Uncorked

by Rebecca Rohman

  Since then, she had trusted no one until that moment. Maybe this was the beginning of her leaving the past behind.

  Mitch wrapped his arms around her, comforted her.

  “There’s so much more, Mitch,” she said, pulling away. “After I ended the relationship, he stalked me for years. He threatened me and told me that if I ever tried to press charges against him, he’d kill both my parents and me. I didn’t have enough proof, and the prosecutor didn’t believe there was enough evidence to prove my case, so they dropped the charges. I haven’t been in another serious relationship since. He’s scared away anyone who has ever shown interest in me. He says if he can’t have me no one will.”

  “Chell, I’m so sorry. You have my support. Have you seen this guy recently?”

  “Yes. The same day we went on the boat tour, I saw him when we were leaving the restaurant. I think he saw me getting into your car.”

  “Look, Chell, the last thing I want you to do is worry about me where this Aaron guy is concerned. Once I know who he is, I’ll be fine. Trust me, I can defend myself. And Sweetie, this may be of no consolation, but we’re not talking marriage or children yet. All I’d like to do is date you and get to know you better. I really do appreciate you telling me, though.”

  “I get that, but you realize it’s an awkward conversation to have. At what point in a relationship am I supposed to lay this kind of heavy drama out on an unsuspecting date? All the other guys backed off when Aaron approached them. I have no idea what he told any of them. After a few times, it became too stressful to date. He stalked me to the point that I had to change my address and phone number. I’ve moved so many times since my parents died, which explains why I choose to live here. In the event he finds me again, I pack a few suitcases and move on. I sold my car so he wouldn’t be able to track my routine. Apparently it finally worked, because I haven’t heard from him in the last year and a half.”

  “Do you realize it’s been ten years and you tailor everything around this guy?” asked Mitch. “Have you been to the police?”

  “I got a restraining order against him, but he followed me around from the hundred-yard distance. That’s why I changed my address on several occasions. Moving was a task in the event that he had been watching, or sent anyone to watch me. Life hasn’t been easy, but since I sold my car and moved this last time, at least I’ve had a little peace of mind. Inconvenient, but it keeps me safe, and I’ve really loved living here, too. It’s pretty, and everything I need is close by.”

  “Chell, don’t ever be afraid to call me if anything happens. You need to put a stop to this guy once and for all. Don’t let him continue to run your life.”

  “It’s funny. I feel like I’ve just lifted the world off my shoulders. I feel so much better now that I’ve told you. All these years I was too embarrassed to tell Vicky and Kacy. They know something happened, but they are clueless on the details. I know they would have supported me, but I just never had the strength to tell them or any of the guys I dated—not that it ever went beyond more than a couple of dates.”

  “Would you like to go for a drive? Get some fresh air?”

  “Sure, just let me change into a sweater.”

  The drive lightened up things a bit. The air was clean, the breeze was cool and soft music in the background added to the great ambience. Chella thought of how well Mitch had responded to the situation, and the comfort he had given her. It was a great feeling to know that she might be able to have a normal relationship, or maybe just a friendship, with a guy. She thought of all they could possibly do together, all the fun they’d have. She didn’t think that Mitch was flawless and it would be a fairy tale ride, but anything would be an improvement over Aaron or any of the guys who seemed to obey him when he gave his threats.

  Mitch had a totally different personality from any of these guys. He had a strong head on his shoulders, he knew and did what he wanted, he was confident, and he would not let Aaron or anyone brainwash or railroad him into making any wayward decisions.

  I like him. I really like him. He’s the sort of man I would probably spend my life with someday. I wonder what he looks like under that sweater. Get a hold of yourself Chella. Be present.

  “Mitch, thank you for all your support. It means the world to me.”

  “Chell, you confided in me. You could have told anybody, but I’m glad you shared it with me. Feel better?”

  “Yeah, I had no idea that just sharing this with someone could feel so liberating. Thanks.”

  “That was a heavy load to carry alone for so many years. It was time to release it.” He replied. Chella had not had these feelings in years. It certainly felt good to know there was someone she could talk to, someone to share with, possibly someone to hug and hold. At least she hoped that this is what their friendship would turn into.

  “I’m hungry,” she said. “Let’s get a pizza or something then go home.”

  “Sure. Whose home?”

  “I really don’t care.”

  They got pizza and headed for Mitch’s penthouse. It was midnight, but neither of them cared. Movies, pizza, and Chella’s favorite champagne made for a perfect night. They laughed until they cried, ate until they were full, drank until they were tipsy and fell asleep on the couch in each other’s arms.

  Morning came and Chella awoke to the smell of fresh coffee. Mitch was nowhere in sight. After a quick stretch, she headed to the bathroom to tidy up. She grabbed her small travel toothbrush and toothpaste out of her purse. After cleaning up in the bathroom, she returned to the living room. Mitch was in the kitchen.

  He wore grey sweatpants and nothing else. His hair was still wet from a shower. He looked ten times better shirtless than she imagined–the perfect specimen of a man. Sneaking up from behind him, she said quietly, “Anything I can help with?”

