Finding Infinity (8 page)

“Thank God it’s not drive my birthday present to dinner.” I smile at him, as I watch him momentarily frown.

“Anyway, give me your wrist,” he orders.

I obediently stick my wrist towards him as I watch him fasten the female counterpart to his Rolex on my wrist. I gape at it. Literally, my mouth hangs open. “A new pair of shoes would’ve been a sufficient gift.”

He looks at me, flashing me his half smile as he kisses my wrist where the ridiculous gift now rests. “Sufficient maybe, but everyone knows that you can’t be a real doctor without a Rolex watch.”

I throw my head back and laugh. “You’ve got me there, Colin. Thank you,” I say as I stand on my tiptoes, turn around, and give him a kiss on the cheek. “It’s beautiful, and I love it.”

“Now, for your second gift,” Colin says, while he produces a red velvet box from his jeans pocket. “This isn’t really a birthday gift. It’s more of a ‘They arrived yesterday so I thought that I would go ahead and give them to you on your birthday’ present.”

He opens the box and shows me a huge sparkling pair of diamond earrings. “Remember when I told you that I was going to take the original engagement ring diamond and make them into earrings for you? Well, here they are.”

I gasp. “Colin, they will tear through the holes in my ears. I can’t wear these.”

“Yes you can. The jeweler said that it would be fine,” he assures me, as he takes them out of the box. “Look, I had him mark the original diamond with an X in the platinum. Your new diamond has a little tiny infinity symbol engraved in the platinum. That way, you’ll know which diamond is from which part of our relationship.” He shows me what diamond is which, but I just stand there with my mouth hanging open. I can’t believe that, first of all, he was so generous. I completely get that these presents did not dent his bank account, but I still wish that he wouldn’t have spent so much.

But, forget the earrings. I love the symbolism so much more than the stones. An “X” on the back of the diamond that he bought when he proposed every single day to me? An infinity symbol for the diamond that represents our second chance? This is our story. I’ll be photographed with these huge diamond earrings on. The world will see my generous present from him. Only Colin and I’ll know the significance.

“Thank you,” I breathe as I try them on. “They’re exquisite.” And they really are. I walk closer to the mirror in the bathroom and check out my new accessories. They’re huge, but not uncomfortable. They’re definitely not earrings that I’ll wear every day, but when I do, they’ll make a statement from my Statement.

He gives my neck another kiss. “They don’t hold a candle to you, Charlie. You’re the most beautiful woman in the world.”

I smile and drink in the image of us together. Yes. Indeed. Tonight we look like we were made for each other. Happy thirtieth birthday to me.

“Ready to go my love?” he says as he wraps my arm around his elbow.

* * * *

Colin drives us to the restaurant after being reassured by his main security guy, Jamie, that the media has not gotten the news that we’re going to “dinner” there tonight. Aiden is sitting in the front seat with Colin. Rachael and I are in the back. Colin and Aiden are in a heated discussion about something regarding football. Rachael and I are talking about nothing of importance.

It feels nice that the gate on the gilded cage has been opened. For the first time in a long time, I feel like Colin and I are on a double date. He’s not a household brand with a media-generated prescription painkiller addiction, and I’m not the flavor of the month. Colin and I don’t have to be censored with Aiden and Rachael. They’re not going to sell our story to one of the gossip sites, for the equivalent of beer money.

All too soon my happy, normal thoughts fly out the window when we all see the media camped outside the restaurant/club. “Fuck!” Colin says as he whips out his phone.

He hits something on the screen, and I presume that he’s calling Jenny. “Is there a back entrance?” he asks without saying hello.

“I know. I’ve had my phone off,” he says, much more resigned.

Even if I didn’t know that this was my surprise party, I would have been tipped off by the media attention outside. I take off my seatbelt and scoot to the edge of my seat so I can tap Colin on the shoulder. “Baby, I know about the party. It’s okay. We’ll just go through the front door.”

I can see Colin’s shadowed face as we pass under the streetlights in Highland Park. He’s so disappointed. “Hang up with Jenny,” I instruct.

He hits end on his phone and slams it down. “Fucking vultures.”

“It’s not a big deal. Pull over and let Aiden drive. You, I, and Rachael will run into the restaurant. Aiden can deal with the valet.”

“I’m sorry your surprise is ruined.” He sounds so disappointed. I feel a little bad for snooping now, but I guess it’s hard to keep a secret when you’re the biggest name in sports.

