I could hear monitors beeping around me and I felt cold and alone. There were no voices, warmth, or love. I was alone. I tried to move my body but soon realized only my mind was active. Was I in a coma? Was my baby okay? The monitors began beeping faster the more I worried. I must be in a hospital. I tried to open my eyes but saw nothing but darkness. I was Mrs.Vigliano afterall, the wife of the most powerful man in the United States. He was known for his gentleness until I pushed him to the edge. He betrayed me, and I hit him back even harder. I became his enemy, he has to fight me. That's the way in this world, he couldn’t escape even if he wanted to. I could hear the tip tap of footsteps approaching my room.
The door opened and the sound of footsteps came to a halt. A lady yelled, “Cold blue she is coding.” Was I dying? Someone grabbed my hand and squeezed it. It felt too familiar, it couldn’t be. Gale. He moved his hand slowly under my fingertips tracing the scar on his hand he got when he was a boy. I wanted to wake up so bad I must be in heaven he was here.
His hand moved to my forehead and a hot breath warmed my ear. “Remember Jaz I am never too far away, you are not going to die on me now. Not when we are so close. Your baby is alive, fight Jaz, fight.” Gale whispered in my ear. I wanted to reach out and touch him, hug him and tell him I am here. My body is betraying me, not allowing a response. I was screaming inside. Gale’s hand cupped the side of my face one last time before saying, “Remember Jaz, let yourself remember.” I let my nerves calm and the beeping slowed on the monitors.
“She is stabilizing, no need for a shock. We will keep a close eye on her though Mr.Vigliano.” I wanted to laugh, this wasn’t Hayden. Gale’s warmth left me and I knew he was gone. Where was Hayden? The nurse walked up to me and sighed as she changed my drip. I could feel tension within the air and wondered how long Gale had been gone.
“How is my wife Miss?” Hayden’s voice broke the silence in the room. I didn’t want this man near me. How could you shoot the person you claim to love so much? His words echoing in my brain “they will think I've gone soft.” I didn’t care.
The nurse sounded confused but answered, “She is stable Sir. She is lucky to still have the baby, with all the blood she lost.” Why did you tell him that lady?
“So it is true then she is with child? I would like to speak with the doctor to find out how far along she is. Do you know when she will wake up?” Hayden’s husky voice now trembling with concern and fear. Sure act like you care, you do it so well. Fake your concern, you are nothing to me, nothing. I thought to myself.
My mind began to drift back to what Gale had said, Remember, let yourself remember. What was I supposed to remember? My brain is in complete shambles. I tuned out the voices of Hayden and the nurse and just tried focusing on what Gale said. Once I get out of this hospital bed I have to get back to destroying my husband’s business. I could feel Hayden’s lips on mine and I hated that it still made my body warm. I wish I would have fallen in love with someone else, anyone else. We were in a never ending circle of self destruction, and pain. I could feel myself drifting back to sleep entering what seemed like a dream, a happy dream before it all went wrong. Before I knew it I was back in time where it all started with Gale, and Hayden. Leading me to this hospital bed.
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My body shivered as I walked home from Gale’s shop. I just wanted my bed, it was warm there and safe. I pulled Hayden’s jacket closer to my body for warmth, the breeze was oddly cold tonight. Hayden. I still had his jacket, I pulled it even closer. It smelled like him. I wondered if I would ever see him again. I wanted to but I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t want to see me again. What a way to start off. Who knows. He is planning on moving down here, I’ll see him around. The wind pushed against my body, it was just getting colder. The sky above me began to crackle with thunder and lighting danced to the beat of each boom. I quickened my pace to get home. My parents are probably getting worried now. I never not inform them of what I am up to. I guess today it just slipped my mind. It was a crazy day after all. A few raindrops hit my forehead and I knew I had about ten minutes before it would begin to downpour. I was not looking forward to having to explain the day to my parents. I was just thankful I had both of them still. It was so close last year with my mom it reminds me to be more humble. I turned the last corner and ran to our little house. It looked like a log cabin on the outside but was super modern inside mixed with a country rustic look. I loved our little home. I put the key in the lock of our maple door and took a breath awaiting my parents' wrath.
I opened the door to my mom and dad sitting on the couch and a light flickered on. Lily out dog licked my hands as I closed the door behind me. I felt like I was in a scene from a movie. My mom looked so angry but my dad was holding back a smile masked by his stern “you're in trouble look”. I could tell he was just happy I finally did something rebellious. I was 21. I threw my keys in the little gold bowl we had in the entryway then made my way to the couch and sat. I sighed and broke the silence by saying, “Let me have it, I know I didn’t call.” I let out a big sigh waiting for the lettuce.
