Before Forever (Sharing Space #6) (5 page)

We managed to give
Home Sweet Home
an updated look while maintaining the personal charm that made it such a welcoming place to dine. Uncle Troy didn’t always understand the directions we chose, but his faith in Crystal and me was unwavering. I was relieved we hadn’t let him down.

“So who are all of these people, Chloe?” Myra asked.

Myra and I had only just arrived at the restaurant. I was so busy soaking it all in I’d forgotten she was expecting a tour. The restaurant was closed to the general public so Crystal could host a thank you dinner for the people who’d made it all possible. She also had a special cake made to usher Uncle Troy into retirement properly.

I pointed to a long table at the far end of the restaurant. “All of those people are small business owners in the neighborhood. I came up with a way for them to help each other and cross promote; for instance, if someone buys a dozen doughnuts from the bakery two blocks over and brings in their receipt within thirty days, they get five dollars off their dinner here. The rest are people from the church who pitched in to help.”

I walked Myra around and showed her the new booths were outfitted with iPads to assist big parties in placing their food orders. “These are only available at large booths. The wait staff will still take drink orders and check in on the patrons’ needs, but they’ll be able to place their orders for food on the iPad and it gets delivered directly to the kitchen. Each dish is entered in with the name of the person who ordered it.”

“Fancy schmancy,” Myra said, clearly impressed.

After I’d shown her around the kitchen area, we found our table near the middle of the restaurant. We were sitting with Crystal, Jermaine, Myra’s date—whenever he arrived—and Michael. Uncle Troy chose to socialize with the members of his church. Michael was already seated and rose when we approached. I felt a wave of guilt, which is how I felt whenever he called and asked if I was available.

It had been six weeks since Patrick had been home. He was giving me the space I needed to figure things out and, though he didn’t ask that I not see Michael, it didn’t seem fair to either of them to pursue any kind of relationship with Michael until I knew what I wanted.

“You look nice,” he said after kissing my cheek.

I’d chosen a simple black cocktail dress and felt downright conservative next to Myra, who clearly did not care there were so many church folk in attendance.

“Thanks, Michael. Good to see you.”

Myra’s date, a basketball player for the Nets, arrived soon after we sat down. Once the food was served the conversation around the table settled into little pockets: Crystal and Jermaine whispered and giggled like teenagers and Myra was flirting with her date like her life depended on it. I had no choice but to make small talk with Michael.

“People seem to be enjoying him,” Michael nodded towards the musician we’d scouted the night Patrick returned. Crystal had hired him to play through dinner.

I nodded in agreement. “You did well.”

“
We
did. Wine?” He lifted the bottle in the middle of the table and raised it over my empty wine glass.

“I’ll stick to water.” I said, taking a sip from my glass.

“Chloe, listen, I know you’ve been avoiding me. Did I do something?”

If I could have crawled inside my purse, I would have. That’s how much I didn’t want to have this conversation, but there was no escape. I looked at Michael, handsome in a black suit and crisp white shirt. On paper, this is the kind of guy everyone would expect me to be with. He was successful, smart, attractive, and respectful. And I felt absolutely nothing for him.

“You didn’t do anything, Michael. Truly.”

“Is it the roommate?”

Yes. Except he’s not just the roommate, he’s the man I love. The man I tossed away over something stupid, over fear and uncertainty.
I’d known from the first night I brought Patrick to this very restaurant that I was going to fall in love with him. Perhaps I already had. I looked over at the table at which we’d sat on our first date. There was another couple there now, an interracial couple, and they looked so in love. I didn’t know if their parents disapproved, or if he’d screwed up, or if she’d ever pushed him away, but it didn’t matter because there was so much love between them. Wasn’t that what matters most?

I knew one thing was an absolute: Patrick was going to be in my life forever. So what the hell was I doing?

“Dumb shit phase.”

“What? Chloe, what did you say?”

I snapped out of it and realized everyone at the table was staring at me. Michael asked again, “What did you say?”

I looked to Myra sitting on the other side of me. “I’m ready to get out of the dumb shit phase.”

She studied my face for a moment as only a best friend can, scrutinizing me, checking to see if I was sure. Finally she smiled. “I don’t know what the hell took your ass so long.”

I leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I’ve got to go,” I said. Then I said it louder. “I’ve got to go.”

“Go? Where are you going, Chloe? Is everything okay?” Michael looked alarmed, but I had no time to explain politely.

“I’m sorry, Michael. Yes. It’s the roommate.”

I blew a kiss to Crystal, grabbed my purse, and ran out of the restaurant.

