Текст книги "Lovely Distraction"

Автор книги: J. J. Dorn

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 15 (всего у книги 17 страниц)

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

January 16, 2015…

I was drunk. I knew that. I also knew I was well past the point of caring what I said to him. I needed to know why he was in Vegas crashing my Bachelorette party. I needed to know what he wanted and I was hell bent on getting it out of him.

“I’m going to ask you again, Jamieson, why the fuck are you here right now?” I said staring him down from across our private VIP table.

“I think you know the answer to that question,” he replied smugly sipping his whiskey.

“No I don’t! I have no clue why you showed up here so please enlighten me,” I demanded.

He set his drink down on the small white table in front of us leaning forward. “Fine, but not here.”

“I’m not leaving with you,” I folded my arms over my chest in defiance.

“Then I guess you will never know.” He picked up his glass again and leaned back into his seat.

“Ahhh…why are you like this? Fine, let’s go,” I burst out in frustration and stood up, indicating I was ready.

Jamieson stood in return.

“After the bride-to-be,” he said motioning toward the exit.

I stomped off in my heels. I could feel him following close behind me.

“Where are we going?” I whined following him to the bank of elevators.

He ushered me inside one and then turned to grin at me. “My suite.”

“Oh hell no!” I yelled, trying to hit the open door button but he blocked my way.

“You said you wanted to know why I am here. I will tell you, but I don’t want to be disturbed.”

“Fine,” I grumbled and folded my arms over my chest.

When the elevator stopped on the top floor, we walked to the end of the hall. I shouldn’t have been surprised to see it was an opulent corner suite.

When he opened the door, I headed to the couch in the center of the large room and plopped down. I had walked a long way in my heels and all of my alcohol consumption was finally catching up to me.

“Here drink this.” He handed me a glass of water.

“Thank you.”

Jamieson poured himself another drink before sitting down on the couch next to me.

“Alright spill it. Why are you here?” I was sick of his avoidance tactics I wanted to know why he was basically stalking me in Vegas.

“It’s simple really. I made you a promise a while ago and this is me fulfilling that promise,” he said sipping his drink.

“Uhh…okay none of that explains anything so try again.” I clutched my forehead in confusion.

“What part was confusing?” He was being purposefully obtuse.

“Uh, all of it. What promise are you talking about?” I demanded.

Jamieson sighed letting out a deep breath. “The one I made you in the coffee shop over a year ago.”

I racked my brain trying to think what he promised me but my brain was too foggy to recall anything. “I don’t remember.”

He sighed again, this time I could tell it was in frustration. “Are you happy, Jenna?”

“Don’t change the subject, just answer my question,” I argued.

“I am. Just answer mine,” he growled.

“Fine! Yes I am happy. I’m engaged to a great guy and we are getting married.” I bit back at him.

“Do you love him?”

“Of course I do,” I volunteered quickly.

Jamieson didn’t say anything for a minute he just looked at me quizzically.

“What?” I asked.

“Do you really believe that?” He asked sharply.

“Um excuse me but who are you to judge my relationship? You’re an asshole.” I bit back.

“That may be true, but that doesn’t change the fact that you are lying to yourself right now,” he said, cocking his eyebrow at me.

“Whatever, this was a huge waste of my time.” I stood up to leave but Jamieson grabbed my arm stopping me.

“I’m sorry, please don’t go,” He pleaded, closing his eyes for a half a second. I could see he was silently chastising his own behavior.

Against my better judgment I sat down again and waited for him to say something that made some sense.

“That day at the coffee shop, I asked if you were happy. You didn’t say yes, you just asked what I would do about it. I knew before I even asked you the question you weren’t. You were pretending to be but you weren’t—”

“Jamieson…” I said his name at an attempt to protest but I couldn’t find the rest of the words to tell him he was wrong. I wanted to tell him I was happy again but I just couldn’t.

“I know, Jenna. You’ve forgotten how connected we are, but I haven’t. I promised you that day that I would make sure you would be happy and I meant it. That’s what I’m doing here; I am keeping that promise to you.”

“It’s complicated,” I told him.

“I’m sure it is, but Jenna, it doesn’t have to be.” He gave me a small smile and covered my hand that rested between us with one of his own.

His touch ignited something in me and I immediately pulled back from him. “We can’t Jamieson, too much has happened. Things are different now.”

He tilted his head looking at the ground for a minute before turning to stare deep into my eyes. “I know too much has happened and I realize it was my fault. I know that, but I also know you don’t love this guy.”