My mom answered at first no surprise there, “ Well Jaz I don’t know what you were thinking, you are an adult but a phone call would be nice to know you are alive. You have had your father and I worried sick. Do you even know what time it is?” She looked mad but was more concerned than anything else. To answer her question I didn't even know what time it was. I haven't looked at a clock since 6:45pm.
“I know I am sorry mom, I don’t know what time it is. I have had a crazy day. I should have called you're right. I will try to be better.” Is all I really wanted to say at this point. I just wanted my pillow. I knew I wouldn’t get off that easy though.
My dad spoke now, playing the bad cop, “ Well young lady, a crazy day is not an excuse not to call us and inform us on what’s going on. Would you like to explain your day to us?”
“Well I met a handsome young man today, made plans for a date, then went into work and Gale kissed me. I went on the date with the handsome man and Gale showed up to tell him his shop was broken into. We went back to his shop so he could show me and it was awful. Then I went home after we gave our statements to the police.” I didn’t want to explain the blood and the dead goat to my parents. I could tell they both had nothing to say so I began walking toward my room to rest my head.
I opened the door to my bedroom just relieved to just be home. The walls were a light blue with sparkles in the paint, something my mom wanted to try. On one wall there laid a beautiful white and gold marble mirror. My eyes traveled down the mirror to my bed, the blankets were a mess from this morning. I had a beautiful bedroom set. I had a cabernet king sleigh bed that was handed down to me from my grandmother with a matching dresser and nightstand. Leather clung to the backboard of the bed and again at the foot of the bed. There were red gems in the divots in the leather. I walked over to the bed and pulled the covers out and climbed in bed. My body began to ache, and I now felt my damp clothes from the rain. I didn’t care, I just wanted to sleep. I turned on my heating pad on the bed and placed it on my shoulder per my nightly routine. My head hit the pillow and all I could think of was Gale. His shop was in shambles and my mind drifted to the warning made tonight for him it made my body shiver. Who did he piss off for such a gruesome warning? Was it a mistake the wrong shop targeted? Hayden’s jacket filled me with a sense of safety and comfort so I pulled it close to my body.
The next morning I awoke to a few licks to my face and whimpering it was Lily. She must have to go outside. I guess I wasn’t moving fast enough because she jumped onto the bed and started licking me some more. She was a gift last year for me while mom was going through her cancer treatments. I guess I was sad and needed something to make me smile, my father said when he surprised me with her. She is a German Shepherd with brown and gold coloring underneath the black; her fur is so pretty accented by her caramel gold eyes. In a way she did exactly what my dad wanted her to do for me. I pulled myself out of my bed and walked over to the side door I had in my room and opened it. Lily went running out and I just stared at the sunrise. The grass was wet from the storm last night. A light breeze moved my hair from my face and I felt a sense of peace. The clouds looked as if they were dancing and all you could see was the mix of colors. The red of the sunrise was always my favorite part as it faded to an orange then yellow. The red symbolized yesterday's mistakes and as it disappeared so did your mistakes. The sunrise always reminds me that there is always a fresh start somewhere. Or at least that’s what Gale’s mother told us as children and it just stuck.
I called for Lily as I pulled my jacket off my body and let the sun seep into my pores. Lily cocked her head and came running back to the door greeting me with a lick on my right hand. We then walked to the kitchen and I started a pot of coffee. I walked over to the fridge and grabbed out the chicken we made just for Lily and set some in her bowl for breakfast. She was for sure spoiled all right. She leaned into my leg giving me a hug as to say thank you. Lily ate her breakfast and I made a cup of coffee when the pot was done brewing. I walked back to my room and went out to sit on the patio and look at the sunrise some more. Lily followed me happily. I took a sip of my coffee and just enjoyed the morning. I heard the side door open to my bedroom and before the person could step out Lily was barking. It quickly shut and I turned around to see Gale standing in my bedroom. I motioned down to Lily and said it was okay. She complied and layed down her eyes focused on Gale. He opened the door once again and slowly walked out waiting if Lily would move she didn’t.
“So I wanted to stop by and see how you were holding up today? I know yesterday was crazy and I wanted to see if you had any thoughts about our kiss Jaz?” Gale said as keeping his eyes on Lily then moved them to meet mine. He had just showered and his hair was down and slicked back at the top but his blonde waves fell to the middle of his neck. It was still wet and I could smell the freshness of his shampoo. His eyes glistened in the sunlight and they looked like a forest lived within them. I couldn’t deny that I felt something for him. I still wanted to see where things would go with Hayden. I just feel drawn to him for some reason.
