Running To You (10 page)

“Grayson, how could you do this? Alex is still healing from her accident and obviously fighting her feelings for you, which are purely deepening by the minute, now that you’ve spent the night with her. How long do you think it’s going to take for her to hear about Olivia, you have to tell her?”

What, what was she saying...what about Olivia?

“Zoe, there is nothing to tell about me and Olivia. We are not going to be a real couple, it could never work, and it’s not what you think. I didn’t plan on hooking up with Olivia!” His words were so angry. What is he talking about, what happened? What did he do, could he have reconciled with Olivia?

How could this be happening? As the feeling of anxiety was coming over me, I just wanted to get out of Grayson’s office. I needed to put some space between us. I just wanted to run out of there as quickly as I could
, Lord make me a bird, so that I can fly, far away
. As I turned to exit out the back private entrance, “Alexandra, please don’t run.” Grayson was calling to me. I couldn’t look at him, I couldn’t make eye contact, I just bolted out his back door as fast as I could and hid in the restroom around the corner. Once again, I ran away. After about thirty minutes, I peeked out to see if the hallway was clear so that I could exit the building. I slipped through the parking garage so that no one saw me.

I quickly made a decision to return to Chicago. If Drew would agree, I could work remotely and continue my therapy there. Talking to Drew on the way home was helpful. He agreed for me to go remote and would work out an arrangement for the next four weeks.

Talking to Cooper wasn’t going to be as easy, he was sure to tell me I was once again running away from something or someone. Coop has this opinion that I run away on purpose to suspend an intention of committing to a relationship. Grayson was different. Our connection evolved quicker than I had known before, the feelings resembled a kinetic energy and the intensity of sexual desire were unrefined to me. Besides the fact that he gave me my first sexually gratifying experience and I believe without a doubt he is my first love. In my heart I thought he might be the last, guess I was wrong.

“What do you mean you are going home to Chicago? Alexandra, we are here because of you. This is what you wanted. Grayson is what you wanted, you have everything you desired. Don’t run, not now, stay
here, and fight for what means the most to you. I can’t believe you are doing this so soon, especially since you are still recovering. Please, I am begging you to reconsider?” Coop’s voice was flat and breathy like the wind had been knocked out of his lungs. It was painful to hear him beg, as if he knew once I left, I would never come back.

“When are you leaving?”

“Dad is sending the jet for me on Saturday night after the Gala. He thought it might be easier for me. A courier will be coming to pick up my things next week. I just need some time away to think, Coop. I’m sorry, this is not about you, or anything you did to get Grayson and I back together. Whatever he has going on with Olivia, he needs to finish. I don’t share!”

Drew didn’t force me to attend the Gala, although he felt that it was important to the company if I could finish what I had started. I would not be required to have interaction with Grayson at the Gala, but I was certain that I would see him. I decided to take Coop as my date, my bodyguard, so to speak, to run interference for me. Deep down, I knew it was for mental support.

He helped me get ready in the cream and gold, silk evening gown and matching wrap. The dress was to die for and Coop was right, it was a true gift from the stylist. The gold beaded Grecian neckline didn’t require any jewelry and was starkly breathtaking. The cream silk had a tiny thread of gold that would twinkle with my movement. I still couldn’t navigate well in heels, so I ended up wearing, gold beaded low-heeled slip on sandals that matched perfectly. The ensemble complimented my hair and my skin very well. I was going to miss Coop’s stylist friends for sure!

“Alex, it is nice to see your tall, tight ass in that dress. You are going to knock ’em out tonight!” His mood was jovial. Although I know that he was trying to hide his pain that I was leaving. Giving him that space, I would play along.

“Coop, you are just admiring your styling works, it has nothing to do with my ass!

“You look fantastic by the way in that monkey suit, you clean up well. Okay, well maybe except for the sexy scruff!”

Coop was rocking the modern tux and had opted for the scruffy, unshaved sexy look. He looked so gorgeous, ready for any celebrity red carpet. His dark hair glistened, picking up reflections from the lights. He was sure to break a heart tonight. Ladies fall over and flaunt in front of him only to faint when they find out they are not his type!

The entrance of the gala was buzzing and well staffed with photographers. As we entered, the hostess found our seating cards and mentioned there had been a last-minute seating change. We were the first to our table and I wanted to see our table partners seating cards. Oh no, Dr. Grayson Brooks and
Olivia Balcone!

He
is bringing
HER
? How could he do that and why were we sitting together? Was that the last minute seating chart change? How dare him!

“Coop, I can’t do this! I don't know. Oh God, not now, this is so raw. This is just wrong. I need to get out of here.”

