Safe to love you (Ink Series - Spin Off Book 2) (16 page)

Ali’s voice drew me back from my memories. ''Yeah, he’s good to me. Our relationship just keeps getting better and better.''

''I still can’t believe you’re with my brother, and that you’ll probably get married soon. I remember how much you hated Joshua when we were growing up.''

Ali laughs and some of the other customers turn to look at her. ''I know, he was an ass back then, but after that night, he changed.''

''I know.'' I take a serious tone. ''I’m glad you’re with him, Ali. He's a good guy and he makes you happy.''

''Yeah, he does.” She smiles and cups my cheek with her palm. “You better get your ass over to South Carolina now. Go and get your girl. We all want her back home.'' She's looking at my tattoo again. ''I can tell you love her, ’Ley.''. Ali knows I would never have a tattoo done if I wasn't certain about it.

''Abbie means the world to me. I miss her badly.'' I sigh, and glance at the tattoo, which is still so new. ''I just need to get this job finished. Dad had to convince his partners to hire me, so I can't let him down now. I’ll do my best today and finish the rest tomorrow morning. I think if things run smoothly I can cut the shoot back to a day and a half, instead of two.''

''You better get moving then.''

''Yeah.'' I take out my wallet and throw forty dollars on the table to cover the bill. ''I’ll call you when I get back.''

''Let us know what happens with Abbie’s mom. We might all have to take a little trip to South Carolina.'' Ali eats the last bite of her omelet. ''She's family now, Presley. We have to support her, too.''

''Thank you, Ali; that means a lot to me.'' I stand up and kiss her on both cheeks.

''Love you, ’Ley.''

''Love you too, Ali.''

I reach Dad’s office in record time after breakfast, since there’s very little traffic. When he asked, I gave him more details about the situation with Abbie and her mother. Dad has yet to meet her and when I mention a dinner when she returns, he actually seems a little excited…for him. Dad understands why I want to leave Seattle as quickly as possible and he's trying to arrange the shooting schedule so I can leave tonight. If it works, I'll be more than thankful. I’m prepared to work extra hard today to make it happen and Joy-Anna is keen to help as much as she can.

We take pictures of the lawyers first. The sixteen lawyers get two poses each, and then I move on to taking one of each support staff. Dad asked if I could take some ‘scenery shots’ of the office too.

''You should work for Dad more often, you look more professional,” Joy announces. “I can't see a single tattoo, and you appear to have taken more than thirty seconds to fix your hair.''

''Joy, why do you always have to be such a smart ass?'' I laugh.

''I'm serious, Presley.''

''I'm doing this for Dad because he asked me to, otherwise I would be wearing my beanie, jeans, and a t-shirt. That’s me, and my clients like me for what I am.''

''You should pack a suit for South Carolina, I’m just saying.'' She avoids my eyes. ''I'm sure Abbie would love to see you dressed like this.''

''Joy....'' I’m not the type of guy who likes to wear a suit, but she might have a point.

Cameron

FUCK, CAMERON, DON’T
get too attached to her.
I keep repeating those words in my head, over and over again.

She's with me…
mine
, at least until her boyfriend shows up. Then it will be just me on my own again. She won’t rely on me as much as she is currently. It fucking sucks, because I’m finding it so easy to be around her. It’s natural and what I've missed all these years. I love when we're riding together on my Ninja. I’ve never stopped loving her, but I can’t let her know the truth. I won’t risk losing her friendship, even if I am beginning to want more again.

I know she doesn’t love me. She’s made that crystal clear. She’s in love with him, and she makes certain I’m aware of it.

We're at a restaurant, almost finished with our grilled chicken salad and lemon iced tea. I should watch what I eat. With things so up in the air with Abbie’s mother, I don’t know when I’ll get a chance to exercise. My diet and training habits are very strict. I’m always tough on myself and can't allow myself to slack off. Abbie orders dessert, of course. She’s always loved anything with chocolate. She's waiting for her brownie with hot chocolate sauce to arrive at the table. Even though I’m careful with my eating habits, I’ll make sure I get a bite.

''I’ll eat it quickly, and then we’ll head back to the hospital.'' It sounds as if she’s doubtful that I’ll want to do it, as if she's asking me for permission. I’m only here to support her; I’m happy to do whatever she says. ''Sure. No problem.''

I want to ask her when he's arriving. I want to know if she has any more details about his travel plans, but I don't want to sound like I’m desperate and calculating how much time I have left alone with her. That’s exactly what I am doing, but she doesn't need to know that, right?

''Cam, what are you thinking about? You look like you’re in pain.''

What? Damn, I must look like a complete idiot now. ''Hmm… nothing.''

''Liar!'' she shouts. ''You’re so full of shit, Cameron Scotts. I know that expression on your face.''

''I was... Abbie... It’s nothing, I was just wondering when Presley's coming. See? Not a big deal.''

''Your face was telling a different story. He's supposed to be arriving tomorrow. He had an important contract to complete, so he's trying to fly in tomorrow afternoon.''

''Okay, great.''