  “A kiss would be nice,” Mitch said as he turned around to face her. He looked into her eyes. She enclosed her arms around his neck and tiptoed to reach his lips. His skin was damp and his aftershave intoxicated her. His lips were soft against hers. He kissed with intensity, desire, and he lifted her onto the granite countertop so he could easily capture her lips. He encircled her face, deepening the kiss, as she pulled him towards her body. He took her into his arms, giving her a warm embrace. Pulling away from her hold, he looked into her eyes and said, “Well, good morning to you, too.”

  “I’ve been dying to be kissed like that for a long time.”

  “Kissing gets better with time,” he responded, pleasuring her lips with his again.

  “You know sleeping in your arms certainly adds a new dimension to the word sleep. I haven’t been so relaxed in years.” She had gotten used to sleeping with one eye open, and she’d usually get up several times throughout the night. Being in his arms gave her a sense of security. She couldn’t even remember falling asleep, and she had slept straight through the night.

  “Feel free to make it a habit,” he replied with an encouraging smile. “Come on. I’ve made breakfast. Let’s eat out on the patio.”

  As they sat to eat, she smiled and looked directly at him and said, “I just want to really thank you, for last night.”

  He looked at her, kissed her hand and smiled.

  They returned to Chella’s suite later that day.

  Chella said, “I ordered some dinner last night but never got around to eating it. We can have it for lunch?”

  “Sure, sounds great. Want some help?”

  “No, but you can come keep me company.”

  “Sure.”

  “Do you like sushi and sashimi?”

  “I love it.”

  Mitch sat across the kitchen counter as she pulled the container out of the paper bag. Something fell out of the bag in front of him.

  “What’s that? The bill?” she asked as she continued to plate the food.

  “No, it’s a playing card. The Ace of Spades from the Bellagio. How did that get in there?”

  “What?” The container in her hand dro
pped to the floor. She brought her trembling hand to her face. Closing her eyes, she leaned against the refrigerator door. Seconds later, she hyperventilated.

  “Chella, what’s wrong?” Mitch asked, running toward her. She didn’t answer him, but her labored breathing got worse. He grabbed the paper bag from the countertop. By then she was down to the floor. He sat in front of her, lifting the bag to her face.

  “Relax… just breathe into the bag… calm down…breathe… breathe… you’re going to be fine, just try to relax.”

  Slowly she calmed down and pulled the bag away. Mitch helped her to her feet and walked her to the nearby sofa. He poured her a glass of water and sat next to her.

  “Tell me what’s wrong.”

  “It’s him.”

  “Who?”

  “My ex, Aaron. This is exactly the kind of thing he did years ago.”

  “How are you so sure it’s from him?”

  “He used to be an ace playing poker, so his friends called him Ace. Besides, that’s his M.O. I’ve gotten them before. Oh my God, this means he knows where I live. I have to get out of here.” She quickly ran into the bedroom and began pulling suitcases from the closet.

  Mitch followed. “Chella.”

  She ignored his call, completely preoccupied by her thoughts.

  “Chella, stop!” Mitch shouted, trying to get her attention.

  “What?”

  “We need to call the police. You need to get them involved in this. Calm down for a minute.”

  “I’m so tired of going through this. I just want it to stop.”

  “Then you need to call the police.”

  She sat at the edge of the bed and dialed the police. Fifteen minutes later one uniformed officer was in her suite bagging the evidence and a detective was asking her questions. She relayed the events over the last twenty-four hours, giving him details.

  “You say you’ve filed more than one restraining order?” asked Detective Carter.

  “Yes, I have copies of all of them here.” She replied, pulling a massive binder out of a nearby drawer. It was organized by year, with supporting documents, pictures of things Aaron had left her in the past, and copies of letters and emails.

  Mitch looked at her wide-eyed but said nothing.

  “Ms. Noon, how long has this been going on?”

  “About ten years.”

  “And when was the last time you heard from Mr. Stewart?”

  “I saw him watching me from a distance about a year and eight months ago. I sold my car so he wouldn’t be able to track me down. Early in December, I saw him from a distance again, but I wasn’t certain he saw me.”

  “Where did you see him?”

  “My friend here, Mitch, and I were leaving a restaurant on the bay front when I saw him across the street. At first, his back was to me, but then he turned around. I quickly got in the car. That’s why I’m not certain he saw me.”

  “By any chance, do you remember what time that was?”

  “Yes. We were on our way to a boat tour that departed at 1:45 p.m., so I’d say it was anywhere between 1:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

  As the detective perused through the binder, he asked, “How many times have you moved?”

  “Seven.”

  Both Mitch and the detective looked at her in shock.

  “He’s dangerous. I don’t take chances.”

  “You shouldn’t. I’m heading to the restaurant to see what other information I can find out, check their surveillance cameras, that sort of thing. I’ll be back in a while.”

  “Thanks, detective,” said Chella.

  Mitch made her a cup of tea, and as she sat on the couch drinking it, he cleaned up the food that had fallen on her kitchen floor. The police had taken samples of it to the lab, advising them against consuming it. Mitch threw out the rest.