***  

I only walked two blocks before I was able to hail a taxi. While I walked I used my phone to look up flight information. I told the driver to take me to LaGuardia Airport and then pulled out my iPhone again to make a reservation on the next plane leaving for Los Angeles. It was a good thing I was already sitting down when it came time to enter my credit card information. Last minute flights clear across the country are not cheap. I just told myself over and over again that love was worth it.

Well, it damn well better be.

Going through security was relatively quick. All I had was my small purse filled with my I.D., credit cards, breath mints, and lip gloss. I was taking traveling light to a whole new level. Once I made it to the gate and confirmed that I still had time before boarding, I used the extra time to pick up items I’d need; I bought a large canvas bag, snacks for the plane, a crossword puzzle book, a charger for my phone, and then sought out a pharmacy for toiletries. I found everything I needed save one, but I knew I’d be able to pick it up once I landed.

While I waited to board I debated whether I should call Patrick. To play it safe, I decided to, but got his voicemail.

“Uh, it’s me. Chloe. I’m not giving up on us. I just want you to know that.” I ended the call and rolled my eyes.
It’s me. Chloe.
Of course he’ll know it’s me. By the time the gate agent announced it was time to board I was sure I’d be turned away for suspicious behavior. I was nervous, in shock that I was actually boarding a plane to Los Angeles on a whim. Not how I saw my day ending when I woke up that morning.

Once we were in the air, I accepted a blanket from the flight attendant, kicked off my heels, and drifted off to sleep. I dreamt that I arrived at Patrick’s hotel to find he’d already gone and no one would tell me where. I’d also lost my purse and had no money to get home. I was sitting outside of Patrick’s hotel, crying in the street, when Lawrence appeared. Then I made myself wake up because fuck that. I spent the rest of the flight trying to concentrate on crossword puzzles and sipping ginger ale to quiet my nervous stomach.

Once we landed it took me only ten minutes to navigate my way out of the airport and into a taxi. Even though it was after ten in the evening, traffic was still heavy. As if reading my mind the driver gave me an apologetic smile in the rearview mirror.

“Not much further. First time in Los Angeles?” He was an older gentleman with a bald head and snow-white mustache. He looked like he should be home tucking in grandchildren instead of driving a cab.

“Yes it is.” I said politely.

“No luggage?”

“It was kind of a last minute decision.”

He smiled knowingly. “Ah. Love.”

I didn’t disagree.

*** 

“Ma’am, we can’t let you up without Mr. Murphy’s permission and he’s still not answering his phone.”

The hotel desk clerk was working my first and last nerve, even though she was simply doing her job. I tried to remind myself it wasn’t her fault I decided to fly out to Los Angeles without any planning, or that the hotel Patrick was staying in had higher security than the Pentagon. It wasn’t her fault you couldn’t enter the elevator bank without a room keycard. And it damn sure wasn’t her fault Patrick wasn’t answering his cell phone or the phone in his room.

I sighed and shifted my bag to the other shoulder. I glanced around the lavish lobby. “Would it be okay if I waited over there?” I pointed towards the crimson sofas across the lobby.

The clerk, a middle-aged woman with a pointy nose and serious receding hairline, pinched her lips together like she’d tasted something sour. “Fans aren’t permitted to loiter in the lobby. You’ll have to wait outside with the rest.” She cast a disapproving glance at a small circle of girls standing around outside the hotel. They were dressed like they were waiting to get into a nightclub.

“Oh, I’m not a groupie fan person. I told you, I’m his girlfriend and I just flew in to surprise him.”

She had the nerve to rise up on her toes and peer over the counter to see if I had luggage.

“Okay, how about this? Can I have a room?”

She sniffed and pressed a few buttons on the keyboard in front of her. “We have a single available.”

“I’ll take it.” I was reaching into my bag for my wallet when she told me the cost per night.

As I slid my credit card across the counter, it wept.

The hotel room was, hands down, the nicest one I’d ever been in. I kicked off my heels and my toes rejoiced as they sank into the lush carpet. Once my body hit the bed I considered calling it a night, right there in my cocktail dress. But since I still didn’t know where Patrick was, that wasn’t an option. I had a brief moment of panic when I considered that he could have already flown home. The clerk had said he wasn’t answering his phone, not that he had checked out. She definitely made it sound like he was still a guest. She was a bit of witch, but surely she wouldn’t have let me book a room knowing he wasn’t here. Would she?

If she thinks you’re a crazy groupie, she just might do that to you, Chloe.

If I couldn’t reach Patrick, I needed to speak to someone who could at least confirm he was still in Los Angeles. His agent was in New York, but that didn’t matter because I didn’t have her number. There was no way I would call his parents this late. The only person whose number I had, who would definitely know if Patrick was still in town, was the last person I ever wanted to talk to again. I retrieved my cell phone and noticed the battery was getting low. At least it wouldn’t be a long call, I reasoned, then pressed the name in my contacts list.

