Glimmers (12 page)

“Hailey asked if I would try it on for size,” I say, feeling awkward.

“Of course, please do.”

It slides easily onto my finger. A perfect fit. Light, from overhead, penetrates into the stone and a glow sparkles from inside. Each color appears so crisp and precise, and I am further drawn into the rainbow. Wow, this diamond is absolutely stunning! I’ve never seen anything like it before. When I look up to ask Hilary if they have another gem similar to this one, I realize she also appears super-clear.

In fact,
everything
is crystal clear: the display case, jewelry, even the people are ultra-defined! The room around me is distorting. Everything is spinning out of control! My temples throb. I squeeze my eyes shut and desperately reach for the glass counter!

Around and around, faster and faster! When suddenly, it stops! I open my eyes and look down. I am mortified at seeing my hands, not on the glass counter, but in a kitchen sink! The ring is still on my finger, but I’m trying to slip it off.

“The soap isn’t working! Get off my finger!” the words come out of my mouth, but this isn’t me.

Wait a minute, I recognize this voice! It’s Hailey! Just as with Delilah, I am trapped. Only this time, I am hostage to all of the thoughts and emotions of my sister!

“Are you still trying to take off that ring?”
he
asks.

Hailey lifts her head and glances over her shoulder. Wait, this isn't Derek. Sitting, relaxed, on a black sofa is a very handsome stranger. A playful grin spreads across his tanned features. The expression on his face . . . total adoration.

Hailey’s Story, one week ago

Orlando, FL

Although I’m annoyed by this seemingly permanent fixture on my finger, I soften upon seeing
him
.

“Why are you wasting so much time over there, when you could be closer to me over here?” he says, while running his strong hand over the couch’s leather surface.

“I don’t feel right about wearing Derek’s ring. At least, not while we’re together, Julian.” I turn off the water and saunter in his direction.

"Maybe it's time to return the ring all together," Julian says.

“Look, I’m going to cancel the wedding. I’m just waiting for the right moment.”

“And what ‘moment’ might that be? Hailey, we’ve been seeing each other for over two months.”

“And they have been the best two months of my life.”

“Then break it off with Derek.”

“It’s not that easy. Derek is a good man, and I’m not exactly looking forward to ruining his life!” I admonish and hang down my head.

“Don’t you think maybe you’re overacting a little? I’ll admit you’re an incredible person, but I seriously doubt you’ll ruin his life.”

“All right, perhaps ruin is
too
strong a word, but I still don’t want to see Derek upset. I don’t even like to think about it,” I say, sticking out my lower lip. “Besides, what would my mom and Paige think if I just called off the wedding? They're always accusing me of starting something and not following through. Besides, I’ve made so many stupid mistakes. I don’t even trust my own judgment anymore.”

“Do you consider us a mistake?”

“You weren't a mistake, you were an accident! I didn’t plan on falling for you! In fact, I didn’t plan any of this! I wouldn’t have agreed to marry Derek, in the first place, had I known there was a Julian Medina waiting out there for me.”

“So, what are you saying? Please don’t tell me you were
settling
for Derek, and I'm just an accident? That’s pretty harsh, Hailey.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Julian laughs before saying, “First, I've never seen you settle for anything. You always strive for perfection. That's what makes you such a good designer, and just one of the many reasons I fell in love with you. And second, we're not an accident . . . it was fate."

My smile has returned. After reaching him, I climb up onto his lap, striking a sexy pose. I lean forward, and my long hair falls over my shoulder.

“Why don’t we just cut the chit-chat and enjoy what little time we have together?” I suggest, as my hands roam over the familiar definition of Julian's perfectly sculpted chest. Blood surges throughout my body. I can hear it reach my ears. “I’ll give you a massage, deep tissue. I’m sure with a little candle light and soft music I could ease away some of your tension.”

“You’re pretty amazing, you know that?” he says and runs his hands along the sides of my body, slowly inching up my shirt. “You have no idea what you do to me. The way you make me feel.”

“You have a funny way of showing it. What, with that ridiculous rule of yours,” I remind him.

“It may seem ridiculous to you, but it’s important to me, when I’m sleeping with a woman, there isn’t another man in the picture. Besides, it’s the only bargaining chip I’ve got.”

“You do realize I’m not sleeping with Derek,” I say and watch as Julian recoils. “Sorry. You probably don’t want to think about that.”

“You’re very perceptive.”

I'm running my fingers through his hair, when a chiming sound comes from my purse. I pull away from Julian and stare in the direction of the invasive noise. But Julian holds me closer and trails sweet kisses down my neck.

“You don’t have to answer,” he mumbles softly.

It is extremely difficult to peel away from him, and I stress the word
extremely
. Once I am safely a few feet away, I say, “Yes, I do. I’m sorry.”

I stumble over to the kitchen and grab my cell.

“It’s him, isn’t it?” Julian asks irritably.

“Yes, but I’m not sure why he’s calling; we’re not supposed to meet for another hour.”