“That’s not true I love Cain,” I replied defensively.

“No you don’t. You couldn’t possibly love him, because you still love me. I see it in your eyes, Jenna. You can’t deny it.”

I felt my face flush under his intense scrutiny. “I won’t deny I still have feelings for you, Jamieson but I am going to marry Cain. You and I had our chance and you unfortunately blew it,” I told him and I felt the tears begin to slide down my cheeks.

Jamieson eyes went round with concern and he gently cupped my face wiping my tears. “I will fix this, Jenna, just give me the chance to do so. I love you. I always have.”

I pulled out of his grasp and stood up. “I just can’t, I’m sorry.”

I barely made it to the door of his suite. I was so dizzy. My emotions were overwhelming me. I needed some fresh air so I could think and clear my head. I couldn’t love Jamieson. I couldn’t possibly love him again or was it that I had never really stopped?

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

It was the night before we were to leave for the Dominican Republic. Julian’s father had insisted on sending his private jet for us to travel in. I was all packed and ready to go. I couldn’t wait to get to the beach. Julian had informed us that we would be staying at his parent’s mansion on the water. We would be leaving first thing in the morning. Our friends had decided to go out, but Jamieson and I opted for quiet evening alone at home. We watched a movie and cuddled. It was absolutely perfect.

It had been a few weeks since the day at the winery when Jamieson told me he loved me. That day changed something in me. I was hopeful, truly hopeful about my life ahead. I no longer was living just day to day I was beginning to picture my life years in advance and in all of my premonitions, Jamieson was right by my side. I was in love with him and I couldn’t imagine my life without him.

This moment was significant and I wasn’t even sure Jamieson realized it. Today was the day that marked the passing of our ninety days being married; we could now get a divorce if we wanted to. I knew my answer to that question, but I still wasn’t sure what his answer would be. He had not mentioned anything of our marriage since we had begun spending so much time together.

I decided today was the day to address it head on. After I got dressed this morning I opened up the red velvet Cartier box he had given me all those months ago. I slipped the stunning three stoned ring on my left hand with the matching wedding band and waited for the perfect moment to tell Jamieson I wanted very much to continue to be his wife, if he would have me.

Jamieson was laid lazily next to me on the couch, lightly brushing my arm. He trailed his hand up and down. Just the simplest touch from him sent shivers dancing across my body. I felt my cheeks flush from the contact. I lifted my hand to brush my hair away from my face. The light must have hit the gorgeous diamonds just right because Jamieson snatched my hand instantly seeing it.

“You’re wearing your ring?” He sat up next to me.

“Uh, yeah I decided to wear it today. I hope that is okay,” I told him nervously.

Jamieson didn’t say anything he just continued to hold my hand staring at the ring. I decided I should tell him why I was wearing it.

“Do you know what today is?” I asked him curiously.

His face snapped up to look at me. “No.”

“We have officially been married ninety days,” I announced with a hint of a smile.

“Jenna we need to talk—”

“No let me finish, Jamieson. I don’t want to get a divorce. I want to work on this. I love you and I know you love me. I want to be your wife.”

I watched as he realized what I was indicating and his face changed instantly into a frown. Maybe I had read this all wrong, maybe Jamieson didn’t want to be married.

“James! You need to get out here we have uh…a situation!” Derrick yelled from the front door.

It was late and our friends were finally coming home from their night out. Jamieson jumped off the couch from behind me heading toward the door ending our chat abruptly.

I stayed in place for a minute stunned at what just happened, but I heard shouting outside so I followed after Jamieson.

“What the hell is she doing here?” Jamieson growled at the group of our friends who were standing in the driveway staring at Trinity who had just pulled up in her sleek black BMW.

“I don’t know. She followed behind us through the gates. I couldn’t get them closed quick enough. I’m sorry bro,” Julian apologized.

“Damn it,” Jamieson grumbled as he walked toward Trinity who was emerging from her car.

I followed after Jamieson wanting to hear what Trinity had to say for herself this time.

“What are you doing here, Trinity?” he demanded.

“Well hello to you too honey,” she purred.

“What the fuck do you want?”

Jamieson was so agitated. I came up beside him and laced my hand in his to show my support.

“It’s alright Jamieson; nothing she says can hurt us,” I told him reassuringly.

“Don’t you think it’s time you two gave up this little charade? I mean it must have been exhausting pretending for this entire time,” she spat.