“It’s the thought, baby. I love you for trying. What’s important is that we get inside so we can see all the people that matter to us,” I reason with him.

He pulls into a parking lot, and we all rearrange our seats. Colin is now in the passenger seat. I move to the seat behind the passenger. Rachael is behind the driver. She makes a crack as we pull up to the restaurant, “This is so much easier than sneaking a married politician out of a known prostitute’s house.”

I look at her, not sure if my best friend is kidding or not. When our car stops, the valet rushes over to the driver’s side. Colin and I throw open our doors. He immediately has his arms wrapped around me, protecting me from the flashes. The cameras are snapping around us. I’m temporarily blinded by their strobing lights.

It’s not a long walk to the front door of the restaurant, but it feels like it’s forever away. He’s whispering sweet epithets in my hair, “Beautiful, smart, mine.”

I try to focus on Colin’s words and not on what’s being yelled at us, but I can’t help but hear one of the questions as Colin is nearly dragging me inside. “Is it true that you use crack cocaine?”

Then one male voice rises above the rest. “Colin, how long will this marriage last?”

I stop walking. Freeze. I’m furious. “What the hell did he just say?” I ask very loudly as I turn to find who said such an awful thing.

“Walk, Charlie,” Colin orders.

I know he’s right, but this has gone too far. A female voice screams, “Marry me Colin.”

Someone else is yelling, “CharCol forever.”

I catch a glimpse of a pair of female breasts.

Dear God, get me inside this restaurant before I really give these crazy people something to report.
The restaurant manager opens the door for us, and Colin pushes me inside and turns around to go back outside.

“Where are you going?” I yell over the noise outside.

“Taking care of what’s mine,” he grumbles.

I pull on his arm.
Hard
. It’s not like I can prevent him from going anywhere, but it does give him a second to come to his senses. We watch the reporters get their two-for-oner tonight. They start harassing Rachael, asking if her boss is going to run for president.

Rachael is practiced with the media, and I watch my strong, confident friend hold her head high. Her response is, “I guess y’all will find out when I do.” I love her.

Once we’re all inside the foyer of the restaurant, I turn to Colin. “You’ve got to calm down.” His fists are clenched at his sides, and his face red. The anger is rolling off of him in waves of hate. He begins running both hands through his hair, making his locks stick out in a delicious mess.

“Aiden, Rachael, please go into the restaurant, and pretend that I don’t know. Give me a few minutes with my fiancé.”

When they’re gone and the restaurant staff has made themselves scarce, I turn to Colin. “Calm down. I get it. You’re angry. Hell, I’m angry. I can’t believe the nasty things that they said to us. Yell at the security guys on Monday. I know that the questions that they asked are horrible. However, I’m not going anywhere. I love you. We know what they’re saying isn’t true. This is your life. Get over it and don’t ruin my surprise party,” I plead.

As I speak, I watch his hands relax and his jaw loosen. I know that I’m getting through to him. His face returns to its normal, gorgeous olive complexion. “By the way, we have the whole restaurant for the night,” he says, as if he’s reassuring me that paparazzi can’t reach us inside. “How did you find out?” There’s a bit of puzzlement mixed with the residual effects of his anger.

“I will never tell. I did add someone to the guest list though.” His face darkens again. “Remember, it’s my birthday, and this is what I want.”

“Who did you invite, Caroline?” Before I can answer he says, “It’s not Adam, is it? I’m not ready to see him. I don’t think that I can handle meeting him after that bullshit outside.”

Adam? The guy from medical school? Where did that come from? “No, Colin. Why would I have invited Adam? I haven’t talked to him in a couple of years.” I sound as thoroughly confused as I feel.

“Okay. I can deal with anyone else,” he replies, completely evading my question.

I plant a soft kiss and give him a hug, leaving my arms laced around his neck. “Thank you for my party. Let’s go and let our guests surprise me. Oh, and if you don’t stop running your hands through your hair, you’ll be bald by forty.”

He cuts his eyes at me, and takes my hand and leads me around a corner. Everyone yells “Surprise” as Colin wraps me in his strong arms and gives me a panty-dropping kiss. I feel so loved.

