by J H Cardwell
John stared at me, his brows knit together like he was really scrutinizing my plan. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and punched in a number. Never taking his eyes off of mine, he told the person on the other end to clear us for a landing at the San Diego airport as soon as possible. He seemed to listen for a few moments, then he said the departure was in 45 minutes from now.
When he hung up, he stared at me for a few moments. “Your wish is my command sweetheart.” What? I’ve never had anyone do just what I asked them to do. Especially something this big.
“O-okay. Um, let me call Reese before you stop the world from turning and make sure she and Elle are home, and not at an away game or anything. I mean you know that could be the case, they could be…”
“Chloe, just call her okay?” John had a half grin on his face.
After reaching Reese, she was surprised but ecstatic I was so nearby. Of course, she had no idea I would be pulling up in a limo with John, and I wasn’t about to share that little tidbit now. She said the guys were at an away game and that they were all three – three meaning Elle, her and Ty – home. She would have coffee and donuts ready for my arrival. Little did she know she might need tequila instead…even if it was only 9am in California.
The whole way there I was zoned out. It wasn’t until I felt John squeeze my hand that I really came to. I wondered what was going through his head. Would he be wishing things were different for him and Reese again? Why was I suddenly jealous, and of one of my best friends too? My emotions were so scattered! Had I betrayed Reese? What had I done?!
“Chloe? I thought I had you back, but it seems you checked out again.” He said with a light laugh. He turned to me, our knees crossed together. “Hey. This is all my fault. I will take total blame, but I get what might be going through your head. Elle and Reese will be shocked and I can imagine, well, I’m not really sure what Reese will feel.” He looked off to the side to gather his thoughts. “I will always love her in my own way, but we have to look out for each other now, you and me.”
“I know we do, but I’ll always look out for her and for my friends. I can’t just turn my back on them now that I’m…temporarily married John. I love them, I do. Reese will be hurt and confused by this, and so will Maura and Elle.”
He couldn’t argue that. Deep down, he knew Reese loved him and probably part of her always would…as would he. I couldn’t help but shutter thinking about how no one will ever have his whole heart. What am I saying, no one will ever have my whole heart…not even a wedge of it.
**
Once our plane landed, I asked John to please drop me off at Reese’s front door and drive around a while until I texted him to come back for me. I needed time to prepare Reese without just showing up with John. He agreed, although hesitantly.
No sooner had I closed the car door, did Reese open hers with a giant grin on her face. “Chloe! Girl, I have missed you!” She came running for me, but stopped just short of throwing her arms around my neck. “Chloe?” This girl knows me. She knows I would have normally had a smart-ass remark by now. She knows I would not normally be pulling up in a limo.
“Reese.” I stepped into her arms and hugged her tight. I had missed my dear friend. Part of the glue that held me together most of my tween and teen years. Before I knew it, I was crying. My shoulders were shaking and she was scared to death, I could hear it in her gasp.
“Oh Chloe. What it is? It has to be bad for this kind of reaction. Come inside. Elle will be over in a second. Ty’s napping in his room. Oh Chloe.” I couldn’t talk, there was a large ball of what felt like barb wire stuck in my throat.
Once we got inside I started looking around at pictures. I needed to see my sweet baby boy’s face. Peace. That’s what I needed. To know how happy Reese was with Tate and Ty. Although John and I weren’t really in love, they were all supposed to believe we were. Everyone knows there’s a code about ex’s and I certainly had just broken it.
“Now, for starters, what was that limo all about? And, why are you in California, unannounced no less? And, the tears Chloe, explain the tears.” There was nothing but pure concern in her voice.
I was looking at the last picture on the mantle when Reese walked up to me with a cup of coffee. Taking a sip, I closed my eyes, letting out a small sigh. Coffee was supposed to be used to jack you up, but I needed the warm liquid to soothe my spirit just now. I didn’t get a chance to speak, because in flew Elle, running straight for me. No words, just a quick hug, then she grabbed my arms, leaning back she stared at me. Her quiet glare was unnerving.