“I’m okay Gale it was a lot yesterday but that's in the past all we can do is try and figure out what it means for you. As for the kiss I enjoyed it but also really had a good time with Hayden.” I sighed. I didn’t want to lie to him; he has been in my life forever. I also wanted to kiss him right now maybe it was the setting or the way his eyes were pulling me in. I could see the shock in his face as I admitted it to him and myself outloud. I really don’t want to ruin the friendship we have together. He has been my rock and I his. An intimate relationship would kill us if we don’t work out. I moved a hair from my face and looked to the ground. I still had on the clothes from last night on and here Gale was all showered up. Lily finally got up and went over to sniff Gale. He petted her head and she rolled over for a belly rub. It almost looked like a perfect scene making my heart ache some more.
“I get it Jaz but I will never give up on you. I know what I want and that is you.” Gale said as he placed his hand under my chin to lift my eyes to his. His hands were soft but rough, rougher than Hayden’s. When would I see Hayden again? I looked into his eyes and I felt myself losing balance. He rubbed his thumb on my chin and said, “I won’t push you when you want me you’ll ask.” He could feel the tension between us and was enjoying it. Lily barked, bringing me back to the world around me. I gasped and touched Gale’s blonde wave’s and moved a piece behind his ear making his grip on me tighten. I took my hand away and walked back into my bedroom Lily and Gale followed me. I walked back into the kitchen to see my mother and Hayden having a conversation. My heart jumped in its chest. How did he find me? Lily growled and my mother hushed her with a wave of her hand.
“Good morning sunshine I see Gale finally found you this morning, you have a visitor.” My mother said to me as I was still in shock. I couldn’t believe he was in my kitchen talking to my mom. I wonder what they talked about.I could see frustration in Gale’s face as I looked back at him. Part of me was excited to see Hayden the other ached to explore the tension between Gale and I.
“Well Jaz I will see you later, we still have more to discuss.” Gale said making the decision for me. His hand brushed past mine and he kissed me on the cheek. His touch made me forget Hayden was here for a moment. Gale walked over to my mother giving her a hug and said “Always a pleasure Mrs. Wolf.” I didn’t know if I wanted him to leave my emotions were through the roof right now. I watched as Gale walked out the door and for the first time I was sad.
“Well Jaz this young man said he was coming to take you for breakfast.” My mother said, pulling me from my thoughts. I smiled, still stunned he had found out where I live already.
“Hello Jaz, I wanted to continue our date last night. I really enjoyed our time last night and it felt unfinished.” Hayden broke the silence in the air. I was still in my clothes from last night and hadn’t showered. I did not want to go to breakfast yet; I did want to see him though. I guess a shower could wait until after breakfast.
“I need to freshen up before we leave.” I responded to Hayden and walked back to my room leaving my mother and Hayden alone to talk some more. I brushed my hair, put a little blush on and changed into my hot pink pencil skirt that I could wear as a strapless dress and then grabbed my sandals. I then went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth and decided to just throw my hair up in a ponytail. Letting one of my blonde highlights hang and the contrast from blonde to brown mixed in my hair. I saw a mascara on the bathroom countertop and put some of that on and then put deodorant on before walking back to the kitchen. My brain was in shambles. Gale was all I could think about right now.
“Are you ready love?” Hayden asked me as he saw me walk into the kitchen. I searched the kitchen for my black purse. My mom got up and handed it to me. Already knowing what I was looking for. I smiled and mouthed thank you.
“Now I am. Where are we going anyway?” I asked Hayden.
“A cute little spot my dad used to take me, I think you will love it.” Hayden responded, extending his elbow out for me to grab. I gladly took his arm and we walked out to his truck.What a gentleman I thought to myself. I let myself look at Hayden and wondered if he ever looked like he didn’t just walk out of a magazine cover. What drew you in the most was those blue eyes. They made my heart melt telling a lie to those would be damn near impossible. They look like they can read into your soul. He had on a black t-shirt with a pair of red shorts. His hair was also damp from a shower he was casually dressed now and it still looked good. His kiss from the night before replayed in my brain and my body ached for a deeper kiss.