I'm looking at Abbie surreptitiously, trying not to stare. I know she’s thinking about saying something, but she doesn't. I don't want things to get weird between us, so I’ll try to be cool about the situation. ''I know now isn’t a good time, but I hope I’ll get an opportunity to know him a little better. He seems like a great guy.''

''He is.'' Abbie smiles and her eyes sparkle with excitement. She's in love, and she can't hide it. I know I'm about to get my heart broken a second time, but it's my own fault.

The waiter finally arrives with her cake. There are probably 6000 calories sitting on the plate, and I don't know how many grams of fat in that little square of chocolate, but Jesus, it looks good.

''Stop looking and take a bite or two. I don’t want it all anyway.''

''Okay, sure. I hope it’s worth it.''

''Oh, it definitely is.'' She takes a piece of cake on her spoon and pops it into her mouth, rolling her eyes in delight ''I'll regret it later though.''

I swallow down a mouthful of the delicious brownie, and I can understand why she was rolling her eyes. ''Yeah, me too.''

She takes one last bite while I finish my iced tea. I pay for dinner and we head back to the hospital. I wish this could be my life… our life. Us, together. But I lost Abbie years ago, and it’s too late to get her back now. I can't seem to stop torturing myself about it.

''Come on, now; get your sexy ass up on the bike,'' I joke, when we reach the Ninja.

She slaps me upside the head before she climbs on. I love the way she looks sitting on my baby.

I sigh.

It might be the last time that she climbs on the bike with me, before the boyfriend arrives.
Enjoy it while you can Cameron.

Presley

When it was time to leave dad’s office, he told me to have a safe flight to Myrtle Beach and that he would send prayers our way. I was more than a little surprised by his behaviour. I thanked him and we shook hands looking eye to eye, I recall as I stare out the airplane window at the darkness speeding past.

I'll arrange a dinner when Abbie comes home, if Dad wants to meet her. Joshua and Joy-Anna both talked to him about her, and apparently they made a great impression. Joy-Anna made sure to casually mention my new tattoo, and Dad thinks it's amusing. Once again, I'm surprised. I don’t understand this man at all. The first time he saw my mother's portrait on my chest, I thought he was either going to pass out or have a heart attack. He wasn't mad, but he doesn't understand my fixation with inking my skin. Other than for this work arrangement, we hadn’t talked in weeks. My brother or sister are normally the ones giving me news from him.

We're about to land in Myrtle Beach, and I'm anxious to call Abbie as soon as we land. I have the address for her mother's place and the hospital. I just need to make sure I know where she is before I get in a cab. I want to surprise her, so I’ll let her think I’m calling from Seattle.

I call her cell, and she answers. I figure it probably means she isn't at the hospital, otherwise I assume it would go straight to voice mail.

''Baby!'' She exclaims. She sounds happy. Knowing she's glad to hear from me has to be the best feeling in the world.

''Hey, love. What are you doing?'' I ask calmly. I don't want to make her suspicious.

''We're just leaving the restaurant and about to head to see Mom. We won't stay for long. Can I call you when we get home?''

''Sure. Call me later. I love you.''

She giggles. ''I love you more.''

''Impossible.'' I'm blushing.

I disconnect the call and put the phone back in my pocket. I wish the taxi driver would hurry up. I want to get to the hospital before Abbie does. I don't even know if that's possible, but I want to surprise her. I know the timing's wrong, I mean, she's going through a lot right now, but I have hope maybe I can make her smile a little.

I'm ridiculously nervous about seeing her again. My hands are shaking. I’ve missed her so much, even though it’s only been a couple of days, and I know she's been hanging out with Cameron a lot. I guess I'm simply anxious to see her and connect with her again.

When we reach the hospital I try Abbie's phone again and I hang up when it keeps ringing and she doesn’t answer.  Presumably that means she hasn’t arrived yet. I stand beside a bench and scan the parking lot. I can't see her anywhere. There are plenty of cars arriving, but no sign of Abbie and Cameron. Then I see a dark-skinned and buff-looking guy, riding a shiny black Ninja at about fifteen feet away from me, but my eyes are drawn to the pale arms wrapped around his middle. To my shock, my little Abbie is sitting behind him on the bike.

My heart stops. I stare for a moment, and then I walk towards them. I'm not mad, but I can’t say I’m thrilled to see Abbie with her arms wrapped around Cameron’s waist. Cameron must have enjoyed the past couple of days when I couldn’t be here, if this is what they’ve been using for transport.

Cameron looks surprised when I stride up beside the bike. ''Presley?''

Abbie's standing next to the Ninja, fixing her helmet hair. When she hears Cameron announce my name, she turns and starts running towards me, leaping into my arms. God, she feels so good to hold. She makes me feel complete again. I'm so fucking happy, I can’t stop smiling.

''I thought you weren't going to be here until tomorrow!''

''I wasn't, but I had an opportunity to get here faster, so here I am.''

Her eyes fill with tears. ''I've missed you so much, Presley.'' She kisses my lips softly. ''My mom's going to be so happy to meet you.''

I kiss her back. ''I am, too.'' I have that ridiculous huge grin on my face, I know, and I can't control myself.