  He sat next to her on the sofa. “Do you feel better?”

  “I knew this would happen. If you know what’s good for you, you’d stay away from me. It’s just a matter of time before he approaches you.”

  “Chella, I don’t care about that. I’m not afraid of him.”

  “Well, maybe you should be. He’s dangerous and that means if you’re in my life, you will be in danger.”

  “That’s a chance I’m willing to take. You keep saying he’s dangerous—and you’re right—but this seems like so much more. What did he do to you?”

  “I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “Chella, I’m here for you.”

  “Why are you doing this?”

  “Why won’t you trust me?”

  She stared at him for a second unable to answer. A knock sounded on the door. Detective Carter had returned.

  “I hate to tell you this, but it looks like you were right. We reviewed the camera footage from the restaurant last evening, and a man can be seen slipping something into your bag. We can’t see his face, but we printed out some images. Is this him?”

  She studied the four images the detective spread out over her dining table.

  “It’s him. His hair is longer, but I’m certain it’s him. If you magnify his hand you’ll see a tattoo—the Ace of Spades.”

  “I think it would be best if you don’t stay here over the next few days.”

  “That’s fine because I’ll be moving. If I can help it, I won’t be staying one more night here.”

  “So what’s next? Are you going to arrest him?” Mitch asked.

  “We will be issuing a warrant for his arrest, but right now we can’t seem to find a current address for him. We’re going to open an investigation, and hopefully we’ll be able to track him down soon. So for now, be vigilant, be aware of your surroundings and please don’t hesitate to call me if you notice anything off.”

  “I don’t know where I’ll be, but you can reach me on my cellphone.”

  “Great, I’ll be in touch.”

  “Thanks, Detective.” Mitch escorted Detective Carter to the door.

  Mitch glanced at Chella when they were alone and said,

  “Why don’t you stay with me for the next few days until the police are able to track him down?”

  “No. Thank you, but I can’t do that.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I barely know you.”

  “You know me well enough, Chella. Please let me help you.”

  “This isn’t your problem. I need to pack and get out of here.”

  “Chella, you’d be my guest. We don’t have to share a bed. I have a guest room, remember?”

  “I appreciate you wanting to help, but we can’t see each other. Last night was a mistake.”

  His piercing eyes widened and turned deep green at her response, “How can you say that?”

  “Look, Mitch, I can’t do this right now. Please leave. I have to pack.”

  “Don’t push me away.”

  “I can’t think straight with you here.”

  “I’ll go, but promise me you’ll call and let me know you’re okay. Please.”

  “Fine. Thanks for everything,” she replied, escorting him to the door.” He kissed her lightly on her cheek then pulled her into a warm embrace.

  “Remember, I’m here if you need me. Even if it’s just to talk.”

  “Okay.”

  She closed the door behind him, making sure to fasten the chain and safety lock, double-checked it a second and third time, and closed all the draperies in the space.

  She returned to her room and packed six large suitcases. After a quick shower, she dressed and slipped the rest of her personal belongings in her bag. She called the concierge and had them send someone over to pick up her luggage. She sent her luggage ahead of time to the hotel where she would temporarily be staying until she could make more permanent arrangements. She waited two hours, then headed to the hotel herself. If she was being watched, nothing would appear out of the norm if she left with no baggage.

  This move had been difficult for Chella. It was the place where she felt most comfortable and had
lived at the longest. She knew the staff by name and even a little personal information about some, their kid’s names and stories, and now she had to leave without saying goodbye.

  She couldn’t stop thinking about Mitch either, the night before she had trusted him with some of the most personal and painful details of her past, he had been a great friend, but she did not want her issues to bring problems into his life. All these years ago Aaron had threatened to kill her parents. She would not put it past him to try to get to her by hurting the people she cared about, especially if he could not get to her. After she was certain he saw her getting into Mitch’s car, she knew he’d be a target. Besides, it could not be too difficult finding a person who drove a Jaguar XKR Coupe, especially because of the color. It was not the most common car on the streets.

  Mitch stepped out of the shower and glanced at his watch. It was almost seven in the evening, and he still had not heard from Chella. It bothered him that she thought their previous night together was a mistake. Every time he felt he had made progress with her, something would happen, and he found himself taking two steps back. He was tempted to call her. To say he was torn about what he should do was an understatement.

  He wanted to be there for her, but she kept pushing him away. If he was too persistent, she might have felt he was coming on too strong and backed away completely, like a reminder of her stalker ex. But for him, leaving her alone to fend for herself wasn’t an acceptable option. He could not ignore her problem and pretend like it did not exist. If something were to happen to her, especially now that she had told him her fears and her history, he would not be able to live with himself. To make matters worse, he had a feeling that he had only gotten to the tip of the iceberg. He knew there was more she hadn’t told him. He was one of only a handful of people, if not the only person, in a position to help.

  His thoughts were interrupted when his cell phone rang. He was relieved to see Chella’s name appear on the screen.