Destiny Revealed (There's Always Tomorrow Book 2)

by Saperstein, M. D.

Vance swallows the lump of emotion in his throat and nods. Ryder moves in and hugs Vance next. “You look like you had a good night,” Vance murmurs quietly so that only Ryder can hear him.

  Ryder pulls back and smiles softly at him. “Shut the hell up, we'll talk about that later. Right now you need to tell me how Mike is,” he says, smile fading.

  “He's in surgery right now,” Vance says then looks around to Tripp and Dayne. “Did either of you call Melina?”

  Tripp nods. “I did; she's on her way over.”

  Vance sighs in relief. “Okay, good.” He needs her in his arms like yesterday.

  Ten minutes pass before the ER doors open and Melina comes rushing in. Vance is pacing back and forth. He turns back toward the sliding glass doors just as Melina races through them. Vance freezes and stares at her for a moment. When Melina's eyes meet his, she bursts into tears and runs for him. Vance scoops her up when she throws herself into his arms. She wraps her arms and legs around him and clings to him for dear life, sobbing against his neck.

  Vance smooths his hand over her long hair. “Shh, baby. I'm okay.”

  Melina lifts her face to look at him, tears running down her beautiful face. “Vance,” she whispers, her eyes searching his before she leans down and kisses him tenderly.

  Vance closes his eyes and sighs as Melina kisses him desperately. He can only imagine what went through her mind when Tripp called to tell her what happened. He knows that if it were the other way around, he probably would have been crying, too. Vance can't think about something bad happening to Melina; it puts him on the verge of a panic attack every time.

  Melina pulls away slowly. “I don’t know what I would do without you. I love you, Vance, so much,” she murmurs, her eyes still closed, her forehead pressed against his.

  Vance sags with relief that she does in fact really love him. “I love you, too. Shit, baby, you own me. I’m yours,” he gushes then kisses her again.

  It’s another hour before they hear from the doctor. Mike was really lucky; the bullet missed everything vital. They were able to take the bullet out and sew him up. He'll be out of the hospital in a few days, as long as he doesn't get an infection. Mike is in recovery still, and as soon as he is in a room, they will be able to see him.

  Big Mike and Anna are the first to visit with Mike. They asked for a moment alone with him, and everyone understood. They need that time together to break down with no one else watching.

  “Van, how you doing, buddy?” Tripp asks as they all stand in the hallway outside of Mike's room.

  Vance, who is leaning against the wall with one shoulder, looks up into the worried faces of his best friends and girlfriend. He gives them a slight nod. “I'll be better once I see Mike,” he says quietly.

  Vance's cell phone rings seconds later. It’s Lt. Adams. “Hey, Lou,” he answers.

  “Summers, any news?” Lt. Adams asks.

  “He's good, Sir. The bullet missed everything major and he should be out of here in a few days,” Vance says.

  Lt. Adams exhales as if he'd been holding his breath all morning. “Thank God,” he breathes. “I also called to tell you that we got the fucker who shot DiAngelo. Apparently, the three in the back car jacked the guys in the front after robbing a bank and were forcing them to drive them away from the scene.”

  Mike got shot because of a bank robbery, Vance muses. It’s like his past dream/coma is starting to catch up with his present reality. All of the moving parts are starting to piece together. What next? he worries. It can’t be anything good.

  “That makes sense as to why the guys up front seemed so nervous,” he responds to the news.

  “Yeah, but we got 'em. Tell Mike, alright?” Lt. Adams says.

  “Will do, Sir,” Vance replies then hangs up.

  Tripp, Dayne, and Ryder are looking at him expectantly. Vance lets a small smile play across his lips. “They caught the bastards.”

  The guys and Melina let out a little cheer and hug Vance. Big Mike and Anna come out of the room a few minutes later and Vance tells them the good news. Big Mike says that Mike wants to see Vance alone for a minute. Vance nods and opens the door to Mike's room. Once inside, he shuts it and starts over toward the bed.

  Mike is lying in the hospital bed, his eyes closed. He’s inclined so that he can sit up some. His normally tanned skin is pasty white. Tears immediately blur Vance's vision. The right side of Mike's neck has a big piece of gauze taped to it. Vance rubs his chest with his fist because his heart is just aching. Vance hears a ragged sob fill the room and doesn't realize it’s him until Mike opens his eyes to look at him.

