Love Me ~ Through the Storm (21 page)

35

Kane

I can
feel
her, I can hear her, but I can’t see her. Why won’t my damn eyes open? I’ve tried so hard, many times, but I get exhausted and fall asleep. Oakley’s mere presence almost influences my body into a serene state. When she talks to me and touches me, I’m convinced that I feel her compassion radiating through me.

Clay should have made her go home and rest, but I can’t lie, I’m so thankful she’s here. She hasn’t left me. That doesn’t surprise me in the least. What does amaze the hell out of me is my mom. She’s been here for my girl. With my dream and now all of the love she is showing Oakley, I have faith in being able to bond with mom. If I can just wake up.

I’m a little relieved to hear Lizzie admit that she was being a drama queen. Now maybe we can all put my mistake behind us and move on. I hate not having my friends in my life, but I hate worse that they’ve been taken from Oakley because of me.

“Come in,” I hear Oakley say in a tired voice.

“Hello. How’s our patient?”

I’ve heard that voice before but where?

“He’s hanging in there, I’m Oakley Wilson, Kane’s girlfriend.”

Hell, she’s more than my girlfriend, she is my motivation to wake up, she’s my sanity.

“Nice to meet you, Oakley. I’m Craig Wolz. Kane hired me to investigate a little run in he had a few weeks back.”

“Oh, the Gretchen thing? He told me he was hiring a kick-ass P.I. to put her ass in jail. You sure look like you could kick someone’s ass.”

I hear Craig chuckle.

“Thanks, but I didn’t have to do any ass kicking in this case. I do however, have great news.”

“Awesome, we could use some good news right about now.” Oakley takes my hand in hers. It’s so warm.

“It looks like Ms. Gretchen Fortenberry will be spending some time behind bars instead of our buddy Kane.”

Oakley removes her hand. “That’s fantastic news. Sorry, I’m a hugger. I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable.”

“I’d never turn down a hug from a pretty girl, just ask my wife Connie.”

I hear Craig laugh again.

“So, what’s next? Is there anything that Kane will need to do, anything I can do for him?”

“All the charges against Kane have been dropped, and as far as Gretchen goes, she’s confessed to the whole thing. I hear she broke down when they arrested her and owned up to more than just the document fraud. She admitted to slashing his tires, painting his garage doors, and more. The charges against her are piling up.”

“Good! I hope she gets more than a slap on the wrist.”

Me, too.

“I’m going to do everything I can to help make sure she gets what she deserves. Let’s just say, I have a few
judicial
friends that I’ll be in touch with. I hate when bad things happen to good people.”

“It is always good to have connections. I know if Kane could, he would thank you himself, but thank you so much. I’m glad something is going right for a change. Hey, let me give you my number in case you need something, I may be able to help you.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep you updated on Gretchen.”

“Awesome, I can’t wait to tell Kane.”

“I’ll go because you look like you should crawl in that bed with him and take you a nap.”

“I just may do that. Thank you for coming by with the news, it’s much appreciated.”

Yes, it is.

“You’re welcome and, Oakley, you take care of
yourself
, too.”

“I will, Mr. Wolz. Don’t you worry about me. I’ll be fine as soon as Kane wakes up.”

I hear the door close.

“Did you hear all of that, Kane! I’m excited because you’ve been exonerated.”

I feel my bed dip and Oakley’s warm body snuggle up to mine. I wish I could turn so she could be my little spoon. My girl sounds so tired. I hope she can rest here beside me.

With so many people going in and out of my room all the time, she hasn’t had a chance to rest at all. I hope she’ll have a lull in visitors for the rest of the evening, that way she can lay right here by my side.

36

Oakley

As soon as my eyes shut, there is a tapping on my shoulder.

“Ma’am, you can’t be in the bed with him. It’s against hospital regulations.”

I feel like I have grains of sand cutting my eyeballs, “Five more minutes,” I beg.

She shakes my shoulder gently. “Wake up.”