“Alexandra calm down. Quickly gather our cards and switch them with another table in the far corner by the back door. We will be out of the way, and should we need to, we can make a quick exit” shoulders big, he was proud of his swift action. I love Coop, he is so quick to think on his feet!

We had a few minutes before the start of the gala, so I made my way to the foundation chairman’s table and extended pleasantries. Coop and I posed for at least a dozen photo ops and now I could at the very least, feel that I had made my appearance known, in case of a fast flight. We took our seats at the new table and as the room began to fill, I tried not to search for Grayson, but I could not help it. I was full of emotion, anger for his betrayal, rancor for his dishonesty and bitterness for his lack of concern for me, for our developing relationship. So much so, that I am sure it looked like I had steam billowing from the top of my head. But it couldn’t be a relationship, it was all a lie.

The band took their seats and started the prelude entertainment and Coop extended his hand for a dance. “Coop, seriously, I don’t want to.”

“Get on your feet Alexandra and join me, or I will embarrass you!” Laughing, but I knew he would do something stupid to draw attention. I joined him on the dance floor, and we enjoyed slowly twirling around to the music. The photographers spotted us again and took several more photos as we danced the room. I got a chance to see Olivia take her seat. She was a beautiful girl with blonde hair and wore a red evening gown that had what appeared to be fake tits pouring out the top
. Aha... She was a member of the plastics.

My strength had not completely returned. I tired easily, I needed a break. We returned to the table and I tried to focus my attention on Cooper. We were having a great time. The waiters were serving champagne and Cooper grabbed us a couple of glasses. We were visiting with our table mates and enjoying polite conversation, when a familiar voice came from behind me. It was Grayson. Was she with him? I couldn’t tell? Not wanting to turn and look, I could see Coop’s face. It said it all. Grayson was either coming this way or he was too close for comfort already.

“Hello Grayson, I believe your table is table Number 2 over to the left,” pointing him away from our table and in the direction he needed to go.

“Cooper, nice to see you. I was wandering if I may have a moment with Alexandra?”

I couldn’t face him, not tonight, and I couldn’t face having the public debacle. I stood up, and quickly walked straight through the exit door and I never looked back. I waited for Cooper to join me in the back hall and we exited the side entrance of the building. I didn’t give Grayson Brooks a chance. A chance to hurt me or publicly reduce me to tears, he didn’t deserve that opportunity.

Chapter 6

Cooper took me home and helped me pack the things that I would need immediately. On the drive to Love Field Airport, he held my hand and kept repeating to me that he thought running to Chicago was a bad idea.

“Alex, you will never find your happiness if you keep starting over. You keep hitting repeat before the song finishes playing, you never get to the ending. You aren’t ending it now with Doc, you are just running. You always run away. One of these days, you're going to run full circle and what you’re running from, you will be running right into.”

Coop was quiet for a few moments and finally asked, “By the way, he has no idea that you are leaving, does he?"

“No, I couldn’t talk to him. Coop, I couldn’t face more rejection, his words hurt enough, and it’s what he didn’t say that hurts the most. Coop, I poured out my deepest secret to him. I gave my body to him and I told him I loved him. He took all of me, heart, and soul and dumped it back as if nothing mattered. Because of him, I’ve suffered an accident, almost died and now am left with a shell of a body that doesn’t work completely, just my freaking’ luck!”

“Alexandra, just because he didn’t tell you he loved you too, means nothing. You know, and I know, that he loves you, and for sure he is in love with that tall, tight ass. It was so obvious when you were together last Friday at Sambuca’s. I was sitting at the bar watching you two dance to Creya’s music and watched your PDA on the dance floor. It was HOT! Your accident was purely that, an accident and is something that no one expected. You need to get over it and stop letting it be your crutch! Besides, in time you will be 100%, just be patient. You need to give him a chance; you are making a mistake running, just sayin’ sista!”

We entered the private air terminal and said our good-byes, painful and tearful for us both. We had been together so long; being apart was going to be hard.

On the plane, I fell into deep thought listening to my iPod before the plane even took off. Stumbling across a song by
A Fine Frenzy, Almost Lover
, and the words stung me over and over. To be denied a love and such a plea to have your love voiced by your partner, so beautiful and yet so full of the pain of denial. It brought me to tears. I found myself broken and sobbing. Maybe Coop was right? Running would fix nothing, but rejection was so hard for me. That is all I have ever had in my life from men, rejection.

When we landed in Chicago, I gave Coop a call to let him know I was on the ground as promised. “Al, Grayson was at the apartment when I got back. He is devastated that you left and he searched the apartment for you. Although I didn’t tell him anything, he could figure out that you went home. What do you want me to tell him?”

“He’s right there, isn’t he?”