He smirked and turned his head as he looked back at me before opening his car door. He knew I was staring at him and he was enjoying that I was. It made me blush. He motioned for me to get into the truck and I gladly did. His scent filled my nostrils once again as the breeze from the door hit my face. He hopped into the driver side and we were off. Hayden reached out for my hand to hold, I hesitated but took it. He squeezed and brought my hand up to his lips and lightly kissed it. I wondered where we were going there's not many restaurants in town that I didn't know about. Hayden turned into a dirt driveway and what looked like a log cabin waitied us. It had a huge white sign with black lettering that read, The Nest. It had three purple eggs in a brown nest in the center. Tree branches extended from the tree the nest was attached to on the sign. You could see the purple eggs lit up at night. This was not a restaurant I had been to. It must be for the rich folks and I was not one of those. Hayden walked over to my door and opened it for me, extending his elbow for me to grab. I took it and we walked to the entrance. The door was beautiful. It had an orange and red stained glass with red birds flying into the orange sun. The door was white oak.
As you enter you can see the walls are oak with black beams on the ceiling where a deer antler chandelier is hung. It was breathtaking. The table's red oak with an animal carved in the center of the one closest to us had a hawk and was burnt black to see the lines carved. All the tables had red oak booths like seating with black leather seats. There was a huge bar in the middle of the room under the chandelier and the booths were connected to the walls. I had never been to anything this nice before.I felt underdressed but I guess so was he. The hostess took us to our seats and the table had a wolf howling at the moon in the center. We both sat down and she handed us the menus. I hoped they had french toast. That was my go to breakfast food no matter where I went. I didn’t notice how hungry I was until I actually sat down and my stomach let out a loud rumble. Hayden just smirked and I giggled. The hostess left and we were greeted by our waitress. She had on black with a white stripe down the center. She was pretty, she had black hair, tan skin and blue eyes. She avoided eye contact with Hayden and looked straight at me and smiled as if composing herself.
“Welcome to the nest my name is Sarah. What can I get you to drink, and for the gentlemen?” Sarah asked without making eye contact with Hayden.
“I’ll take a raspberry tea with a lemon please and thank you. What would you like Hayden?” I asked him, thinking it was rude how this lady was treating him.
“I will take the same thank you Jaz.” Hayden said. Sarah tried to hide the disgust in her face but failed miserably. There is something between those two. I will need to find out that later. She wrote down our drink orders and was off.
“So Jaz I did a little digging involving Gale’s break in and I think I know what it is about.” Hayden said. I was shocked. Why would he even dig around and ask?
“You did some digging around? Why would you do that?” I couldn’t help but ask.
“I know he means something to you and I am drawn to you for some reason. Like you need my help.” Hayden responded. I didn’t know if I should be offended or thankful. Gale already didn’t like Hayden for trying to take me on a date and other unknown reasons. He would not take any help from Hayden.
“Well I don’t really know how to take that, but what did you find out?” I asked Hayden, trying not to think or read into his comment too much.
“Gale’s parents left him with a lot of debt and they don’t have a squeaky clean business at that coffee shop. I don’t think Gale knows what kind of mess his family left him.” Hayden said as he grabbed my hand as if to comfort me.
“What kind of business were his parents into?” This was a small town in Texas. What kind of business could they possibly be doing here that wasn’t clean? Maybe I should get the whole story from Gale before I trust what Hayden says.
“It seems it may have to do with drugs.” Hayden said quietly so the staff couldn’t hear. My head was throbbing. I knew these people my entire life. I doubt it had to be drugs. Before I had the chance to ask Hayden more questions Sarah was back with our drinks ready to take our order. We both had not even looked at the menus yet.
“Have you guys decided what sounds good or do we need a little more time?” Sarah asked us this time, forcing a smile Hayden’s way. I heard Hayden start talking but my mind was somewhere else. “And for you Miss?” Sarah pulled me from my thoughts.
“I’ll just take the french toast with some blueberries on the side with crispy bacon.” I responded hoping they had it. She nodded and was off. The rest of the morning was silent. We ate when the food came and didn’t really speak until we got to the car.
“Jaz you haven’t said anything since I told you about Gale. Are you okay?” Hayden asked before he opened the car door for me.
“I am fine. I just can’t picture that kind of lifestyle in Gale’s life. Thank you for breakfast though.” I responded and gave him a kiss on the cheek. I guess he wanted more because he shut the car door and grabbed my waist. He pulled me closer to him and cupped my face as he went in for a kiss. It was more gentle than before but still made my heart skip a beat. He let go of me and I knew I was blushing.
“Let me take you home. I would like to see you again Ms. Wolf.” Hayden said as the door opened once again and I got in. How was he able to find out all this information? I bet he knows it all but doesn’t want me to be too freaked out. I guess when you have all this money it is useful for something. Gale’s warning echoed in my head. I don’t know who he knows. I need to be careful.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhCC9e7z51