Kelly Kennedy answered on the second ring. “Helloooo?” There was loud music and chatter in the background.

“Hi Kelly, it’s Chloe. I was wondering if you’d seen Patrick. I haven’t been able to reach him.”

She giggled loudly. “Hold on.” There was movement and then the sound of a door opening and closing. When she got back on the line the background noise was considerably dimmer. “Are we really going to do this?”

“Do what, Kelly?” I was ready to kick my own ass for calling this woman.

“Don’t play games. You want to gloat. You want me to apologize. I’ll make it easy for you. Yes, I’m sorry I tried to fuck your boyfriend and he was too much of a loser to take advantage. If he thinks you’re gonna look better on his arm, help his career… well, good luck with that.”

She was obviously drunk and itching for a fight. Even though she was being six shades of trifling at the moment, I refused to give her one iota of satisfaction. She’d tried to sleep with Patrick and he shot her down. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face.

“So, Kelly, is that a no? You don’t know where Patrick is?” I smirked. She would not have me go off on her. There was nothing to gain from that. I’d already won.

“Oh, he’s here at the party. Don’t worry; Mr. Wet Blanket will be back in your arms in a few days. You’re welcome to him.”

And then she hung up.

I still didn’t know why Patrick wasn’t answering his phone, but at least I knew he was in town and he’d be coming back to the hotel. I’d left him messages. He’d call me when he could and then I could surprise him.

*** 

I awoke
the next morning with no idea where I was or why I was naked. Then it came back to me. I took a shower under a showerhead that felt like being massaged by the hands of tiny angels and then passed out completely naked. I couldn’t keep that dress or underwear on another moment.

I checked my phone and noticed a voicemail from Patrick. I’d slept right through his call.

Hey, it’s me. Are you okay? I got your messages and now I’m worried. Call me back before I call your whole family and make a fool of myself. I’m going to the gym in the morning, but then I’m free all day.
He paused.
Okay. I... okay. Talk to you later.

My heart broke. The uncertainty in his voice killed me. I’d done that, and I was going to fix it. But I couldn’t do anything naked. I brushed my teeth and cringed as I slipped back into last night’s dress. I did a Google search and found a nearby shopping center with a Target Superstore. This was perfect because I knew it would have a pharmacy. It wasn’t where I usually shopped for clothes, but it would have to do. Considering how much I’d already spent on this impromptu trip, I wasn’t in any position to be hitting up Rodeo Drive.

I quickly walked across the lobby, hoping I didn’t look like a hooker leaving a job. Thankfully there was a different clerk on duty at the registration desk. There was a line of taxis waiting in the circular drive outside the main entrance. I got in one and asked to be taken to the shopping center.

Two hours later I was back in my room sorting through my purchases: a few sundresses, three bra and panty sets, sandals, flip-flops, more toiletries, and a travel bag I could use as a carry-on for the trip home. I took another shower and changed into fresh underwear, one of my new dresses, and the sandals. Then I called Patrick.

“Hey! Chloe, what is going on? Is everything okay?” I cringed at the panic in his voice.

“I’m fine. Where are you?”

“Just leaving the hotel gym. Where are you?”

I grabbed my key card and left the room. Dodging his question, I asked, “Have a good workout?”

“What? Yeah. I got your message about… us. Did you mean what you said?”

I reached the elevators and pressed the call button. “Yes, I meant every word.”

“Chloe, I can’t wait to come—”

The elevator doors chimed, then opened, and Patrick and I were standing face-to-face, both holding cell phones to our faces, both in shock. He looked from the phone to me, confused. The door started to close again and we both reached out at the same time to stop them. I laughed as he stepped into the hall, mouth wide open, and took my hand.

“What? Are you here? I mean... what are you doing here?”

“Surprising you. Surprise!” I disconnected our call. “We won’t be needing these.”

“Come here.” He pulled me into a hug. He was in a tee shirt and shorts and covered in sweat. I didn’t care. I closed my eyes and squeezed him back. When we broke apart, he still looked like he didn’t believe I was there.

“Did you just try my room?” He gestured down the hall.

“No, I just left
my
room. I didn’t even know you were on this floor.”

“Your room? How long have you been here?”

“Since last night. They wouldn’t tell me which room you were in and you weren’t answering the phone. I couldn’t even wait in the lobby because the clerk thought I was a groupie or something. By the way, that’s kind of creepy.”

He threw his head back and stared at the ceiling for a few seconds. “Yeah. They kinda camp out hoping to get autographs, pictures, and, um, other stuff. Come on, let’s go to my room.” As we walked down the hall, hand in hand, he explained that he’d left his cell phone in his room and didn’t have it on him at the cast party he’d attended the night before.