“Yes, um, we were just talking; actually, he is doing all the talking. I’m just listening to him pour his heart out.”

“I have nothing to say to him, Coop. He turned my life upside down just as much as Will did 10 years ago when he raped me, so if you need to tell him something, tell him that!”

After a long pause, I just hung up the phone and proceeded to get my things from the plane. Dad’s driver was taking me home, since it was so late. Dad and Gretchen had fixed up the downstairs guest room into a combo office for me, so it would be easier and private, I could stay as long as I needed until I could figure out my life...once again.

***

My mom always said that things look brighter in the morning, but this morning was dark and grey, just as my mood and it was no longer morning, it was 2:00 in the afternoon. I suppose I was so tired, my body made sure I got some rest. Once my phone had enough charge, I sat down to retrieve the seventeen voice mails, which I am certain were all from Grayson. Ten calls from Grayson begging me to call him, two calls from Dad while I was getting ready or attending the gala, three from Cooper this morning, one from Drew checking on me and one that threw me for a loop, Olivia. Olivia had called me? Why? Grayson had to have given her my number? What the hell was going on? I could feel anger riveting from my body! No way in hell was I giving the plastic bitch Olivia Balcone the satisfaction of my graveling to her! NO WAY! NOT HAPPENING.

I deleted all the calls and then decided to give Coop a return call and let him know that I was okay.

“Hey there, how is Chicago? Are you doing okay today? You were so mad last night, I didn’t argue with you.”

“Yes, I am okay today, but my position hasn’t changed, Coop. I don’t want to talk to him; I don’t want to see him.”

“Alexandra, there are things you need to know. He is coming to Chicago to find you, please don’t run. You have to talk to him; you have to hear him out. It’s important and you will understand once you talk to him. I probably shouldn’t tell you, because you will just run, but I can’t keep that from you. He is devastated by all of the events and is out of his mind. When I told him what you had said about the rape, he completely lost it.”

“Coop, I have to go, Dad needs me, and I will call you later.”

Coop’s words were wrought with distress, I am sure he was bewildered having to deal with Grayson, but I couldn’t deal with it at all.

I quickly showered, dressed, and had Rueben, dad’s driver, take me to my old coffee shop, not wanting to be at the house if Grayson did show up. I still knew a few of the baristas, but most of the staff was new, since employees revolved with the school semesters. This was a comfort zone for me, my old happy place where I could be lost in my thoughts. Trying to read a book, I noticed someone large towering over me. GRAYSON!

“Grayson, what are you doing here, how did you find me?”

“May I sit down?” As he took the chair across from me, not waiting for my response.

“How are you feeling Alexandra?”

“I am tired and what do you care?”

“Alexandra, I am not Grayson. I am Harrison and I do care!”

Not wanting to give him an inch, I shot him a stern look, “Please tell me why you are here. Did Grayson send you?”

“No Alexandra, I don’t ever speak with my brother, we are not close anymore. There were issues. We had issues come between us some time ago. What are you doing back in Chicago?”

“Back? How did you know I used to live in Chicago?”

“Alexandra, I live in a Penthouse at the Legacy, just across the street. I used to see you in here, but you were always so busy, you never noticed me, then you moved to Dallas?”

After some time just gazing out the window to collect my thoughts, I decided to go for it. I had nothing to lose, but I needed answers from anyone that would be willing to give them to me.

“Harrison, did you have anything to do with my position at PMC? I need to know. After everything that has happened, you, somebody around here owes me the truth."

“Yes, you are correct, it is time you knew. I was curious about you, seeing you in here, so I did research and discovered you were Alexander’s daughter. I phoned him about you and he filled me on your accomplishments at Northwestern, also my alma mater by the way, and your education platform in Marketing and Business. After speaking with your dad about a position I knew of with PMC, I gave Phillip your information, hoping he would need someone to help him in the marketing department, since that is your major. I know your Dad from my days practicing law here, and your Dad knows me.” He stood to leave.

Finally, I am gaining a few answers to lingering questions
. With these people, who could know what the truth is. But at the very least it is a start. Where is he going?

“Alexandra, I am late for an important web-meeting, otherwise I would just blow it off. I just ran in for some coffee, but it is great to see you. Would you want to have dinner with me, perhaps?”

Not wanting to let the opportunity get away from me, “Yes, I am available tonight, if you can make it?”

“If you are at your dad’s, I know the address and I will pick you up at 7:00, sound good?”

“Yes, looking forward to it and I will see you soon.” On his way out, he leaned down and kissed my cheek, he was as graceful as Grayson, with the exact same good looks, but when he smiled, he had a half crooked smile, one that said
devilish
. Finally, a way to tell them apart.