  The relief Vance feels is overwhelming. He didn't realize how worried he was until this moment. Seeing Mike looking so weak and vulnerable has really opened his eyes to how scared he was of losing his best friend. He wonders if this is how the guys felt when he was the one lying in the hospital bed. When Vance reaches Mike's side, Mike grabs his shirt and pulls him into a fierce hug, both of them tucking their faces into each other's necks as they sob.

  “I thought I fuckin’ lost you, man,” Vance chokes, pulling back from Mike and swiping the tears off his face with his hand.

  “You saved my life,” Mike sniffs, wiping away his own tears.

  “You did the same for me. I wasn't gonna let you die,” Vance rasps, shaking his head at the thought.

  Mike nods “I know.”

  “Don’t fuckin’ do that to me again, asshole.” Vance chuckles.

  Mike laughs then groans and puts his hand to his neck. “Believe me; I have no desire to ever get shot again.”

  “The assholes are in custody. The guy that shot you, and his partners, carjacked the driver and passenger after robbing a bank,” Vance says.

  Mike nods but winces. “No shit, a bank robbery? What are the odds?” is all that he’s able to get out before a knock on the door sounds and Ryder pops his head in.

  “Can we come in?” he asks.

  Vance nods. Ryder, Dayne, Tripp, Xander, and Melina all walk in, shutting the door behind them. They all hug Mike, all a bit teary-eyed. They all just sit around and bullshit until Mike can no longer stay awake. They say their goodbyes, Vance being the last one.

  Vance gives Mike a hug. “I love you, Mikey,” he murmurs quietly.

  “Love you, too, Van,” Mike replies.

  **Scarlett**

  Scarlett jumps when her cell phone rings next to her. She’s working on a wedding album and is so engrossed in her project that the ringing phone actually scares her. Scarlett reaches over and picks it up, looking at the screen to see who’s calling. It’s her sister, Melina. Scarlett doesn't think anything of it and just answers.

  “Hey, Melina,” she says.

  “Hey, Scarlett,” Melina murmurs softly, “I have something to tell you.”

  Scarlett's heart starts pounding. What can Melina possibly have to tell her? Did something happen to her parents or one of their brothers? “Okay, what is it?”

  “Don't freak out, okay? Everything is fine now...” Melina starts, sending Scarlett's heart into frantic flutters. “Mike got shot while on duty today, in the neck, but he's okay. He’s recovering in the hospital.”

  Scarlett can't stop herself from hyperventilating. She can hear Melina telling her to relax, that he is fine, but it just isn't registering. Scarlett drops the phone and pushes away from her desk. Bending over, she tucks her head between her knees and tries to get her breathing under control before she passes out.

  “Scarlett? Are you okay?” her boss, Becky Hartnell asks, her voice concerned.

  Scarlett shakes her head. “Oh my god, oh my god,” she repeats over and over. Scarlett then hears Becky pick up her dropped phone and talk to Melina. By the time Becky hangs up the phone, Scarlett is starting to get herself under control. Becky puts her hand on Scarlett's back and rubs circles.

  “Hey, it's okay. Melina said that your boyfriend is fine,” she says softly, trying to soothe Scarlett.

  Scarlett nods, not going t
o correct her about Mike not really being her boyfriend per se.

  “I didn't even know that you had a boyfriend. And he's a cop? How old is this guy?” Becky asks, a bit dumbfounded.

  “Twenty-eight,” Scarlett manages to choke out.

  Becky gasps. “Oh my god, isn't he a little old for you?” she asks, her voice wary.

  Scarlett pushes herself back up and shakes her head, meeting Becky's eyes. “No,” she snaps, tired of everyone saying that.

  Becky's eyebrows shoot up. “Oh, alright then,” she says a bit stunned.

  “I have to go see him,” Scarlett says, standing and looking around for her stuff.

  Becky nods. “Of course, I'll finish the album, not a problem.”

  “Thanks,” Scarlett says and quickly gathers up her purse and phone before racing for the door.

