we talked her into joining us. She taught us a fun card game and we told Sean about our trip to the beach. It was a great day and I didn’t want it to end. Brynn knew it was getting close, so she said goodbye to Sean and headed in.
“Ethan wants me to call him and let him know how you’re doing,” Sean said. “Is there anything you want me to tell him?” My mind raced. There were a million things I wanted to tell him.
“Uh…um…” I was thinking.
“Try to keep it clean, or at least PG-13.” He rolled his eyes. I was flustered.
“Tell him, uh, tell him to bring me another shirt.” I sighed at the thought of his scent.
“Jesus.” He put his face in his hands. “Don’t even tell me, I don’t want to know.”
I laughed. “It’s innocent, I promise.”
“Okay, I’ll tell him. Anything else?”
“Once Bitten, track nine.” It was one, of many, that reminded me of him.
“What?”
“Just tell him, he’ll get it.” I was happy with my choice.
“Okay. Whatever you’re doing in here, keep it up. Call me when you can, if you want.” He was shy all of a sudden.
“Stop it, I hate good-byes.” I grabbed him and hugged him hard. He held onto me just as tight. He still smelled fantastic, but not like Ethan. Ethan had a scent all his own, not from a bottle. I couldn’t wait for another of his shirts. The one I had was beginning to smell like me.
***
I worked out after dinner. Brynn joined me, so I didn’t do my usual routine with Ethan. She asked me about Sean. I think she had a little crush on him. Who wouldn’t? He was all that and a tub of Ben & Jerry’s. I’d have to ask him what he thought of her. They’d make a cute couple. We headed to our rooms for the night. I showered and got comfy in bed with my iPod. As the next song started, I closed my eyes. I was in Ethan’s arms in his kitchen.
Tesla – What You Give. “Ahh, dancing with you in my kitchen. I know it was probably cheesy to you, but it’s definitely one of my favorite moments. I was making you dinner, and you were in your spot on my countertop. If I could have moments like that with you every day, I’d never ask for anything more.”
It was one of my favorite moments, too. I loved how he recalled the simple moments. He was a romantic for sure. I was one lucky woman. I turned off my music and thought of Ethan until I fell asleep.
Chapter 18
Ethan
I stayed pretty focused at Saturday morning’s meeting. I’d been up to Sunset, which had become one of my favorite places while Gia was in California. I chuckled as Rose wen
t over the dress code again. She stressed the “ass cheeks must be at least fifty percent covered” rule for the third time that year. Poor Rose, she got so worked up over that.
Trey and I visited for a few minutes, but Dana was back at his place, so he was in a rush to get outta there. Lucky bastard. “I’ve got this,” I told him. “Go have fun.”
“Call me if you need me,” he said as he practically ran to the truck.
I hopped on the golf cart and headed to the arena. I checked in the beer and made rounds. The first band of the day was started by then, and everything was going smoothly. I walked backstage and visited with the new guy. He was having a hard time. He said he had some things back home that he shouldn’t have left, and he really needed to take care of them. I got the feeling he was talking about a girl, and I felt for him. He said he’d finish up the weekend, but was leaving on Monday. He apologized like crazy, but I assured him I was going to be fine. I wished him the best of luck. Shane caught up with me as I was leaving.
“Hey, Ethan, I haven’t had a chance to talk to you since last weekend, but I wanted to thank you for being my wingman. I know you weren’t really up for it.”
I patted him on the shoulder. “No problem, Shane. It wasn’t so bad. I just had some personal stuff goin’ on and I could only do so much.”
“Well, I hope you got it all worked out. Thanks again.” He turned to head back to work.
“Hey, Shane…” I stopped him. “If you’re still interested in the Entertainment Manager position, it’s yours.”
“What?” His eyes grew big, along with his smile.
“The new guy decided to move back home. He’s leaving on Monday, can you start then?”
He shook my hand enthusiastically. “Yes, Ethan—thank you!” He was a good kid.
I’d just about made it back to my place when I ran into Bridget and her friends. I could’ve gone the entire weekend without bumping into her and it would’ve been fine with me.
“Hey, Ethan, thanks so much for the passes.” She grabbed my arm and held onto me as she introduced me to all her friends. I was uncomfortable with the way she rubbed her chest against my bicep. What the hell is wrong with her? Isn’t she married?
“Nice to meet you ladies,” I told them. I turned to face Bridget. “How’s Mr. Evans doing?” I asked. That ought to shut her up and get her tits off me.
“Oh, he’s good,” she said, not letting go of me. What a bitch.
“I’ve got work to do. Have fun.” I turned and tried to get back on the cart, but she was right there, not letting go.
“Maybe later we could have a drink together,” she said quietly. “You know, for old times’ sake.”
“No, Bridget, I don’t think that’s gonna happen since you’re married and I have a girlfriend, but thanks for the offer.”
Her eyes turned cold and she licked her dark red lips. “Oh, that’s right, you’re seeing Gia. It’s a shame about her taking her little vacation right when the firm is so busy.” I wanted her to shut her mouth about Gia. “Thankfully, I have a friend who just moved to town and was looking for a job. She’s been a lifesaver to the firm, covering for Gia. She really wants a permanent position there, and from what I hear from Ken, she fits in perfectly.” I couldn’t believe her.
“What are you doing, Bridget? Has it gotten so bad for you that you have to blackmail men into having a drink with you?” She was shocked that I’d called her on it. She looked around, embarrassed, making sure no one could hear us.
“Did I mention my friend is also looking for a place to stay? When Ken and I reached out to help Gia, we didn’t intend for it to be a permanent handout, just until she got on her feet. I guess some people need a little nudge to get their shit together, huh?” Fucking bitch.
