Committed (Book 2) (30 Days) (6 page)

ELLE
“Joe, you never should have told him. He watches me like a hawk. I can’t take it!” I vent.
“He worries Elle.” He chortles at me.
“I know but come on.”
“Listen we need to go over your case, let’s go over the proceedings for the divorce hearing and then we can organize everything else to build a case against Ryan and your sister’s death.”
“Ok.” I blow out a breath.

The anniversary of Jenny’s death is the same week as the divorce hearing and both are rapidly approaching. My anxiety level is through the roof. I want this month to pass without incident but I know that won't happen. I’m thankful that I have getting the shop up and running to distract me. Joe easily fills our hour together and we have a strong case to plead to the judge on why, even though Ryan refuses to sign divorce papers, he should allow it to happen. Joe found some rather incriminating information on Mick and was able to link it plausibly to the mechanics report on Jenny’s car after the accident. Although the car had caught fire, it was noted that brake lines were fine but the master cylinder had been tampered with. The brakes had failed causing her to hit an oncoming tractor trailer after swerving to avoid hitting the car in front of her. I get chills thinking about it. Mick was brought to trial three years ago for using the same technique associated with someone else’s death. The charge didn’t stick, but with Ryan hiring him, what Mick had said to me about ‘ending up like my sister’ and the fact that Joe was able to trace a payment from Ryan to Mick shortly before her accident he’s confident that one or both of them will be held accountable for her murder.
“The other bad news is this, Ryan’s made a few cash hand offs to a man called Brick.”
“I don't know any Brick’s.” I tell Joe.
“He works for Alister Watson, he’s not a man to be messed with Elle, it looks as though Ryan owes him some money.”
“Well that could be a good thing right? I mean what if this Alister guy takes him out.”
“Elle, it’s more likely that Ryan will demand payment from you to pay off someone else. A desperate man is never a good thing.”
“I understand.” I sigh.
“As long as Ryan thinks he has power over you he’s a danger. I think it’d be best to let Colin stick close.”
“I just want to be free.” I close my eyes, tilt my head back and pinch the bridge of my nose trying to stave off a headache.
“I know.” He reaches across the desk and pats my hand. “You will be soon.” We say our goodbyes and I head downstairs feeling a discouraged.
“What's wrong?” Colin pushes off the building and quickly strides to me.
“I’m just tired of being scared. I want this all to be over with.” I let him wrap his arms around me as I bury my face in his chest.
“It will be. I’m sorry we argued earlier. How about we order Thai food and rent some movies tonight?” I hang my head back and look up to him.
“Alright.”
We ordered way too much Thai. I was so stuffed by the time he popped in the first movie that I had to unbutton my pants to make myself feel better. Just as I snuggled into him, and got comfortable he places an iPhone box on my chest.
“What is this for?” I ask curiously.
“For you. You need a cell and I’ll feel better knowing you can touch base or I can check in with you.” He states firmly. I tilt my face to his and give him a little kiss. He is always thinking of me. Always showing me how much he cares. It still baffles me sometimes that he exists at all.
“Thanks.” I snuggle back into him as he pushes play and the movie comes on lighting the dark room.
***
The next three weeks fly by. I’ve been crazy busy getting everything in order for the shop opening. Jenna has been a huge help. She’s gone to all the flower markets with me and helped me set up accounts with each to buy wholesale. The smell at the markets mixed with the vibrant colors soothes me bringing me out of my winter gloom and ever mounting anxiety. The hearing is in three days and although nothing’s happened I feel watched and spooked for no reason. Colin’s been increasingly on edge but I can't tell if he’s just picking up on my feelings or if he has a bad feeling as well. He’s obsessively concerned about my safety and makes sure that I’m never alone. Jenna and I agreed on The Friendshop for the shop name. I wanted to include everyone somehow for all their efforts and it was the best I could come up with. Sure it’s a little hokey but it suits me just fine.

I finally managed to get myself to a salon and color my roots again. Colin thought I should go back to my natural color but I really liked the mahogany so I had them keep me brunette. When my hair appointment was done I was informed that Colin had called ahead and paid for a manicure and pedicure for me as a special treat. I made sure when I got home that evening to thank him properly for all his pampering. It amazes me that he even remembered I had an appointment let alone what salon it was at. He’s always doing little things that make me feel ten feet tall and showered in love.