“Jamieson and I aren’t pretending, Trinity. We love each other.” I clutched Jamieson’s hand tighter.

Trinity paused for a moment looking at Jamieson. I watched as something silent passed between them and I froze.

“She doesn’t know, does she?” Trinity asked with a grin.

“Don’t you fucking dare, Trinity,” Jamieson warned.

“She has a right to know, James.”

“What are you talking about? Jamieson?” I turned to him searching for some answer in his face but I found nothing.

“Oh he won’t tell you. He’s too much a coward but I will. You two are not married. There was never a Vegas wedding. He made the whole thing up just to break up your engagement,” she smiled with delight.

My head was spinning. How could this be true? I had a ring it was on my finger and I had a dress, didn’t I?

I ran into the house and past the shouts of my best friends who were trying desperately to catch up to me. I ran up the stairs to his bedroom taking them two at a time. I was in the walk-in closet tearing through it when they finally caught up to me.

“Jenna hon, what are you doing?” Livy asked hesitantly.

“It has to be in here,” I rambled.

“What are you looking for?” Audrey asked.

“The dress. My wedding dress. I know it’s in here someplace.”

Livy approached me in the closet. She put her hand on my shoulder gently. “Hon you’re losing it. Stop for a minute and come out her to talk to us.”

“No! It is in here!” I jerked away from here searching a new section of the closet.

I heard someone else enter the room. “Can we have some privacy?”

I watched as my two friends said nothing to Jamieson and walked out of the bedroom clicking the doors shut behind them.

“Jenna…”

“Don’t Jamieson! Don’t! Just show me my dress. I need to know it’s not a lie,” I screamed at him.

He closed his eyes for a half a second. “There’s no dress, baby.”

My legs gave way underneath me. I fell to the ground crying and pounding my fist on the ground.

“Why Jamieson? Why did you do it this time? Was there just too much left of me the last time? Did you just have to ruin me completely?” I shouted at him.

He crouched down next to me. “No baby, no I swear it was nothing like that.”

“What, do I have some rich uncle that has left me millions that I don’t know about? Is that it? Do you need money again and I am just another one of your fucking schemes?” The anger was swelling inside of me.

“No, just let me explain,” he pleaded.

“Fine, explain now!”

He took a deep breath. “I promised you I would make sure you were happy…”

“Which was a total fucking lie! Could you just get to the part where you tell me why you made me think we were married for three fucking months!” I snapped at him.

“He was cheating on you,” he blurted out.

“Who? Cain?” I was beyond confused now.

“Yes, Cain. I hired a private investigator about a year ago to look into him and discovered what he was truly like. I couldn’t let you marry him Jenna. A life with him would have destroyed you,” he was panicking now.

“You hired a private investigator to follow my boyfriend around?” I asked trying to get his words to sink-in and make sense.

“Yes, I made the decision after that day at the coffee shop. I could tell he wasn’t making you happy and I wanted to find out why.” He hung his head, staring at the carpet between us.

“So you discovered Cain was cheating on me and you what? Decided to get me blacked out wasted to convince me we had a quickie wedding in Vegas? Why? None of this makes sense!” I stood up pacing back and forth out of frustration.

“No, that’s not how it happened. Things just got out of hand and I panicked. I was losing you and I knew it.”

“But the bell boy came to the room after you left and said he had my wedding dress cleaned and shipped here.” I spoke steadily remembering the details of that morning.

Jamieson hung his head lower and I knew this was going to be the real confession of his sins. “I paid the bell boy to do that. There was no wedding dress because there was no wedding.”

I stopped pacing and looked at him with anger.

“But the ring?” I questioned.

“I slipped it on you while you were passed out.”

“Why?” I whispered barely above a whisper.

“Because I couldn’t lose you, not again. It was the only guaranteed way to end your engagement to him. I knew he would finally show his true colors if he thought your reputation was stained.” Holy fucking shit.

I said nothing. I watched him struggle with his truth. I let him squirm under my intense stare. I didn’t shed a single tear. I saw now what was truly before me; a liar, a coward and a master manipulator.

“Well I must thank you then for staining my reputation and saving me yet again from another doomed marriage.” And with that I slipped the rings he had given me off my finger and dropped them on the ground in front of him. I grabbed my already packed bags that were waiting to go on our magical tropical vacation and I left his room of lies.

I tossed my bags into my car and was about to get in when Audrey and Livy came flying out the house.