“Well? Did you spill it yet?” Elle looked from me to Reese. “Did YOU tell Reese why you just happened to be traveling around Las Vegas with John?” Oh shit. Here goes.
There was a long pause and confusion written all over Reese’s face. “Wait. Was that his limo? John brought you here? What in the world Chloe? Is he okay? Are YOU okay?!” She was still standing in one place, riddled with awe.
I set my cup down and started pacing. “Okay,” I glanced at Elle. “I’m guessing you talked with Maura.” Just saying her name made me want to cry. Would any of them ever trust me again? I was wondering again, what had I done? I stopped real quick, asking Elle for her phone, I dialed Maura to FaceTime her. I couldn’t keep her in the dark any longer. Might as well tell them all at the same time. “Maura?” She was getting ready to go off on me, I could tell so I blurted out real quick. “I’m here with Elle and Reese. I need you to hear what I have to say. I’m sorry I haven’t called until now. I miss you.” Whew. That was a mouthful.
Everyone was quiet. It was eerie and I didn’t like it, but it was time.
Wringing my hands, I began. “Okay. I know Maura, you filled them in on my stupid accident a little over a week ago where John took me to the emergency room.” She was agreeing, as Elle and Reese were slowly shaking their heads. “Well, I was so angry at John still for all that he put you through last year Reese, and for taking me back to his place after my, er, my fall.” I paused to look at them again to make sure they were still with me. They didn’t flinch. “But, by the time he brought me home, I was…well, I was forgiving him in my mind. In fact,” I stopped pacing and started speaking softer. “I, well, I started falling for him.”
This was where the rubber met the road. I knew I would get an ear full. I sucked in a deep breath, and before I could release it, they were all going off, talking at once. Everyone that is, except Reese, who was standing there staring at me. I stopped pacing and walked up to her.
“I didn’t mean for it to happen. I…I never meant to fall for anyone, much less John; but it just happened.” I cringed. I was repeating myself already. It could only go downhill fast from here. “In fact, we realized we were so in love, that we went to Las Vegas this weekend and” I turned around. I couldn’t look at her when I said the next three words. “We got married.” I felt like I was going to pass out. This was too hard. I felt like I should duck. I just knew Reese would throw a vase or something at me. I would have.
Turning back around, I looked at the phone first to see Maura, then at Elle, and last at Reese. Her mouth was clamped shut and her eyes were glazed, obviously trying hard to hide her emotions. “You’re lying Chloe.” I was ready to show her the ring, until she said, “You don’t love him. I know you. You don’t love him. You don’t love anyone. You can’t love, remember?” The last part was a challenge. I knew she was angry now. I knew she was hurt. I never knew she would hurt me back so quickly.
Chapter 17
I cringed as the truth rang out. Elle and Maura were still quiet. As much as we were a team, I could tell now this was a battle, of sorts, between Reese and me. I was trembling and suddenly so alone. I had done this to myself, again. I was pushing everyone away.
I picked up Elle’s cell phone and stared at Maura. “Do you remember that Instagram you posted the night I went to the club with Mel? You know, the picstitch of the four of us?” There was a confused look on her face. I set the phone back dow
n and started pacing, staring at the floor. “Well, that was just the breeze that pushed me over the edge. I saw the picture of each of you happy and…attached. Then there was me, alone. I freaked. I drank myself in to oblivion and well…you know the rest of the story.”
I waited. I wanted to say more, but my voice choked up. I turned around, pleading through my eyes with each of them. Elle was the first to speak.
“Chloe, I’m sorry you felt so alone. I truly am. But…you can’t blame anyone but yourself. You’ve shut everyone off, closed your heart to any type of emotion, until now.” She whispered the last part. I shut my eyes tight. I not only married John, I lied to them about my feelings. I’m a true traitor.