JENNA
“I’m concerned about Elle.”
“I know baby, we all are.” Ben says softly.
“She hasn't been herself lately. She looks scared and sad again.”
“Well, what should we do to cheer her up?”
“I don't know, I’ve tried everything.” I lament frustrated. Ben takes my hands in his squeezing them gently.
“The hearing is this week. I’m sure that once it’s over, everything will be alright.” He leans down brushing a soft kiss on my lips. It momentarily distracts me from my frustration and relieves some of the tension.
“How’s Colin?” I ask.
“About as good as you. He said she's been having trouble sleeping. He looks like shit.”
“Maybe tomorrow night you guys should take him out and I’ll stay in with Elle, give everyone a break.”
“An approved boy’s night out?! Hell yeah!” He exclaims. I can’t help but laugh at him. His personality is bigger than he is but under it he’s a sensitive teddy bear and it cracks me up.
“Good, call the guys and make the plans then. I’ll call Elle.”
***
“Elle, let’s give the boys a break and let them have a night out. You can stay here for the night and we can drink lots of wine and watch chick flicks.”
“Sure, that sounds good.” She replies.
“Ok, so tomorrow then. Come over ‘round seven. I’ll pick up the snacks and movies, you bring wine.”
“Aye, aye captain.” She giggles. Her laugh brings a smile to my face. All we have to do is get her through this week and then everything will be fine.
“‘K, see you tomorrow!”
“Night Jenna, love you.” She says softly
.
ELLE
A car speeds past me, twirling me around in my spot like I’m nothing but a tumbleweed. In the blink of an eye I see her bleeding, under I can hear her scream. I’m at my desk now. The phone rings. I don’t know the number. Death is all around me.

I wake up in a cold sweat screaming. The blankets are twisted tightly around me and I feel trapped. Everything's black and I can't stop the tears from streaming down my face. I suck in as many deep breaths as I can as Colin’s arms wrap around me gently and pull me down to him.
“Shh. It was just a dream.” He murmurs.
“No. It wasn’t.” I choke out.
“What?”
“I dreamt of Jenny’s accident. I should have told you sooner.” I sob.
“Hey. It’s ok. What should you have told me?”
“Tomorrow's the one year anniversary.” My voice cracks and I start shaking with my sobs. Colin lets out a sigh and squeezes me tighter.
“Elle, why didn't you say something tonight when we all made plans for tomorrow night? Why didn't you tell me it was
this
week at all?” He sounds hurt, like he thinks I don't trust him.
“I don't know. I just couldn't seem to say it out loud.” I admit.
“Elle. That’s a big deal. No wonder you’ve been so off lately. I can’t imagine dealing with the first anniversary of her death
and
your divorce. You have to let us in.”
“I know.” I snuggle into his chest and let the tears fall as he rubs my arm.
“We can cancel tomorrow. It’s not a big deal.”
“No! I want to see Jenna, you guys need a babysitting break from me and I will be fine.”
“Elle.” He says softly.
“No Colin. Tomorrow will be fine the way it is.” I stand firm.
“Alright.” He gives in.
It took a while for me to find sleep again but I was content just lying in Colin’s arms and listening to the easy rise and fall of his breath. When I finally woke Colin was already up and the smell of coffee and bacon was wafting through the apartment.
“Morning.” I sigh rubbing sleep from my eyes. I walk up behind him at the stove, wrap my arms around his waist and kiss his shoulder. “Morning babe.” He turns into me kissing the top of my head before resuming his bacon duties. I take a seat at the island after fixing myself a coffee and watch happily as he prepares breakfast. His pj pants hang low on his hips and he’s topless and barefoot. I don't think there’s a sexier sight. The muscles of his arms and in his back flex and twitch as he tends to the eggs in front of him.
“Like what you see?” He chuckles drawing my gaze to his. I hadn’t even realized I was still staring. I shrug and laugh. “It’s a sight, that’s for sure.” He scoops the eggs and bacon on to plates and sets them down at our seats.
“Breakfast is served.” We fall into a comfortable silence as we sit next to each other eating and stealing glances back and forth. After finishing we toss on workout clothes and head to the gym together. It surprises me that I’m not at all as depressed as I thought I would be today.

A deep sense of sorrow lingers just under the surface but it’s not debilitating. As I lay into the heavy bag trying to pick up where I left off a month ago I let all my sadness, frustration and anger ooze out through my fists. I pummel the bag until my hands feel raw and my arms are so heavy that I can’t throw another punch. Sweat runs down my spine and chest making my tank top cling to me. I stand lost in thought at the bag.
“How you holdin’ up babe?” Colin drapes an arm over my shoulder bringing me out of my trance.
“I’m alright. Just, sad. I miss her.” I mumble.
“I wish I had met her.”
“Me too. She would have loved you.” It’s the truth, Jenny would have fallen for Colin as much as I have.
“Ready to clean up and head out?” He nudges me towards the locker room.
“Yeah.”