“Let me drive you,” Livy said grabbing my keys from me and pushing me toward the passenger side.

I didn’t have the energy to fight her so I did what she said. Audrey hopped in the backseat. As soon as Livy pulled out of the giant gates of the mansion I let my forehead lean against the window and I closed my eyes letting the tears flow freely.

Livy reached over and grabbed my hand squeezing it tightly. Audrey also wrapped her arms around me and the seat. Thank God I had them; I would need them now more than ever. I was not just broken this time, no this time I was completely obliterated.

CHAPTER THIRY

I was still unsure how I exactly was talked into going on this adventure but I was now somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean on my way to the Dominican Republic with my friends. Last night after I learned that Jamieson was yet again lying to me, I did the only thing I could think of, I ran like hell. Audrey and Livy drove me to my sisters and stayed there with me overnight. Jacks woke up when we got there. She made us tea and grilled cheese sandwiches all while listening to the horrible truth I had just discovered. She of course cried with me while I cried. She claimed it was because she was so pregnant but I knew better, she hurt because I hurt that’s just what sisters do, we feel each other’s pain.

Olivia talked to Julian several times though the night and somewhere close to three in the morning everyone decided the perfect thing for me would be to go with the group and get away for a few days. Julian had assured me that Jamieson would not be coming along, so after several minutes of convincing I conceded.

I stared out the window watching the blue ocean below listening to my music on my smart phone. The rest of the group talked excitedly about the trip and all the fun things they wanted to do. I felt bad I couldn’t share in their happiness, but I was still trying to figure out everything that happened last night. I felt numb thinking about how I had happily confessed I wanted to be Jamieson’s wife minutes before I learned the devastating truth that everything was a big fat lie. I felt stupid and humiliated.

I knew Derrick and Julian felt bad about the actions of their friend but I also knew he was their friend first so I thought it best to not discuss anything in front of them. Livy and Audrey agreed that was probably best as well. However, both of my friends had drilled the two guys as to whether or not they knew the truth and they both said they hadn’t, which gave me some comfort. Audrey had let it slip earlier when we were on our way to the airport that according to Derrick, Jamieson left the house shortly after I did and never returned. He probably went to stay at Trinity’s, those two assholes deserved each other.

“Welcome!” Julian’s mom said hugging each of us.

“Yes welcome, Isobel and I are so pleased all of you could come to help us share in our special day.” Julian’s handsome father, Havier said. We all excitedly chatted with Julian’s parents for a few minutes before Julian interrupted to give us a tour of the beautiful home we would be staying in. It was massive, fourteen bedrooms in all, a home theater, a gym, two infinite pools along with tennis and basketball court.

“I’ll show you guys your rooms,” Julian announced, leading the way through the massive ocean side villa.

We followed Julian outside onto the terrace and down the spiral stone staircase that hung above the ocean.

“There are stairs inside as well but I thought you guys might like to see how close to the ocean we are.” Julian smiled as we walked down the stairs.

We got to the first landing and Julian told Livy to put her bags in a massive room that had sliding glass doors that were open letting the ocean breeze whip through. We continued a few more stairs down and Julian showed Derrick and Audrey to their room. I caught that as interesting because I hadn’t realized those two were at the point of sharing a room, just goes to show how much I was paying attention to my friends. I made a mental note to ask Audrey later what was happening between them.

The group wondered around the stunning room. It had its own hot tub on the patio overlooking the ocean and that seemed to excite everyone.

“I’ll show Jenna to her room real quick and I’ll be right back,” Julian told the rest of our friends as they explored more of the room.

I followed Julian quietly down another set of stairs to a massive landing. I could see the beach was a just a few stairs away. It was beautiful, white sand nestled in between cliffs on either side. It was incredible.

“Here we are,” Julian said opening the sliding doors to the patio. This room also had an entire wall of glass doors that could be moved to either side to open the room to the outside.

“Thanks Julian.” I smiled at him.

“I’m sorry it is kind of far away. Originally I thought it was best to put you guys in the most private room…” He realized his mistake and didn’t finish his thought.

“It’s perfect, thank you,” I said trying to erase any awkwardness.

“I know you don’t want to hear this, but he’s a mess, Jenna. He knows he screwed everything up. He gets it. Maybe you guys could talk,” He suggested trying to plead the case for his friend.

I couldn’t really get mad at him for trying to take up for his friend but it still didn’t change the fact that Jamieson was a liar.