I sniffed hard, and rolled my shoulders back. Movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. John was standing at the door, his hands in his pockets. I wanted to run into his arms. Strangely, that was the only place I had felt any comfort recently – except for in the arms of my friends…my best friends. I flashed my eyes to look at Maura. She was looking down, wiping her eyes. When I pulled my eyes back to John, I found his glare locked on Reese’s. She was breathing heavy, and staring right at him. She turned quickly, storming into the study near the kitchen. John glanced at me, and then followed Reese.
I looked at Elle. She had a worried expression, but didn’t make a move to come towards me. My shoulders slumped forward, and I literally ran to the car. By the time I slid in the seat, I was sobbing. Me…crying my heart out. This could only mean one thing - I DID have enough heart left to break.
I’m not sure how long I sat in the car before John returned. He opened the door, his face red and hair tousled. I’m sure he spent the last few minutes running his hand through his shiny, dark locks. He didn’t speak, but the car took off. I wanted so badly to look at my friends to see if they had come out for me, but I didn’t. I stared at the floor, until uncontrollable cries took over my body. I slid close to the door and leaned my head on the frame. I was alone - again.
Within moments I felt warm hands encircling my waist as John was pulling me onto his lap. I resisted momentarily until I glanced in his damp eyes. Had he been crying too? Most likely over Reese. That hit me while I was down again. Before long, I would be so battered and bruised…broken for good.
“I’m sorry. This is my fault. I should have found someone else Chloe. I shouldn’t have brought you into this. I knew better, I did. Now look, I’ve hurt the people that matter the most to me. I’ve hurt Reese,” John turned my face up to meet his, “and I’ve hurt you.” Our eyes locked on each other’s and I felt the now familiar jolt. I quickly looked away. John was right, not only had I betrayed my friends, I was betraying my heart…the one that was supposed to be as hard as stone. There was still one person that didn’t know…Brett. I would lose him too. My shoulders were shaking again. John pulled me into a hug, “Oh God Chloe, I’m so sorry.”
“Why did you have to come in for me?! It doesn’t matter. I…I still have to tell Brett. When I’m done telling everyone the news that I’m married to you, I’ll…I’ll have no one left.” I couldn’t continue, I clamped my mouth shut and buried my head in his chest. How could I be so stupid? Was it the money? Surely I wasn’t that shallow. Was it – more? I’m afraid the answer to that was yes. I’m afraid it’s always been more with John. Why? Why John? Before I could think of an answer, he was gently rubbing my back.
Letting out a deep sigh, John said, “I came in for you because you left your phone in the car. I was worried about you.” He lifted my chin so my eyes would meet his again. “Let’s just get this marriage annulled. I’m sure we could do that quickly. This whole thing will be forgotten and behind you in no time, Chloe. I can’t stand the thought of you hurting this much because of me.”
I leaned back and looked at him. Sniffling I said, “You know the damage has already been done John. The feelings have been hurt, that can’t ever be taken back. This is the story of my life. I’ll shake it off, and start over. I’m tough, don’t worry about me. The one lifelong lesson I learned from my dad was to turn the other cheek.” I managed a dry laugh. “Who knew I had so many cheeks?” I blushed at this. John’s hands brushed over my backside and squeezed one of those cheeks.
“Surely you took a lesson on love from your mom Chloe? You told me how caring and comforting she was when you were young. That’s deep within you too. I know it is. You know it too, or all of this wouldn’t hurt so much.”
I thought about what he said for a long moment. “I wish I knew how to find that, that type of comfort John. Unfortunately, my dad took any of that from me. He took all of my mama with him. I got nothing.” I looked down, scared I would break down again
“If I could find your dad, I would beat some sense into him – make him listen to how bad he damaged you, how much he took from you.” John squeezed me back up against him again. This was a strange feeling, the feeling of being wrapped in protection. As he started rubbing my back, I slowly started to relax. The emotions of the day had already worn me out. That is, until I felt John plant a warm kiss on the side of my head. Then another soft, warm kiss beside my ear. He hugged me tight again, my heart racing. The crazy part was I felt his heart racing too. What was happening here? Before I could analyze it further, we were pulling up to San Diego International Airport around the private plane entrance. This was still surreal to me. No waiting, we boarded the plane and before I knew it, we were headed to North Carolina…where not only would we have to face John’s parents; it’s where my last friendship as I knew it would end – Brett.
