AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Please tell me you didn’t hear anything,” I plead. I pour myself a cup of coffee and reach for the creamer that she pulled from the refrigerator.
“I didn’t hear anything. I just literally ran into him in the middle of the night,” she remarks as she finishes making her cup. I take in what she said. He was fleeing in the middle of the night. I should’ve known. He came here and got what he wanted. I shouldn’t feel so used but I do. We didn’t say what last night meant but I should have known it would mean more to me than to him. I feel tears prick my eyes and I don’t know why other than I sometimes cry when I get angry. And that’s what I am.
“I guess he was fleeing the scene before I woke up,” I reply, taking a sip on the hot coffee. I savor the taste before I swallow it down but thinking about Sebastian makes it sour in my mouth. I’ll be damned if I let a man come between me and coffee. I shake my head at the thought.
“I’m not really sure. He had his clothes in his hand but then I heard him on the phone, and it sounded urgent. He left soon after he hung up. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop,” she holds up her hands, “or maybe I was. I didn’t want him to hurt you. By the way, I thought we hated him?” she questions. I look down at my mug trying to come up with the best answer.
“I do or did. I don’t know. Everything happened so fast,” I express.
“How did he even end up in our apartment?” she asks.
“Ugh, it’s a long story. Basically, he saw me waiting for a cab in the pouring rain, so he offered mea ride on his motorcycle. Obviously, I said no multiple times, but he wasn’t having it. Also, my stitches opened up and I was bleeding, so I didn’t really have a choice. Then he stopped by a pharmacy and got supplies thathewould need to bandage me up.” I let all that sink in and take another sip of coffee. “He followed me into the lobby, and I ended up having a panic attack from seeing the blood on my hand. He somehow was able to talk me through it. He came up to the apartment and the rest is history,” I explain. She’s sitting on one of the kitchen stools listening intently like it’s the best news she’s heard.
“Wow, I don’t really know what to say. He was such an ass to you at the fundraiser and even at work,” she notes.
“Oh, I know. I still don’t know how I feel about everything. But I’m pretty sure it was a one-off type of deal. I hope it’s not uncomfortable at work,” I cringe at the thought. “Anyways, I have to get ready. Oh, and the rain ruined my new shoes,” I motion to them by the door.
“No! Not the Louboutins!” she exclaims.
“Yep. Not going to lie, I don’t know what I’m more upset by. The fact that Sebastian wasn’t here this morning or my ruined shoes,” I laugh and it feels good to be this lighthearted after everything that’s happened.
“Definitely the shoes, girl.” Lana takes one in her hand and looks it over. “But I have an idea for these. Can I give them a makeover?” There is no telling what she is going to do to them, but they can’t be worn how they are right now.
“Sure. Do your thing.” I check my watch and seethat I’m running behind from this little chat. “I’ve got to go.”
“We can get the art supplies tonight if you want to,” she suggests.
“Yeah, that works. I’ll message you later,” she nods her head as we split ways, going to our bedrooms.
I set my coffee down and look through my closet for what I want to wear today. Picking up my phone, I check what the weather is going to be like. Chilly and still a bit wet. I grab a long-sleeved black wrap around dress and some black high heeled booties. With my clothes picked out, I dry and straighten my hair. Once that’s finally done, I sit in front of my floor length mirror and put on my makeup. I wish I had a vanity table, but it’s not a big deal to sit on the floor.
I get up and dress, looking into the mirror to make sure everything looks alright. My hair drapes down my back and is a stark contrast from the black dress. I look closer to the mirror and realize it’s time for me to bleach and dye my roots again. Since I have naturally dark hair, it doesn’t take long for my roots to begin to show.
I grab a jacket from my closet and a black purse. The one I normally use is still wet, hopefully not ruined. My keys are by the door along with my wet bag. I stop on the way out and move my wallet and meds to the new purse and then I’m out the door. I decide it’s a good thing Sebastian isn’t here this morning because I don’t want to have anything to do with him. I hate the fact that I’m attracted to him in the first place. I hate that he was the best sex I’ve ever had. For fuck’s sake. I try really hard to believe what I’m telling myself. I try and fail.Fuck my life.
Chapter 15
Sebastian
Hours have ticked by as I sit here at the hospital. Thomas was distraught when I arrived, but I’ve since been able to calm him down some. I can’t imagine the pain he’s going through. He’s always talked about Marie with a huge smile on his face. She’s the love of his life. I’m in the waiting room now, which is fitting because it’s a waiting game now. They say there’s nothing to be done but to make sure she is comfortable in her final hours.
Miles wasn’t exactly sure what caused Marie’s health to plummet so drastically but once I arrived at the hospital, I learned she had a brainstem stroke. Apparently it was severe enough to drastically damage her brain. Now her brain is unable to function in a way that sustains life. She was able to be placed on life support long enough for a few family members to say goodbye. Thomas and Marie never had children of their own, but Miles and I have always been treated as such.
Thomas comes into the waiting room with tears streaming down his face. I jump up instantly to go to him.
“S-she’s finally at rest now. She’s no longer battling cancer. Heaven is her new home.” He murmurs into my shoulder as I hold him. I can’t stop the tears that threaten to spill from my own eyes. I loved her like amother. I pull him in closer and pat his back.
“She isn’t suffering anymore.” I whisper. I wish Miles was already here. He’s so much better at dealing with situations like this. I just feel sad and uncomfortable. I want to make things better for Thomas but there isn’t anything I can do except take care of the funeral plans for him. That’s exactly what I’m going to do. Once Thomas breaks away from me, I tell him my plans. “I’ll take care of everything. I don’t want you to have to worry about a thing. Is there anything specific you wanted for her funeral?” I ask.
He shakes his head and looks at me. “You don’t have to do anything. I can figure it all out.”
“It’s the least I can do. Marie was like a mother to me. I want to do this for you. You’ve been through enough,” I respond.
“Thank you. I really appreciate it. She loved lilies, all kinds,” he remarks.
“Consider it done. We’ll have all the lilies we can get. Now I think you need some rest. Do you want to stay at my apartment? I don’t want you to be alone,” I state.
“Oh, no that’s okay. My brother and his wife will be in town later today. I think I’ll just head home and get some sleep.” I nod my head and pull out my phone to have an Uber come pick him up. I don’t want him driving right now. I’ll have to make plans later to come back here and get the Bently. I lead Thomas to the front of the hospital and wait for his ride.