I swear I feel Kane’s arm tighten a little before I sit up, “I’m up, I’m up.”

Fishing my phone from my jeans pocket, I see that I’ve slept about an hour and a half, but I’m still exhausted. That was a catnap, not near enough to recharge my batteries. But, I’ll make do. My man needs me here, and I want to be here for him.

I sit back in the chair that’s beside his bed and prop my chin on both hands. “Kane, I wish you’d wake up. There are so many things I want to do with you, and to you.” I crack myself up sometimes. I’ve got to think of ways to entertain myself or it will be a long night.

I decide I’ll give Kane a new hairstyle. I take my brush out of my purse and comb his hair. Maybe he would like his face washed, and more chapstick on his lips. I run out of tasks for him quickly though and sit back, sighing.

I send Deb a text.

Oakley:
 
Hey, I just thought I’d tell you Kane’s P.I. came by and said all charges have been dropped against him.

Deb:
 
That’s wonderful news, Oakley. Is there any change in my baby boy?

Oakley:
 
No, sorry
.

Deb:
 
Honey, why don’t you come home and get a good night’s rest and I will stay with him tonight?

Oakley:
 
I don’t want to leave him, Deb. I want to be here when he wakes up.

Deb
:
If he starts waking up, I’ll call you. You really need to get some sleep. Don’t make me pull the mom card.

Shit, I don’t want to go, but maybe she wants time alone with Kane, too.

Oakley:
 
Okay, but I’m getting up early and coming back up here. I don’t want any arguments from anyone!

Deb:
 
You’ve got my word. Ruby said she would stay tomorrow night if he’s not awake yet.

Oakley:
 
We’ll see.

Deb:
 
I’ll be up there in about an hour.

Oakley:
 
Okay.

I hear a soft knock at the door. “Come in,” I say.

“Hey there, we just wanted to come by and check on you guys. How’s Kane?” Denise comes over and squats down so she’s face to face with me.

“I’m fine. Deb, Kane’s mom, is coming up here to spend the night with him,” I yawn, stretching my arms above my head.

“No offense, Oak, but you look like shit,” Levi says. “Girl, Kane would kill us if he knew we weren’t taking care of you any better than this.”

“Wait, are you two seeing each other?” I ask.

“No. We’re just friends, nothing more. I’m, umm, actually kinda dating Trevor, my pastor’s son.” Denise answers for the both of them.

“Uh-huh, we just realized we both come from overly protective and religious parents. You know how people bond over crap like that kind of crazy stuff,” Levi says.

“Yeah, right, Kane and I were just friends, too, and you see where that has led. You two sure are together a lot for you to be dating someone else, Denise.” I give them a knowing look.

“Pfft, whatever,” Levi waves me off, then points to Kane, “He’s had it bad for you forever.” Levi looks at Denise. “He would threaten every guy who even tried to date her around here. Finally, when we all moved to Alabama is when she got to start dating.” He laughs. “Kane must have not known anyone from your school there.”

“I didn’t know he did that. No wonder I couldn’t get a date. Every guy avoided me like I had the plague.” I look at Kane. “I wonder if he ever said anything to Quinn.”

“I don’t know, but that is probably one of the most romantic stories I’ve ever heard.” Denise says, playing with her cross necklace. “Oakley, do you mind if I pray for him?”

“Why would I mind that? He needs every prayer, good thought, or vibe he can get. If I thought voodoo was real, I’d go find a witch doctor.” I give her a smile. “Please, be my guest.”

Denise stands up, places her hand on Kane’s head, and shuts her eyes.

I close my eyes in anticipation of her prayer, but nada. I peek one eye open, and she’s whispering so quietly that I can’t hear her over the monitor that’s hooked up to Kane. I look over at Levi and he’s holding in a laugh.

I mouth, “what?” to him.

Levi just shakes his head and turns his back to me.