JENNA
“Holy crap will you leave already?!” I snip at the guys.
“Don’t hate Jenna, I’m just trying to give my girl a proper goodbye.” Colin winks at me as Elle giggles.
“You’re proper goodbye is making me throw up in my mouth.” I tease.
“Ben, shut that woman up.” Elle goads him.
“Ben, do not even think about it.” I laugh, backing up from a prowling Ben. He lifts me up by my rear, setting me on the counter and takes my face in his hands smiling devilishly before claiming my mouth in a hot desire filled kiss. Hoots and a hollers ring out behind him as his mouth works its magic. When he finally pulls away I’m blushing a furious shade of red and panting like a jungle cat.
“Job well done.” Colin claps Ben on the back. John reaches out and grabs Ben by the collar of his shirt tugging him towards the door as he continues to heatedly stare me down.
“Love you.” Elle shouts to Colin as they shut the door.
“Ditto babe!” He returns just before the click of the knob sounds.
“Jesus, I thought they’d never leave.” I confess.
“Why so ornery today huh Jenna?” Elle inquires.
“I know not of what you speak.” I tease.
“You and Ben seem to be pretty... close.” She laughs.
“He’s a great guy. I just like my girl time.”
“Oh really?” One of Elle’s groomed eyebrows arches up.
“Alright!” I toss my hands in the air. “Sometimes he’s a little....intense and smothering.” Elle’s amused laugh rings out through the kitchen.
“Why don't you just tell him you want a night a week alone?”
“I don't know. He’s so happy all the time, I don't want him to take it the wrong way.” I admit.
“I’m sure he won't. Tell him once a week you
need
him to spend a night at home playing Xbox.” We both double over giggling together at the absurdity of the statement. No woman asks her man to spend a night at his place playing video games all night.
“Wine?”
“Of course!” I pour us each a glass of Elle’s favorite red wine and we make ourselves comfortable in the living room.
“We don’t have to talk about it, but Colin told me about today.” I shoot her a pointed look.
“UGGHH. It’s not that I was keeping it from anyone. I was just processing it in my own way. I’ve actually been ok today. A little sad here and there but mostly okay. I wanted to hang out tonight.” She smiles.
“Alright-alright...I just wanted to check in ok?” She gives me a lopsided grin that lets me know that she really is doing alright so I drop it. “Which movie would you like to watch first?”
“Tough choice, The Notebook is sure to bring me to tears...in a good way, but I’ve never seen Leap Year.”
“Well then let’s start with Leap Year because I haven't seen it yet either and we’re sure to make it through one movie but two’s a stretch.” I decide.
“Excellent. Let’s do this.” Elle states as she snuggles down into the couch and pulls a throw over her lap. Seeing her on my couch again smiling and laughing makes my heart swell. I really missed my friend and I’m glad to have tonight with her. The movie brings us both to happy, girly tears. I’m sure the wine had something to do with them too but we laughed and cried and gushed over how romantic everything was. We indulged in ice cream and popcorn and laughed hysterically at things that were not even remotely funny making our girl’s night in a total success.

Around ten thirty the guys started sending drunk texts that really got us going. By the time they stumbled through the door neither Elle or I could catch our breath we were laughing so hard.
“What are piss flippers?” Elle asks still doubled over clutching her stomach and trying to catch her breath.
“Pisssfliperssssssssssss are lady bits.” John slurs.
“What?” I ask.
“BABY....vaginal lipsss.” Ben shouts then looks around like he just realized it’s quiet in here and that he’s yelling.
“Holy crap Elle, I can't take it, I’m going to pee my pants.” Elle snorts her response before collapsing into Colin’s arms squealing with laughter. I dart to the bathroom to relieve myself when Ben kicks the door open with his foot.
“What are you doing?!” I squawk.
“What’reyouuudoin’” I’m not even sure he’s speaking English anymore.
“Ben! Get out! I’m peeing!” I hiss.
“Johnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!! Its real life piss flippers in action!” He leaves the bathroom door open as he stumbles yelling back to John. I finish quickly and join everyone in the living room. John is passed out already in the armchair, Ben is pacing back and forth mumbling to himself, and Elle and Colin are sitting quietly wrapped in each other’s arms watching Ben.
“What’s he doing?” I point to my boyfriend.
“No idea.” Colin says.
“He just keeps muttering to himself and pacing.” Elle laughs. “He’s going to have to stay here, he can't go home like that. John too, he’s already asleep.”
“Elle!” I whine.
“Hey... you can have your
alone
night tomorrow.” She shrugs. Colin stands taking Elle with him and helps her put her coat on before walking over to Ben, tapping him on the shoulder and telling him to lie down. Ben looks curiously at Colin before eyeing the couch and then promptly passing out on it.
“See, bed to yourself.” Colin states proudly.
“Gee thanks.” I snicker.
“Night love.” Elle hugs me and waits for Colin to do the same before leaving me alone with two blacked out snoring men. We should have hung out at Colin’s place.