Bare Hearts Page 9

  Knowing we didn’t get much sleep last night, sleep is all I can think about at this point. Parker lazily relaxes on the bed while I take a shower. The hot water feels so nice as it erases away the dirt from the air strip, as well as the grim that Tony’s presence seemed to bring with it. Outside the shower, I wrap my body in a towel as I clear the mirror of the dew. My face is starting to look pale and my body is shrinking from the nerves I’ve had dealing with from my mom’s death, and everything after that. I towel dry my hair as I silently wish that my father is out of my life for good now that he has the money. But somehow I doubt it. Back in the bedroom, Parker is fast asleep and I don’t have the heart to wake him to change his clothes. I cover him up with the blanket that is spread on the edge of the bed. My heart melts for this man. I think I could actually love him, just maybe.

  Quietly, I put on my pajamas and slip into bed, trying not to wake him. Turning out the light, I quickly fall asleep. A few hours later, I awake when I feel the bed shaking. I realize it’s Parker having a nightmare. Placing my hand on his arm, I push it, trying to wake him up.

  “What, huh?” He says groggily.

  “You were having a nightmare,” I whisper. His face looks of shock as he registers what just happened.

  “Oh my god, Lily,” he says, sitting up in bed. He brings his knees to his chest, running his hands through his hair. “Where did you say your mom’s accident was?”

  “I don’t think we ever discussed it. But she was heading east on Emerald Street. Why do you ask?”

  He covers his mouth and there is a look of shock in his eyes. “Oh my god, that is what my dad meant.”

  “Parker, you’re starting to scare me. What are you talking about?” I ask as my heart starts to race uncontrollably.

  “Tell her I’m sorry. Those were my dad’s last words. He was on that very same road as your mom….”

  I immediately jump from the bed. “Don’t say anymore, please,” I plead with him to stop talking. I don’t like where this heading and my eyes are welling up with tears. “Please stop, I don’t want to hear anymore.” I back up, holding my hands over my ears. I feel the room closing in on me and it’s hard to breathe.

  “It was a three car accident. My dad was in the back and he must have spun your mom’s car out of control, causing her to hit the car in front of her,” he continues.

  “Just stop, Parker!” I scream through the tears as I start grabbing clothes to throw on.

  “Where are you going at this time of night? You can’t leave now.” He jumps out of the bed, pulling me toward him.

  “I need to get out of here. I don’t want to hear anymore. Please, just let me go,” I say, yanking my arm from his grip. “I want to go home.” Parker is silent while I start grabbing my things and heading toward the door to leave.

  “Let me drive you at least,” he says in barely a whisper.

  “Fine,” I say, waiting in the entryway of the house.

  I watch as he grabs his keys and wallet. The pain in my heart is excruciating, it feels like it is literally broken in two. He opens the car door for me, as always.

  “Part of me wishes you would just stay with me. Let me hold you and make everything okay,” he says with a somber tone.

  “This is not something you can just make go away.” I remain silent the rest of the ride home. I know he means well and wants to make everything okay. But now that I know what happened, I need time to process this new information. This must be what Tony has been talking about, knowing everything about the accident. Before Parker is able to get to my side of the car, I rush out and head inside, waving him off as I close the door.

  Inside the house, I drop my bag on the floor and my body slides down the door as the tears fall freely. I manage to straighten up and head straight to my room. Opening up the small chest of my mom’s things, I pull out the newspaper clipping of the accident. Scanning its contents, I see the names that were involved in the accident and Parker’s dad’s name is mentioned, but it never clicked before when I read it. Maybe I was just too upset to process the information at the time. It all makes sense now. I take a moment, remembering my first chance meeting with Parker. I remember his eyes vividly, so blue in contrast to his black hair, and him retrieving the pretzels for me, the shockwaves that shot through my body. Then seeing him again on the fateful day of our parents’ funeral it seemed like it was meant to be. We shared a special bond and nothing else mattered.

  A stray tear streams down my cheek as I remember burying my mother. And knowing who caused the accident pains me even more. His dad was high on prescription meds and drinking causing him to kill my mom. That thought makes my heart feel like it was stabbed a million times over. I pull a photo from the chest, it’s of her and me the day I graduated high school. She looked so happy and proud of me. I remember celebrating my graduation. She always made sure I had everything I needed. Rolling on my side, I clutch the picture as I cry myself to sleep.

  *****

  Waking up in the morning, I forget where I am, quickly remembering what happened last night. I roll out of bed and get ready for work. Downstairs, I make a cup of coffee and fill my thermo to get me through the day. As I’m sitting down to enjoy a few moments before heading into work, my phone buzzes.

  It’s me. I’m sorry about everything. Guess you were right.

  Okay now I’m confused. What is he sorry for, and what am I right about? Does he regret spending time with me now? Maybe it’s best this way; maybe we just need time apart for a while. It would be hard for me to even see him, knowing what his father did. How could I face him after that? I take a minute to text him back.

  Just letting you know I’m still trying to process this. I know none of this is your fault, but it would be hard to face you right now, knowing what I know.

  I swallow hard after hitting the send button. I just don’t know how to deal with my feelings for him; part of me wants to run to him and the other part wants to run from him.