Denise removes her hand and opens her eyes, “I hope he wakes up soon, Oakley. Have they said if he’s expected to make a full recovery?”

“They seem to think he will, but I guess we’ll know for sure when he wakes up and they do their tests.”

Levi says, “Kane won’t let anything stop him, he’s just going to be pissed about his car.”

“Shh, he may be able to hear you. I don’t want to upset him now, he’ll have hard enough time dealing with it when he’s awake.” I put my index finger to my lips.

“What happened to the car?” Denise asks.

Levi whispers, “It’s completely totaled.”

“Oh.” Denise’s eyes get as big as saucers. “Oh, no, he loves that car.”

“Yeah, I know. I hate it for him so I’ve got Cash looking for another one. I know it won’t be the same because it won’t be Ruby’s hand me down, but maybe he’ll like it,” I say.

We all talk until Deb comes in, then Denise and Levi says their goodbyes.

“Hey, Deb,” I give her a hug.

“Hey, sweetie, you need to go and get a good night’s sleep.” She holds me out at an arms’ length and gives me an appraising look. “You look worn out.”

“I know, I know,” I shake my head. “Oh, before I forget, is there any way you can get in touch with Luther, uh, his dad?”

“Why in the world would you want to talk to him? I promise you, Oakley, Kane will probably
not
want to see him. He’s never been in Kane’s life.” Deb walks over to the window.

“It’s not for Kane. Uh, Megan,” How the crap am I going to explain this? I look to the ceiling, pondering the right words.

“Enough said, I know all about
Megan
.” Deb rolls her eyes, “She’s the entire reason I was in rehab.”

“What?” My mouth drops to the floor, excuse me while I pick it up!

“Yeah, it just so happens Luther was in town, watching Kane perform about a year or so ago.” She paces the floor, her hand in her jeans back pocket. “I was always running after him, wanting us to be a regular couple.”

Deb looks lost in thought.

“I just had to follow him that night, I just couldn’t let him be,” She looks at the floor. “I saw him and that girl, he took her to that cheap ass, no tell, motel.”

“Kane’s dad and Megan?” I want to make sure who she’s talking about.

“Yeah,” Deb walks back to the window, “a few days later, I saw Kane take her home. I could tell by just watching the girl what she wanted with him. I doubt she even knew that Luther was Kane’s dad.” She looks back over to me with tears in her eyes. “The whole thought of Luther being with his son’s girlfriend sent me on a binge of drugs and alcohol. I couldn’t pull myself out after that.”

“I’m sorry, Deb, I had no idea.” I walk over and run my hand down her arm.

“Well, that’s the past. I can’t change it. I’m learning to accept the things I can’t control.”

“I think most people needs lessons in that.” I yawn, I couldn’t stop it.

“Oh, sweetie, you need to get home. I didn’t mean to keep you here.”

“You didn’t, I was the one who brought up all of that mess. I wouldn’t have even mentioned it, but it’s for Megan’s baby Gunner. He’s real sick.”

“I’ll see if I can get in touch with Luther." Deb gives me a weary smile. "Now, you go on home, sweetie and get some rest.”

“Deb, I don’t want to leave him.”

“I know you don’t, sweetheart, but sometimes you’ve got to do what makes sense. You’ve got to do what’s right for that moment in time, ya know what I’m trying to say?” She looks over at Kane. “Sometimes the hardest decisions to make are the ones that can hurt the most, but you know that they’re right.”

“Sounds like you’ve got some experience with that.”

“Yes, I’ve got too much experience with impossible choices. Good thing this isn’t one of those for you. Just go home, sweetheart. Read the back of your eyelids.” She gives me a hug.

“Okay, but you promise to call, right?” I ask her.

“Scout’s honor.” She holds up two fingers.

“Alright then, I’ll go. Thanks, Deb, I’ll see you in the morning.” I yawn again.

“See you then, honey.” She leans over and gives me a kiss on the cheek.

I leave and cry all the way home. Kane’s got his mama back.