Mangled Hearts
Page 34
Cade’s Third Month of Rehab
Less than three weeks stood between me and my outpatient status. I would have to come here every day, to meet with counselors and have group meetings, but I would be able to go home after. I’d be able to see Francesca. The thought overwhelmed me with happiness.
Reid sat in front of me, talking about some girl he was after. I was zoned out, not even trying to listen, when he clapped his hands loudly in front of my face, making me jump.
“What the—“ I started.
“I’m trying to tell you something. Your girl was in the newspaper. She’s having a big grand opening party the day after you get out of here,” he snapped out quickly.
“A party?”
“Yes, and I’m sure there will be alcohol, but I have an idea for you…I think you should surprise her. Every time she texts me wanting to know about you, she talks about how she wishes you could be there when her business launches,” he explained.
“Does she text you a lot?” I questioned, fighting the raging jealousy growing in my chest.
He gave me an incredulous look and said, “It’s not like that. She’s as gaga for you as you are for her. She talks about you when she texts. Anyways, you have to stay with someone for the first three months you’re in outpatient, and I nominate me. I have a room that’s free, and I plan to hide you there until you can show up at her launch party.”
“Sorry, man, I didn’t mean it like that. I just miss her,” I sighed. “I’ll stay with you. It beats trying to be civil with Pops,” I laughed.
He shook his head, letting me know he didn’t want to get into that story again, and handed me a folded up paper. “Francesca ran out of stamps, so she sent it with me.” He walked out, shutting the door softly behind him before I could speak.
Unfolding the paper, I slid into the chair at the desk, smoothing the sheet on the wood and reading her words to myself.
Cade,
I’m meeting Reid for lunch today. I have to see him tell me that you truly are so much better. I know you’ve had a problem, but I really can’t imagine you without the alcohol. I know you’re amazing, but I just feel like you will be so much better now. I can’t wait until we can just sit and talk, get to know each other as adults. It may seem silly, but I always felt like you knew me better than anyone else, even if you didn’t know all the small details that make me Francesca Taymon. Sometimes it’s not the person that knows the most about you, but the person that sees the most in you. I’ve always felt like you always saw the best in me. You see more when you look at me than I do. Cade, it’s wonderful to know you see the person I want to be when you look at me.
Anyways, I’m rambling. Thank you for your “poem.” I laughed for days over that. You’re such a funny person. I’ve been keeping it right next to my bed so I can read it…and I may have read it to Daphne when she called the other day. It was just too hilarious not to!
The grand opening is in 23 days! I’m running around like a maniac trying to get everything finished. Zander just started his first year of law school, so we’ve been frantic. I don’t want him to miss out on his studies, but he’s volunteered to do so much for me. My dad has been a life saver with all the business paperwork I’ve had to fill out. I didn’t realize there was so much involved. I have to apply for a tax ID, register with the county clerk’s office, register with the IRS, and a ton of other things. It’s making me crazy. Not to mention, my mom and Daphne decided I needed to have a huge launch party the Friday before my first official day of business. I’m trying not to stress over that, but they’ve invited some of the town’s biggest names. Your parents were invited, too. I wish you could be there. Big crowds like that make me nervous.
I’ve decided I’m getting a kitten when you get to come home. I want you to go with me to the shelter and get it. We did a good job finding Hammy, so I figure we should work together again. I think I’ll get another boy, because I’ve read cats fight a lot if they’re opposites. I don’t think I could handle seeing my babies fighting.
Reid said you’ll get to be an outpatient soon, but doubts it’ll be before my party :( I’m so proud of you, Cade. I can’t tell you that enough. So many people wouldn’t even bother to try, and you’ve worked hard and improved by leaps and bounds. It’s such a great accomplishment. I’m so excited I get to see it.
Daphne just showed up and is rambling on about some kind of tablecloth for the party. I guess I’d better wrap this up now. I’ll take lots of pictures so you don’t miss out on anything. I’m including some of what the office looks like now. It’s not completely decorated yet, but it’s getting there. Don’t you just love that desk? I think I’ll frame one of those, just to show everyone that comes to my house. Extreme?
I miss you, I think of you, I pray for you, and I can’t wait to have your body touching mine. Your lips haunt my dreams, taunting my skin to the point that I wake up in sweaty frustration. I know you’ll continue to improve and when you get a release date, let me know so I can start a countdown. I love you, Cade Kelling.
Francesca
My heart soared after reading her words. Reid was right surprising her was the way to go. Each letter made me a little more determined to succeed and do everything in my power to make her proud. She already was, but I didn’t quite feel like I lived up to it. I leaned back in the chair, closing my eyes, and daydreamed of Francesca’s painfully beautiful eyes and face inches from mine.