  It takes her twenty minutes to get to the hospital. When she gets there, she heads straight to the receptionist desk to find out where Mike's room is, and then heads up. She’s only been seeing Mike for a couple of weeks and she doesn't think that he considers her his girlfriend. They went out to dinner a few times, had lunch a few times, and he'd blown her mind a few times. They’ve done everything at this point except have sex. Mike is an excellent teacher.

  Scarlett knows that she cares about him, but she hadn't realized how much until she got that phone call. She can't imagine a life without Mike in it. She can tell that he’s fighting his feelings for her, but by the way he touches her, she knows that he’s losing the battle. Scarlett may be young and a little naïve in some ways, but she isn't blind or dumb, especially when a man makes it so obvious. Even Melina agrees with her.

  Scarlett stops outside of Mike's door, her nerves threatening to overwhelm her again. She fights them down and knocks softly on the door before opening it quietly. Melina told her that Mike fell asleep when she was leaving the hospital, and that was about half an hour ago. She’s expecting him to still be sleeping. Scarlett walks in, shuts the door behind her, walks over to the bed, and puts her purse down onto the chair next to it.

  Scarlett can't stop the tears from falling when she sees the big patch of gauze taped to the side of his neck. God, how close did she get from losing him? She hasn't had enough time with him yet. Scarlett leans over and smooths his hair back from his forehead before placing a kiss there.

  Mike sucks in a sharp breath as his eyes blink open. Scarlett watches his eyes and the recognition hits him. “Scarlett,” he whispers. “What are you doing here?” he asks, genuinely shocked.

  Scarlett frowns. “Why wouldn't I be here? You got shot.”

  Mike gives her a confused look before looking around. His mouth sets in a grim line before his eyes come back to meet hers. “Sorry, I forgot. Probably the pain medicine,” he grunts.

  Scarlett nods in understanding then sits down on the bed next to him. “How do you feel?” she asks softly, taking his hand in hers.

  Mike sighs. “Like roadkill.”

  Scarlett gapes at him. “Mike!” She giggles then play smacks him on his hand that she’s holding.

  Mike smiles slightly. “I don't like being hurt, and I don't like hospitals.”

  Scarlett bites her lip and shakes her head. “It can't be helped, sorry.”

  Mike shrugs then winces. “You didn't put me here.”

  Scarlett watches him, caressing his hand where it rests in her lap. “I came right over when Melina called me,” she says quietly.

  Mike gives her a lopsided grin. “I'm glad you’re here,” squeezing her hand.

  Scarlett's eyebrows shoot up. “You are?”

  Mike's smile fades. “Of course, I am. You’re my girl. I would’ve been very disappointed if you didn't show up.”

  Scarlett flushes at his words. He called her “his girl.” It isn't the same as girlfriend but she’ll take it. It’s good enough…for now.

  Chapter 17

  After they leave the hospital, Vance, Melina, Dayne, Ryder, Xander, Tripp, and Anna decide to all go back to the house to decompress together. Big Mike chooses to go to his own house, needing some alone time, and Scarlett is staying by Mike’s side. She won’t let him out of her sight.

  Harper comes over to check on Melina and ends up spending the day as well, much to Dayne’s chagrin. But he’s not as angsty as he usually is toward her, which is something that Melina takes note of. They all spend the day lazing around, telling funny stories, and sharing memories from their childhood together. Melina notices Dayne glance at Harper several times throughout the day, confirming her earlier thought that there is more going on than either of them has admitted to her or Vance. By the early evening, Harper and Dayne are sharing the loveseat, their heads close together, talking quietly to each other. Nothing like the last time Melina saw them together. Yeah, there is something definitely going on between those two. She’ll have to investigate later when she can get Harper alone.

  At around 8:00 pm, Vance gets a call from the Chief ordering him to come in to the station to give another statement. Vance doesn’t think twice about it, as he wants to be involved in sending these assholes to prison for a long time. Soon after the call ends, he tells everyone what’s up.

  He leans down to kiss Melina good-bye, whispering in her ear, “Be here when I get back?”

  Melina grabs the back of Vance’s head and pulls him in close. She wants another kiss and has no problem showing him. “You can count on it, handsome. Please be careful.”

  “Always.”

  The rest of the gang chuckles then say their farewells. Vance heads out and the group starts to disperse.