“Then I woke up to these drunk texts from Kelly telling me to keep my girlfriend from calling her.” We stopped at a set of double doors at the far end of the hall, just a few rooms down from my own. Patrick reached into his shorts pocket and retrieved his room key. Moments later we entered a suite that made my room look like it was in a roadside motel.

“Wow. I thought my room was nice.” I looked around appreciatively.

“I can’t believe… hold on. What room are you in?” I told him and watched as he went to the desk phone and pressed a button. “Hi, this is Patrick Murphy in suite eight eighteen. Well, actually no, everything’s not to my satisfaction. My girlfriend tried to get in to see me and was turned away. I don’t appreciate the way she was treated. She reserved room eight-twelve. I’d like her belongings moved to my suite right away.” He listened for a moment. “Yes, Ms. Brooks would appreciate a refund. Thank you.”

“Man, becoming a movie star has also made you kind of a dick.” I nodded. “I think I like it.”

“Oh, stop it.” He walked over and took me in his arms. He leaned in for a kiss, but stopped.

“It’s okay. You can kiss me.” And he did. His lips were salty from sweat, but his tongue tasted of toothpaste. He held my face in his hands and pulled away, his eyes still closed.

“I can’t believe you’re here.” He opened his eyes and kissed me on the tip of my nose.

“Patrick, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t have more faith in us. I’m sorry I pushed you away and ignored your calls. I don’t care if your mother ever changes her mind, but I’m willing to do whatever I can to see that she does. But if she doesn’t, I don’t care. I love you. And nothing is going to change that. Ever. And I’m babbling.”

He shook his head. “I was an idiot. I will never make you feel disrespected, or ask you to be hidden, or lie about what you mean to me. To anyone. I am sorry. And my mother will get on board. I promise you.”

We stood there, holding each other, kissing, and I could tell he was still having a hard time believing I was there. “Would you like to pinch me?” I asked.

“I’m going to do a lot more than you pinch you.” He kissed me quickly and then asked, “When is your flight home? I fly out day after tomorrow, but… I was making a stop. I had plans, but I guess now I have to do them a little backwards.”

“What are you talking about? And I don’t have a flight home. I didn’t think that far ahead, actually.”

“Then let me take care of that. I’ll take care of everything. But first I need to shower.”

“Yeah, you do.”

He smacked me on the butt, kissed me again, and headed for the bathroom. While he was showering a bellman brought my belongings from my room and refused the tip I tried to give him. I felt bad. The woman was just doing her job—although, the refund on my credit card was pretty damn sweet.

Patrick came out of the bathroom completely naked, drying his hair with a towel. I grabbed the towel from him and took over the task. I asked, “You came out here like that on purpose, didn’t you?”

“Maybe I did. What are you going to do about it?”

“We still have to talk about something.”

He leaned down and placed his mouth on my right breast through the thin fabric of the dress. Within seconds I felt my nipple harden. Every inch of me was screaming,
talk later!

“We can talk later,” I said breathlessly.

Patrick picked me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist. He carried me to the bedroom and placed me on the bed. He stood over me, completely naked, beautiful and strong. “Or we can talk tomorrow.” He grinned and climbed on top of me.

Through urgent kisses and exploring hands, my clothes found their way to the floor. When I could no longer stand it, I demanded, “I want you inside of me. Now.” He obliged, pushing into me while kissing me hard.

He slowed his strokes to make it last longer, looking me in the eyes and telling me how much he loved me. Then he rose up, supporting his weight on his arms with his hands placed on either side of me. He pulled out of me, almost completely, and then pushed back in all the way. He did this several times, teasing me. When he finally stopped, he stilled deep inside of me.

“Please,” I whispered. I was so close, and all I wanted at that moment was to feel him moving into me and as hard and fast as he could.

“Please what?” he growled.

I felt free to be as honest and dirty as I wanted to be. “Please fuck me.” He smiled, pulled out partway, and then plunged deeper. I gasped, but he still refused to move.

“You really are a dick.” I said. I raised my hips, propped myself up on my elbows, and moved my hips, pushing into him and then pulling back before pushing again. I tightened and released my muscles until he groaned.

“Fine, woman. You win.”

*** 

The next morning I awoke naked again, and sore. I watched Patrick sleep for a few minutes. His dark hair was a bit longer than the last time I’d seen him in New York.
I ran my fingers through his hair and kissed him on the forehead. He didn’t even stir. I quietly retrieved one of my bags from the living room and went to the bathroom. When I was done I put all evidence back in the plastic bag and stuffed it into the carry-on I’d purchased.