Cameron waves a greeting.

''Hi, Cameron, nice ride,'' I say casually.

''Yeah, it is, indeed.''

Abbie takes my hand as we enter the hospital. Cameron's following behind. I’ve got the impression he's upset about my surprise arrival.

Before we enter Abbie’s mother's room, she cups my face between her soft hands, and kisses my lips one more time. ''Presley, it means so much to have you here.''

When Abbie says my name, it's the best damn sound in the whole world.

''I love you, I wanted to be here for you.'' Oh right, that reminds me – she hasn't seen the tattoo yet. I'll wait until we leave the hospital to show her.

She pushes on the room door, and it opens silently. I see someone I'm guessing is Dwayne, sitting in a chair by the bed. He looks exhausted, and I don't blame him. Losing someone you love so deeply is a terrible thing… the worst nightmare a man can go through, I imagine. He sees me and immediately smiles. I have to assume he’s guessed who I am by the fact that I’m holding Abbie’s hand.

He leans toward the bed and whispers in Erin's ear. Bee pulls on my hand and I find myself face to face with an attractive woman. Although it is clear to see how weak she must feel, she is absolutely beautiful; a gorgeous face that reminds me of Abbie, and a radiant smile. Unstoppable tears are falling down her face. I hope I'm not responsible for those tears.

''Mom, are you okay? Why are you crying? Are you in pain?'' Abbie sounds anxious and she releases my hand to grasp her Mom’s.

''No, Abbie, of course not!  These are happy tears; my prayers have been answered. I get to meet your Prince Charming.”

“Mom, this is Presley, Presley, this is my mother, Erin.”

“Nice to meet you,” we both say in sync.

Erin is looking at my arms. I don’t think she’s judging me but, she is staring and not ashamed.

“Mom.” Abbie tries to distract her.

“That’s a lot of tattoos, Presley.” She says seriously, but then she gives me a tired smile. “They look great.”

“Thank you.” I didn’t know what else to say.

“When did you get here?”

“I just got here, maybe an hour ago.”

The conversation among all three of us doesn’t come naturally. I don’t know what to expect from her and Abbie looks nervous. I want to say something, but I can’t come up with anything worth saying.

“Now, if you'll excuse us, I need to talk with this young man privately.''

Abbie seems surprised; her big green eyes widening. ''Oh... Okay. We'll head down and sit in the waiting room. Come on, Cam.'' Dwayne follows behind them and I settle in the chair Dwayne had been sitting in.

''You’ll have to excuse me, Presley, for asking to speak to you alone. I know I'll be leaving Abbie soon, and you'll have to take care of her for me. I messed up and I'll never be able to forgive myself. I should have called her more; I should have visited her more. I never stopped loving her, you understand? I just made so many mistakes when she was growing up. I realize now that because I was afraid she was angry with me, I let the fear keep me away from the most precious person alive.'' She's looking at me and holding my hand, trembling as she takes a deep breath.

I'm pretty sure I'm blushing, and she's trying to laugh, but I can see that it causes her pain. “I lost my mother, too, and it wasn't under easy circumstances. I'll be able to give Abbie the support she needs; I'm never going to leave her." I take a deep breath, trying to regain control of my emotions. "I know this is going to sound weird, since I met you two minutes ago but...''

She squeezes my hand and my eyes meet hers. "You make her happy. Abbie is in love with you.''

“And I can't imagine my life without her.''

''Love.'' She cups my face with her trembling hands. ''You're in love with my daughter, Presley. I can see it and I can feel it.'' She sounds so spiritual, so different from Abbie.

''I know...'' I smile, glancing briefly at the tattoo. ''She's everything I need in my life.''

Erin’s eyes grow distant and I can hear her struggling for breath when she speaks again. ''I got my test results before you arrived, and it's not looking good. I'm probably not going to be witnessing many more sunsets.'' She cries in silence and her gaze turns towards the window in her room. ''Today's most likely my last one.''

''I'd better get Abbie now. You probably want to spend as much time as possible with her.''

''Will you stay with us?'' she asks, and I can see the worry in her eyes.

I smile reassuringly. ''Of course.''

I leave Abbie’s mother and walk to the waiting room, where Cameron, Dwayne and Abbie are waiting patiently. I feel terrible for Erin and all the regrets she’s suffering, but I mainly feel incredibly sad for my Abbie, knowing all the pain she’ll go through in the next few days. I wonder if I should offer to take a few photographs of them together. I know I’ve always wished I had taken one last picture with my mother.

Abbie's in a chair next to Cameron, sobbing desperately, and I'm completely taken by surprise. The pain expressed on her face is devastating. Her eyes are red-rimmed. She's obviously been crying a lot in the past few days and it breaks my heart to see her so upset. Cameron's holding her hand firmly in his and he’s whispering in her ear. I know he's only trying to support her, help her through this, but I can do it now, because I'm here for her. Her knuckles are white, she's holding him so tightly for support. I want to be the one who’s soothing her, supporting her. I take a few seconds to regain control of my thoughts and then walk towards her. I cup her face with my right hand. Cameron releases her hand as her eyes lift to meet mine.