The party is fabulous. Brad’s decorating is tasteful, with seasonal flowers on all the tables. There are balloons, but there must have been a helium shortage because there is an appropriate amount. Some of the tables have been pushed back to make a dance floor. I see a band at the far end of the room setting up their equipment. Waiters are passing out wine and appetizers. Seeing how great this place looks gives me hope that Brad might do a great job planning our wedding after all.

My mom and sisters all rush to hug me and wish me happy birthday. Chelsea grabs my left hand and asks, “Where’s the ring?”

She’s so tactful. “Still being made, but if you want to see Colin get crazy mad, ask if it means that we aren’t engaged.” I reply conspiratorially. “It’s taking longer than he hoped, and he’s less than pleased.”

“So any players coming tonight?” she asks.

Fortunately, I don’t have a chance to answer, because I’m bombarded by Brad and his date, Carter. Hmm…interesting. I’ll have to get my best assistant in the world alone for a little gossip time. Carter looks at me a little sheepishly. I’m guessing that he’s wondering if I care that he’s here with my assistant when he’s off the clock. I give him a warm hug and maybe feel his back muscles also. “It’s a pleasure seeing you here. I’m glad that you came.” I still feel guilty for that long run.

Brad gives me a wink over Carter’s shoulder and mouths a “thank you.”

Next, I’m greeted by Colin’s parents. This is the first time that I’ve seen them since Colin and I have gotten back together. They are definitely a little stand-offish, aloof, cold…pick the adjective. They give me an obligatory hug, but it could keep a six-pack of beer cold in August.

I look over as they greet Colin, and he gets a much sweeter reception. I get it. His parents probably feel about me the same way that my dad feels about Colin. We hurt each other deeply. I hope that they’ll come around. Colin adores them, and I’d never want to interfere in their relationship.

Then Colin’s friends come over to say hello. Janis gives me a warm hug, and Clay, not to be outdone, hugs me and pretends to grab my behind. Colin doesn’t look pleased and shoots Mr. South a very ugly look. So, Clay must continue to annoy Colin by laying me back in a deep dip, and pretending to kiss me. “That’s it South. Hands off my fiancée,” Colin growls.

Clay sets me back on my feet and grabs my left hand. “There’s no ring on her finger, motherfucker.”

Colin smirks. “Trust me. This one is mine,” he says, kissing my hair and pulling me away from Clay.

Clay hugs Colin, and says, “I can’t believe you’re conning her into marrying you. Un-fucking-believable.”

Colin flashes me an amused look. If the world only knew that it was me who proposed to him. We give each other a secret grin.

Tyler and Liza are at my party. They are kind to me. Maybe even warm? They were the first of Colin’s new friends that I met when we got back together. Colin had blindsided them by bringing me along to have drinks with them at Pat O’Brien’s. They were expecting to see Sasha. Liza, a rock band stylist, and I, have spoken a couple of times since I’ve moved to Dallas. I think we have the potential to be friends. I do appreciate them coming. Ty and Colin are teammates and friends. I know that Colin wants us all to get along.

Liza and I make plans to grab lunch, then, I introduce her to Brad. I think that they have a lot of similar interests, and frankly, who doesn’t like Brad?

I have the pleasure of meeting some other players and their wives or girlfriends. I also meet Colin’s offensive coordinator, quarterback coach, head coach, his wife, and the team president. I’m truly honored that they care enough about Colin to take the time to meet me.

I do note who isn’t present, and that would be my dear old dad and aunt/step-mom, Carmen.

About an hour into the party, the guest that I invited arrives. He slips in through a side entrance and does his best to blend into the wall. He goes unnoticed by Colin. I, however, see him, and excuse myself from my guests to speak to him before Colin has an opportunity to react.

I have to say that I almost feel sorry for the guy. Mark looks like a fish out of water. He’s almost pressed up against the wall instead of leaning against it. His calm, cool demeanor is gone and been replaced with jittery fingers as if he’s had too much caffeine. When I get close enough to him, he grins the politician smile that doesn’t meet his eyes. “Thanks for giving me this opportunity. I hope you aren’t going to get in too much trouble with Colin.” His voice is strained.

Mark had contacted me a couple of weeks ago. He pleaded his case, insisting that he didn’t breathe a word to anyone about Colin’s personal transgressions. I listened, and believed him. If I’m honest with myself though, I didn’t invite Mark here for Mark’s sake. I invited him for my own selfish reasons. I’m ready for Colin and me to no longer be destructive. I want us to begin repairing the damage that our relationship has caused to those around us.