“I can’t Julian. I just can’t, not anymore,” I told him solemnly.

“I know, I just thought I would try.” He shot me a sideways smile.

I shook my head letting him know I understood and then he turned leaving me alone in my oversized romantic room.

“Isn’t this gorgeous?” Audrey said hanging over the huge sail boats rails.

“Please don’t fall overboard,” I told her.

“I won’t. I promise.” She said continuing to hang over the side, staring at the bright teal water below.

I had to admit it was breathtaking. I was glad I had decided to come on the trip with my friends. I had been here only few days but the sunshine was doing my soul good. The first day the girls and I sun bathed most of the day on the beach. I could feel my body soaking up the vitamin D, renewing my energy. Yesterday we explored downtown and the girls made the most of shopping. Today Isobel and Havier took us out sailing on their incredible sail boat. It was really more like a yacht with the option to be a sail boat but we were currently utilizing its sailboat capabilities.

“I’m going to go sit up the bow and watch for dolphins,” I told Audrey, walking the long pathway to the front of the huge boat.

I passed the guys who were drinking at the huge bar in the middle part of the main deck. They all smiled and waved at me as I headed toward the bow. I was doing a pretty good job of putting on a brave face with my friends, but I still preferred to be alone.

I sat on the white cushions on the bow crossed legged watching in delight as a school of dolphins tracked alongside our boat.

“They are cute, no?” Havier sat down beside me.

“They sure are,” I smiled at him warmly. I liked Julian’s father. I could tell he was a sweet man. I also could see where Julian got his handsome features from.

Havier sat next to me enjoying the dolphins for a long time without saying a word. But after some time he finally broke our silence.

“I know heartache, my dear, and I can see you are shouldering a heavy burden,” he spoke softly.

I sighed in acknowledgement. “I gave him a second chance and he made me look like a fool.”

Havier turned to study me. “I don’t know if Julian has explained to you why Isobel and I are getting married again, but let’s just say I thank God every day for second and third chances.”

I shook my head indicating I didn’t know what he was referring to.

“We were married for twenty-two years and I cheated on her. She of course found out and divorced me. I deserved that and more. I got caught up in myself and I lost track of what really mattered.”

“So what happened?” I was genuinely curious now.

“Well I married the young woman I was having an affair with. I thought she was young and would reinvigorate me. But that wasn’t the case. I quickly realized we were in different spots in our life, so of course that marriage declined rapidly. I knew I had made a mistake. Isobel and I had been together since we were teenagers and I missed her. I set my mind to winning her back.”

“And you did?” I asked in shock.

“Yes I did, and it took a long time to convince her to even talk to me without screaming but eventually we did talk and we slowly became friends again. Now two years later I am about to marry my soulmate for the second time in my life and it’s only because she found it in her heart to forgive me even when she had no reason to.” He smiled lightly.

“That’s a pretty amazing story. I am glad you found a way to work it out, but for me I think there is no hope,” I said giving him a sideways smile.

“Uh but that is where you’re wrong, my dear, there is always hope.” He stood up and patted me shoulder in encouragement.

I continued to sit watching the dolphins thinking about what Havier had told me. I wished I had it in me to forgive Jamieson, but I just didn’t trust that he wouldn’t lie to me again. Sometimes the hardest thing in life is accepting the truth about a person.

“How you doing?” Derrick asked breaking me out of my private reflection.

“Okay,” I answered, giving him my best fake smile.

“I know you don’t want to talk about it and I get that, so I’m just going to make this short.” He leaned against the railing facing me. “He’s a mess. He’s miserable and I’m worried about him. I think you should try to at least hear him out.”

“Derrick, I appreciate you looking out for your friend, but no. I can’t put myself through it again.”

“Alight, but just ask yourself this…why would he go to such lengths to make sure you didn’t marry that Cain guy?”

“Because he is an asshole,” I snapped back.

“Or is it because he loves you so much he fought for you tooth and nail. He may not have fought fair but doesn’t it say something for the guy that he went to such extremes to protect you from making the biggest mistake of your life?” Derrick didn’t wait for me to answer; he just turned and headed back down the pathway.

Derrick hadn’t said anything to me I hadn’t already considered, but that still didn’t erase the fact that he had lied to me for months. He could have come clean as soon as the engagement with Cain and I was broken. He kept the lie going for months but for the life of me I couldn’t figure out why. Was Jamieson hiding something else that I had yet to discover?