  As Melina heads to the kitchen for a bottle of wine and two glasses, she shouts over her shoulder, “Harper. You and me. Vance’s room.”

  Dayne freezes in place. He leans into Harper and whispers something into her ear, but she shakes her head at whatever he told her. Harper looks back toward Melina and lowers her eyes but still nods in acquiescence. She’s got to know what’s coming.

  **Harper**

  Harper follows Melina up the stairs to Vance’s room. She cops a squat on the floor, opens the bottle of wine that she grabbed and starts pouring. Melina doesn’t wait two minutes before she starts in on her.

  “Spill it, sista,” Melina then takes a sip of her wine.

  “I don’t know what you're talking about,” Harper answers coyly.

  “Harper...I’m not blind,” she huffs.

  Shit, she must know. Harper takes a long drink of her wine, trying to buy herself some time before she spits it out.

  “Okay, okay. So I’ve kinda been sleeping with Dayne,” Harper blurts.

  “Shut the hell up,” Melina deadpans.

  Harper takes another sip of her wine and just nods manically at Melina.

  “Don’t bobble-head me. Since when?”

  Harper shrugs. “I don't know.”

  “Harper spit it out.” She’s not going to let this go.

  “When your family came here for the BBQ...” Harper begins but is quickly interrupted.

  “That was forever ago! And you haven't told me a thing?” Melina yells, but Harper can tell that she’s really reacting out of hurt, not anger.

  Harper winces. “It really hasn’t been that long…and I was gonna tell you…” Harper starts but she knows that it doesn’t matter what she says because Melina already feels betrayed. So she shuts up and says the only thing she thinks Melina needs to hear. “Sorry,” she says sincerely.

  Melina nods. She refills their glasses of wine and offers Harper a small smile.

  “So, now that we’re past that…How’d this happen? Last I knew, you guys were not talking. In fact, you were fighting, if I remember correctly.”

  She’s right. That actually is the last conversation Harper had with her regarding Dayne.

  “I actually stopped by to see your family. You guys were all outside and Dayne answered. He asked if we could talk in private, and I agreed, so we went up to his room. Then one thing led to another...” Harper smiles fondly
at the memory of their first time together.

  “I can’t believe you never told me.”

  “I can’t believe you never caught us.”

  They both laugh, the wine helping to make it funnier than it normally would’ve been.

  “Tell me the good stuff. I need details,” Melina pries.

  “Oh my god, he is a fucking freak. After we went at it the first time, he went into his dresser and pulled out...”

  “Whoa whoa.” Melina put her hands up in surrender.

  “No, really. Then he wanted to tie me up and…”

  Melina covers her ears and starts singing like a toddler who doesn’t want to know it’s bed time. “La la la la,” she chants.

  Harper bursts out laughing hysterically and falls over, nearly spilling the wine.

  “Okay, never mind. I lied, I don’t want details. So are you guys dating?”

  Harper rights herself then takes a sip. “We haven’t really made it official, but we’ve actually gone on a few dates, and he’s starting to open up to me. Meanwhile, we’ve agreed to be exclusive until we know what this is.”

  Melina smiles. “Are you happy?”

  “Did I mention how good the sex is?”

  “Yes, twice now.”

  They both giggle then clink their wine glasses in solidarity.

  “I’m happy if you’re happy. Just please be careful. He’s a good guy, but remember that he’s been burned. I love you both and I don’t want to see you lose yourself in him. But I can see that you two are clearly made for each other.”

  Harper leans in and gives Melina great big hug.

  “Love you, bitch.”

  “Back atcha, my friend.”

  Chapter 18

  Melina is woken up by the sound of movement in the room. She lifts her head and peers through the darkness to see a figure moving toward the bed, and it definitely isn't Harper, Vance, or any of the other guys. Melina's heart freezes along with her breath.

  “That's right, Melina, you should be scared,” the man says then lunges at her.

  Melina's scream is muffled by the man's hand as he pounces on her. She fights with all that she has, but the guy is simply too strong. He pins her arms above her head with one hand and straddles her waist, his other hand still over her mouth. He leans down so that his face hovers right above hers. That's when Melina realizes that they are all in deep shit. The intruder has changed his looks, but she knows that voice from anywhere. There is no fooling her.