“You’re just a stone cold bitch, aren’t you, Mrs. Evans? I wonder what Mr. Evans would think of this conversation.”
“Mr. Evans would think whatever I told him to think, just like he’ll do when I explain to him why Ms. Stone has overstayed her welcome.” She raised her brow at me and spun around to rejoin her friends.
I was dumbfounded. There was no way she was that cruel. I considered taking their VIP passes and having them thrown out, but then the wrath of Bridget would be on Gia for sure. I had to leave it alone and hope she was bluffing.
I went home and had something to eat. I booked my flight to California. It was gonna be a long week. I had to keep busy, so I left the house and didn’t head back home until the last concert was done. I had hoped for a call from Sean, but one never came.
“Hey, Ethan, have you reconsidered that drink yet?” Bridget had come up behind me.
“Get the fuck away from me, Bridget. Can’t you see I’m not interested?” I wasn’t in the mood to beat around the bush.
“Poor little Ms. Stone,” I hated when she called Gia that. “She’ll wonder what in the world she did wrong. You know, a few years back you didn’t seem to mind having a drink with me. In fact, you didn’t seem to mind fucking my brains out, either. I happen to have some Viagra with me, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
I got right up in her face. “Viagra wouldn’t even make my dick hard if it meant I had to put it into you, Mrs. Evans.” That shut her up. I backed away from her and noticed Dana and Trey walking up from behind the Chevy, where they’d heard everything.
Dana walked right up to Bridget and punched her in the face. Fuck! They jumped together and it took all the strength Trey and I had to pull them apart. They were yelling shit at each other and we had quite the scene. I called for backup on my Walkie, and Mike was there in no time. I handed Bridget over to him and asked him to get her back to her campsite.
“Bridget, if you leave that site before nine o’clock tomorrow morning, you and your clan will be kicked out of the campground and The Lock. Do you understand me?” She nodded and so did Mike.
“Nice right hook,” I told Dana.
“She should have a good shiner tomorrow,” Trey added. We all chuckled, but knew it could be a bad situation in the near future. We chatted for a bit. I filled them in on what had happened earlier. We decided we’d figure it out later, and headed off to bed. I undressed and brushed my teeth in record time. When my face hit Gia’s pillow, I relaxed.
When I awoke on Sunday morning, I was anxious to get a move on. I knew I’d hear from Sean one way or another later. I got a lot done, and just as the last concert of the day was finishing up, I headed home. I showered, had some dinner, and was watching the news when Sean called.
“So, did you get in?” I was anxious to know everything.
“I did, and you’ll be happy to know that she’s doing great.” I breathed a sigh of relief.
“Did you tell her what I said?” I had to know if she was interested.
“Yes. It made her cry. She can’t wait to talk to you and see you.” I sighed again.
“How did she look? Is she eating and sleeping?”
“Ethan, relax. She looked amazing. She said she’s been working out like crazy, eating really healthy, and they took a group trip to the beach yesterday, so she had a great tan. We spent the whole afternoon together. Her therapy is going well, she said, and she’s made some friends. She thinks she’ll get her phone Wednesday or Thursday, I’m sure you’ll be her first call.” I closed my eyes and leaned my head back on the couch. A weight had been lifted from me.
“Sean, thank you so much. You don’t even know what a relief I’m feeling right now.”
“I told her you’d be waiting for my call, and asked if there was anything she wanted me to tell you.”
I sprung straight up. “And?”
“She said to tell you to bring her another shirt, and Once Bitten, track nine. I gotta go, man, I’m late for work. I’ll talk to ya later.”
I yanked open my CD cabinet and searched for my Great White CD. My heart was racing. I knew whatever was on track nine was a message from Gia. I practically ripped the cabinet apart. I wished I was as organized as Gia, and
had them in alphabetical order. I found it and quickly had it in the player. I skipped to track nine and listened carefully.
It was “Save Your Love.” I replayed it, several times. I loved it. I’d heard it many times before, but never really listened to the words. It filled me up and made me smile. Sean said she cried when he told her that I was proud of her and that I loved her. He was sure I’d be her first call. I’d give anything to hold her right now. I’d be counting down the days. When my head hit her pillow, I grinned. She wanted another shirt. She must be wearing mine out. Maybe she’ll give me a new pillowcase. I drifted off and slept like a baby.
Chapter 19
Gia
The second week started off great. I knew the routine and was working hard to get the most out of it. The anticipation I felt about getting my phone and email back was almost too much to bear at times. I had to focus on my daily work to keep my sanity. My sessions with Laura were easier after getting through the stuff with Lex the first week. She did, however, mention that we were going to go back to that later. I didn’t understand why. We’d pretty much covered it and I’d forgiven him, so I was ready to move on. We’d moved on to talking about depression.
Laura kept repeating to me, “Depression is anger turned inward.” She said our goal was to uncover the reasons for the depression, or where the anger came from, and eliminate that anger. She said I suffered from situational depression as a result of events in my life, unlike a small percentage of people who suffer because of a chemical imbalance in the brain. It was interesting, and she said that we were making good progress.
When I awoke on Thursday morning, I jumped out of bed immediately. I knew I was getting my phone back that day, and I wanted to get going. I didn’t have free personal time until three o’clock, so it was a long day. I had butterflies when I finished my workout and headed to my room. When I opened the door, there it was on my bed. My phone and internet code!
I didn’t waste one second. I scrolled down to ‘Your biggest fan,’ and pushed call.
Total Control (Losing Control Series Book 3) Page 19