  Realizing the time I hurriedly make my way to work. Everyone comes rushing over to see if I’m okay. I have to reassure them multiple times that I’m fine and thank them for holding down the shop yesterday.

  Looking over the schedule, it seems I have a few events I need to get organized for. One event for today is for an extravagant bridal shower. It takes the whole crew to get the arrangements together in time for the party. Once we have everything together we load the van and head to that location. Staying busy today is just what I need to keep my mind occupied on something other than thinking about Parker or my mom.

  Just as I am about to close the store a well-dressed gentleman approaches me. “I apologize, but would it be possible for me to grab some flowers real quick?” The guy is tall with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. His smile showcases his dimples, and his suit suggests that he is well to do. I’m sure he’s used those dimples to get his way, in more ways than one.

  “Oh yeah, sure come on in. Is there something in particular you’re looking for?” I offer once I catch my breath.

  “You know, I’m looking for some calla lilies or something of the sort.”

  “Well, I think you’re in luck,” I motion for him follow me. “How ‘bout’ these?” I ask, pointing to the different variety of lilies.

  “Yes, that’s perfect. I’ll take a few of each. Think you can whip something up real quick?” He flashes his dimples once more.

  “Sure, I’ll be right back.” I carry the flowers to the back to put the arrangement together quickly. I wonder why he would want such an extravagant arrangement.

  “How’s this?” I ask, showcasing the bouquet.

  “Wow, you have a gift, it’s beautiful,” he says following me to the register, I ring up the flowers and he pays via credit card.

  Once he leaves, the staff and I head to the bridal shower and it turns out to be one exhausting day.

  At home, later, I get ready for bed. The picture of Parker and me on a rollercoaster still remains on my nightstand. I can’t hel
p but pick it up and admire it. We look happy, like nothing else matters except us. It was the best day I’d had in a long time. The way he looked at me in that picture makes my heart melt all over.

  Chapter Eighteen

  PARKER

  The past week has been excruciating for me. Not talking or seeing Lily has been killing me. I miss her and wish I could take all her pain away. I’ve been trying to give her space and hopefully she will come back to me.

  “I really fucked it up with Lily,” I say to Tim as we sit at the bar.

  “What did you do?”

  I take a swig of my beer before answering. I must look really pathetic at a bar on a weeknight. I shake my head. “It’s not so much of what I did, per say, it’s more of what my dad did.” Tim’s eyebrow’s furrow as he cocks his head to the side in confusion.

  “What does your dad have to do with Lily?”

  “Well, when he died, his last words were, ‘tell her I’m sorry’. And I could never think of why he would say that. I was so confused. Then, the other night it all came back to me. He hit her mom’s car, spinning it out of control and causing her to hit another car. Of course, I told her about it and she took off.” Tim’s eyes grow big at the news.

  “Dude, that’s fucked up.”

  “You’re telling me. Leave to me to have a fucked up life,” I say, finishing my beer off.

  “All I can say is give her space. If it’s meant to be, she’ll come back to you.”

  “I hope so, ‘cause it’s killing me not being able to see her.”

  “I wasn’t supposed to say, but I think she made plans with Molly sometime this week. I’ll let you know if I hear anything.”

  I drink the last drop of my second beer, tossing back a few shots before calling it quits. Standing up to pay my bill I sway back and forth, realizing I may have drank more than I thought.

  *****

  In the morning, I wake up in a groggy state. It takes a second to remember being at the bar last night. Tim must have dropped me off. I usually don’t drink that much. My mind always goes right to Lily. I wonder what she’s doing, if she’s thinking about me like I am her. She is my first thought when I wake up and my last thought before I fall asleep. My rib has finally healed after icing it every so often. Grabbing some coffee before I start the day, my phone beeps.

  Want to go paintballing to blow some steam? I can rally up the guys. It’ll be fun. Tim

  I hit the reply button and responds with a hell yes! Send.

  I am always up for some time with the guys.

  A few hours later, Tim and the guys convince me to go out to a club tonight. It’s the last thing I want to do, but I agree to go anyway, because I heard Molly and Lily may be there. What Lily is doing out in a club is beyond me, so of course I have to go to make sure everything is okay.

  “We’ll just peek in on the girls; make sure everything is okay. I highly doubt she even knows we’re all coming along, anyway,” Tim says convincingly about Molly and Lily.

  After a quick shower, I scan my clothes and decide on a black form fitted t-shirt and black jeans, topping the outfit off with a gold chain around my neck. Tim decided it was probably best if we took two cars, just in case he decided to leave with Molly. I just roll my eyes and laugh.

  The club in the next town over is a popular spot. However, I have never been there before. I am nervous about seeing Lily. I have resisted seeing or talking to her for well over a week. I wonder what she would think, knowing I will be there tonight. The line to get into the club is long, but moves quickly and we are in, in no time. Inside the club, the music is thumping through the speakers so loud you can barely hear yourself think. The spot lights change different colors over the dance floor as it moves with the music. The place is packed, and I have my doubts on seeing Lily through the throng of people. Tim and I find a couch and table with the rest of the guys. Some of the guys brought their girlfriends so I kind of feel like the odd man out. I already filled them in on the craziness earlier today.