Chapter 18
Charlotte Douglas International Airport had never been so easy to navigate. I couldn’t believe the difference money and a personal jet could make. Who knew this was really how the small percentage of ridiculously wealthy folks lived?
John was holding my hand as he led me out to the parking lot where his driver, Gill, was waiting on us. “There’s something I should have told you.” He cleared his throat. “I had all of your belongings moved to my penthouse while we were gone. I was waiting on you to tell Maura before I did, so it should all be there when we arrive.” I was in shock. I closed my eyes tightly before I spoke.
“You…you should have okayed that with me John!” I dropped his hand and jumped in front of him, shoving his chest. His sly grin told me I was amusing him. “I wanted to talk with Maura. I wanted to sort through my things and leave what I would need for my final two semesters. After all, I’ll need to stay on campus for the fall classes – at least during the week.”
His smile dropped. “We talked about this Chloe. I found out you can finish all of your classes on-line, along with a few off-site events, for the final credits needed for your communications degree.” We started walking again, climbing in the car, and ‘discussing’ our living arrangements and my school the entire way to his, er, our home. We were still having an intense discussion about it as we walked into the elevator and even as we got off of it.
The next I knew, I was being swept into John’s strong arms, taking my breath away and causing a winded yelp to come from me. “Can we stop arguing long enough for me to properly carry my bride over the threshold?” John said with a sexy grin.
“Well, when you put it that way, be my guest, husband.” My heart sank a little at our jest. I knew this was all short lived. I didn’t want to think about what shambles I would be left with when it was all said and done.
“It’s kind of strange for all of the lights to be off.” John said in a deep, slow voice. “Hmmm? I know my housekeeper couldn’t have left too long ago from putting away your clothes.” John set me down, and I tripped over a small statue in the floor.
“What the?”
I laughed. “I’ve got a lot to learn about your place John. I’ll be tripping around here for days.”
“Our place Chloe, and that shouldn’t be there.” He was whispering as he turned to me putting his finger over his lips. The shadow of John’s serious look had my heart-rate suddenly escalating.
Was he worried someone was in the house? He motioned for me to stay put, and trust me, he couldn’t have drug me from my spot. Well maybe, but I wasn’t moving voluntarily.
As he walked a little further into the still dark room, I heard a loud thump and saw the shadow of John stumbling, actually falling hard backwards. I screamed and got on my hands and knees looking for a lamp to turn on and for my phone. I finally found the cord that led to what I hoped was a lamp. I heard more scuffling. I could barely breathe. What was happening? Where was John’s security? Why wasn’t his alarm set? Turning the light on, I saw another guy wrestling with John. I fumbled for my phone, but dropped it and accidently kicked it under the couch when I moved to reach for it. Shit! I grabbed the lamp, the only source of light in the room, and raised it to try to hit the perpetrator’s head straight on until John hollered “Chloe no!” Finally, the intruder turned around to see me, and John used that opportunity to tackle him hard from behind, crashing down on the living room side table. I finally caught view of who it was. Brett!
“Oh my God, Brett! What are you doing here? Stop! Stop!” He seemed to reluctantly relax underneath John’s grasp.
“You son of a bitch. Why did it have to be her? Why!?” He growled, twisting from side to side and breathing hard. He wasn’t offering to hit John again…at least for the time being.
“Chloe, turn the kitchen light on so we can see. I’m going to let you up man, but I don’t want to fight you.” When Brett didn’t make a move to argue that, John scurried up, never taking his eyes off of Brett’s face. Brett scooted up to a sitting position and put his face in his hands, and his elbows on his knees.
“Harrison told me, man.” Brett raised his face to look at John. “It’s not right.” He turned and looked at me. The lost look was enough to crumple me. “And you. You little bitch!”