I spent the rest of the afternoon at the coffee house, trying to relax and just enjoy my book, but my mind kept venturing to the Brooks brothers. There was a story there for certain, but what could it be? Why would identical twins hate each other? My first guess would be because of a girl. My gut was telling me to distance myself from the Brooks, but neither side of my heart was going to let me. The chemistry was too electric and the intimacy was just too satisfying, like a drug. I was addicted and needed more. And like any addict, I didn’t desire any help to heal. My problem was trust.

I made my way back home and started getting ready for dinner. I got a text from Harrison that said to dress casual. Uncomfortable with that generic term, I opted for one of the outfits that Cooper had previously put together for me the first night at Sambuca’s, minus the Manolos. Unfortunately, my body still wasn’t quite ready for stilettos.

Just finishing my hair, Rueben comes to the door and announces that Mr. Brooks is here. I gingerly walk out, feeling comfortable that maybe tonight, I will get some answers.

“Hi Harrison, thank you for coming all the way out to the country to pick me up!” I tried to make conversation with him. But Harrison just stood there and looked at me, drinking me in with those gorgeous blue eyes.

Finally, “Alexandra, what the hell are you doing expecting Harrison?” and just as he said it, Harrison, the other one, comes to the door. GEEZ, a perfectly matched pair! The two of them started arguing and it was enough to make me want to pull out hair
...theirs
!

“Stop it. Just stop it, both of you. Get the hell out and don’t come back
,” as I screamed at them, looking for my phone.

“I am calling the police, so please, just do as I ask and get out”

“Alright, fine. I am heading back to Dallas, but only if you are going with me”

“The last place on earth she needs to be is in Dallas or anywhere close to you.”

“Shut up Harrison, you don’t know anything about our relationship, just go back to your twisted life and leave us alone. And stay away from Alexandra!”

“911 operator, what’s your emergency?”

“Hmm, I need a police officer at 19201 South...”

“Hang up Alexandra, we’re leaving. HANG UP THE PHONE. Hang up, before we all get arrested!” Grayson screamed at me. So I told the operator it was a mistake and I hung up the phone.

Where is dad? He would take care of these two morons! Oh, I forgot he and Gretchen had gone to the club for a social event.

Concerned, Rueben tries to be of assistance. “Alexandra, did you need me to step in here?”

“Um, thank you, but I think I’ve got this.” He exits, giving us privacy. “I am asking you both to leave!”

Harrison returns to his car while Grayson turns and hands me an envelope, as I reach for it, he leans in and steals a kiss that rocks me to my knees. He knows that I cannot resist him. He knows how to make my heart melt. His kiss takes me to my happy place. My breathing gets heavy and I desire more of Grayson, but my brain shuts me down and I pull back from the kiss.

“5 minutes, that is all I ask for and then I will leave as you requested?” He whispers on my lips.

“Okay fine, I’ll listen. It’s your dime.
” I returned to the den and made myself comfortable.

“Olivia and I started our relationship three years ago. I was still in the Army. She is the one who introduced me to the social side of medicine, networking, an element needed to start and grow a private practice. I finished out my military commitment, moved to Dallas and we became engaged. Shortly before our wedding, I discovered that she had been unfaithful. She didn’t deny cheating, calling off the wedding, going our separate ways. She kept the home that we had planned to share, which is why I moved into Uptown. I knew we were finished and I wasn’t pining away for her, but I was still healing and coming to grips with my ability to trust. Her unfaithfulness rocked me to the ground, Alexandra. Honor and integrity are part of my core being, not to mention a huge part of military life.” Pausing to see if I was still listening.

“A couple of months ago, right before you came into my office, Olivia and I were at one the gala’s planning parties. We were enjoying ourselves, drinking too much, one thing led to another and we ended the night together at her place. Afterwards we went our separate ways, both realizing it was a mistake. A few weeks later, I met you and my life changed, for the better. The morning after you and I made love, we argued when you came back from your run, you locked yourself in your bathroom. That is when I got a call from Olivia telling me that she was pregnant. Scared that my happy world with you was beginning to crash, I found myself back at my place, drowning myself the rest of the weekend in booze, good for no one. Turns out, it was a false alarm, typical Olivia, however, I am done with her and she is leaving Dallas.

My life has spun out of control so fast in multiple directions, and is a lot to take in. I feel so responsible for hurting you. I wish that I had been honest with you from the very beginning. I am sure you were so hurt when I walked out on you, only to
think
that I was with Olivia at the gala. She was not my date, we did not arrive together, nor did we go home together. The Chairman of the foundation put our seating together, that was what I was trying to tell you at the Gala, but Cooper stopped me from seeing you.”