  We get a few rounds for the table and I’m starting to loosen up and enjoy myself. The songs are fast and I stand looking out toward the dance floor, and my heart catches in my throat as soon as I spot her. Lily is out on the dance floor dancing with Molly. She dances seductively, like she has no care in the world. My heart beats rapidly as I watch her. She is wearing a dark blue body hugging dress and sky high heels, which I know she doesn’t own. She must have borrowed them from Molly.

  Molly catches me watching Lily, but she doesn’t say anything to her. Tim makes his way over toward Molly to dance with her, leaving Lily to dance by herself. I let out a deep breath, realizing I had been holding it while Lily had me in a trance. I wonder how long I’ll be able to hold out on revealing my presence to her. Grabbing another shot, I toss it back in one swift move. Moving my eyes back to Lily, I see a guy approach her to dance and anger starts to creep up inside me. I watch as she shakes her head no to him and he leaves her alone. A sigh of relief overcomes me, knowing she isn’t interested in dancing with any random douche bag. The thought of someone else touching her makes me sick. Just when I think everything is cool, I see another guy approach her, except he won’t leave her alone when she tries to shove him away. The anger reappears as I make my way over to Lily, shoving everyone out of my way. I reach her just as the guy is pulling her closer to him, pressing their bodies together.

  Lily sees me approach, but all I see is red as my fist flies into the guy’s face. “Beat it,’” I scream at him. The guy takes a hint by walking away, covering his face and looking at me like I’m crazy.

  “What the fuck, Parker?” Lily shouts over the music.

  “Are you seriously asking me that right now? That guy was all over you; it was making me sick. Someone had to get rid of him, because he sure wasn’t leaving when you pushed him away.”

  “I appreciate you coming to my rescue, but you didn’t have to hit the guy. Did you come here with Tim?”

  “Yes; Tim thought it would be fun to come check on you guys. Lucky we did,” I tell her with an aggravated tone.

  “Oh, I see you two are finally talking.” Molly winks at Lily.

  “Is this your doing?” Lily says pointing her finger at Molly.

  “Maybe,” she says flashing a wink as she walks away.

  “Well, you might as well dance with me since you’re here.”

  “I don’t dance,” I say as I start to turn away.

  “Are you going to leave me all alone out here?” She asks before I leave her.

  “Fuck, I guess you have a point.”

  I grab her hand, leading her back to the table and introducing her to the guys and their girlfriends. I toss a shot back and Lily follows suit, and then we head back out to the dance floor.

  “I don’t know how to dance,” I tell her nervously.

  “It’s really not that hard. Just sway your body to the music. Let the music lead,” she shouts.

  Pulling her against me, I can feel every inch of her body and I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to control myself. The chemistry between us continues to increase as her eyes lock with mine. But first I have to know where we stand. We continue to dance for a few more songs, and she lets the music carry her away.

  “See, you’re not a bad dancer,” she teases.

  I pull her through the crowd as I make my way outside the club. The street is no longer crowded. I turn to face her. “I need to know where we stand, before I do what I’m about to do.”

  “I thought seeing you again would be painful, but it’s been the complete opposite. No matter what, my heart has belonged to you since the first day I met you in the emergency room.”

  My heart swells at her words. I pull her against me and kiss her with such a need that I may explode if I don’t have her. “Let’s go,” I tell her as I lead us both to my car.

  “Where are we going? This is not the way to either of our places.” Her eyes scan her surroundings.

  “It’s a surprise. You�
��ll love it; I promise.”

  Five minutes later, I pull up to the most popular and lavish hotel in the city. Lily looks out the window and up at the tall building.

  “What are we doing here?” Her eyes reflect the lights of the city.

  “We are spending the weekend here.”

  “Is that so? I don’t have any clothes or anything,” she says, concerned.

  “You won’t be needing clothes for what I have planned. Let me go check us in real quick.”

  Inside the hotel, I check us in until Sunday evening. Grabbing the hotel room key, I head back outside and hand the car keys to the valet as I retrieve Lily for our weekend stay. Her eyes grow wide as she looks up, taking in the tall building again.

  It’s been well over a week since I last laid eyes on Lily and the thought of touching her consumes me. She is the one I want to spend the rest of my waking days and endless nights with. I wonder if she feels the same way about me. We stop inside a small shop located in the hotel.

  “Get whatever you need for the weekend,” I instruct her as I let her roam the store. She gives me a quizzical look but doesn’t disobey my request. She will see the real me this weekend, and then we’ll see how she feels. She scans the store, grabbing some essentials such as a tooth brush and other things she might need. I prop myself against a counter and wait.

  “Happy now?” I ask after paying for the stuff.

  “Yes, thank you,” she says looking up at me with a wide smile. I put my arm around her shoulder as we take the elevator to the seventy second floor, making our way to the room.

  Once inside the room, I press her against the door, holding her hands above her head while I lightly graze my tongue from her mouth to her neck. “God I missed you,” I whisper in her ear. She presses her body against mine, but I break away from her because I can’t take her just yet.