This scene has played out before. Julian scowls, stands up, and storms out of the room. With regret, I watch him leave. All the while, the phone in my hand continues on its quest for an answer. For a second, I debate whether or not I should take the call. As usual, my guilt about Derek overrules everything else.

“Hi,” I say, answering my cell.

“Hey, listen, I’m running late. This deal has me swamped and I’ll need a couple more hours. Can we meet at your condo around ten?” Derek rattles off quickly.

“Sure. I’ll see you there. Bye,” I say and calmly turn off the phone.

Julian reenters the room. He won’t make eye contact with me, instead he looks everywhere I’m not . . . perhaps he’s searching for answers.

“I’m so sorry, Julian,” I say, reaching for him.

Julian doesn’t respond. His hands are placed firmly at his sides. He hangs back his head and stares at the ceiling.

“I don’t have to meet with Derek until later, so I have more time. You and I could continue where we left off,” I say, but he doesn’t respond. I wait another second before adding, “I’ll take that as a no . . . and I guess that’s my cue to leave.” I say and grab my purse.

“No, don’t go,” he says before I reach the door.

I look back and see he is approaching. Swiftly, I meet him half-way and try to seduce him with my smoldering eyes. He grins, while wrapping his arms around my waist.

“So, does this mean we can pick up where we left off . . . on the sofa?” I ask hopefully.

“Funny thing, suddenly I’m not in the mood. I’ll tell you what, why don’t we just go and grab a bite to eat?”

I’m disappointed, but I’m not giving up. My fingers curl around the ends of Julian’s hair, and I pull him closer.

“No really, it’s not going to happen right now,” he says and pulls back.

Begrudgingly, I nod and back away. He reaches for his shirt and begins to fasten the buttons. Darn it, I had only just managed to have him remove that blasted thing, too.

After he is dressed, he motions towards the door. “Ready?”

I’m still sulking, but I manage to make my way to his car. Julian opens my door, and I fall onto my seat. I’m still upset about how things turned out here. We shouldn’t go out, we should dine in. I’m so frustrated, I could scream!

Julian seems to be in high spirits. He’s actually whistling; how annoying. For someone who had just acted so distraught over Derek’s little phone call, Julian seems to feel pretty darn good.

“Humph!” I grumble and fold my arms over my chest.

“What’s up?” he asks, while hopping onto his seat.

“Nothing,” I reply icily.

“Remember, there’s no pouting in the convertible.”

“I’m not pouting,” I murmur.

“All right, let’s have dinner and maybe we can pick up where we left off.”

“We’ll see, by then
I
may not be in the mood.”

“Hailey, it’s me you’re talking to. You’re always in the mood.”

“Aren’t you the funny one?”

“I find it can help ease an awkward situation,” he says.

“Been in many awkward situations, have you?”

“They seem to crop up more and more frequently.”

Julian’s car is almost as sexy as he is. I love riding with the convertible top down. The air is crisp, the stars are out, and the wind is blowing away my cares. By the time we arrive at
Amura’s
, I’m actually hungry (for more than Julian) and am looking forward to a delicious meal, while sipping a cocktail.

The sushi bar is buzzing with activity. How unfortunate. Luckily, we’re seated rather fast. A hostess leads us past various couples, flipping chopsticks and sipping on their Saki.

Ooh, I like that colorful glass fixture over there. It looks really cool. Red swirls, I love red swirls. I’m trying to memorize every line, every detail of the piece, when my attention is pulled away by a loud
whoosh
coming from the kitchen! Flames erupt and shoot out colorful sparks. Chefs are busy preparing food on the back grill. I’m caught up with the activity, when all of a sudden I bump into someone…literally.

“Oops! Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention,” I say, and when the woman turns around, I realize I know her! It’s Wanda from work, and she has the biggest mouth! Great, now everyone at the office will know I’m having dinner with Julian! My life is over.

Okay, just calm down and act natural. I smile brightly and say, “Wanda, hi!”

Julian is standing at my side. I watch, as Wanda takes in every inch of him. This is so awkward. What am I going to do?

Finally, Julian extends his hand towards Wanda and says, “I’m Julian Medina.”

“Julian, this is Wanda. She works with me,” I say.

“Yes, Julian, I have heard of you. It’s nice to meet you,” Wanda says and looks at me. “Hailey, where’s Derek?”

“He had to work late tonight. You know how it goes.” I fumble to get the words out. This is awful. I think I’m going to pass out.

Just then, in a tone both relaxed and seemingly effortless, Julian intercedes, “I must say how happy I am with all of the work your team has done for my restaurant. In fact, Hailey was just about to go over some new designs with me. Would you care to join us?”

All of a sudden, Wanda’s eyes don’t appear as narrow. In fact, she waves a hand dismissively and informs us she is officially off the clock, but we should enjoy our meal, anyway.

Whew!

Julian and I are seated in a nice booth against a far wall. He reaches across the table for my hand. Instinctively, I pull away and peer around to see if anyone is watching.

“You don’t have to do that, you know,” he says with a sigh.

“Do you realize how close that was back there? Wanda might as well have her own gossip column in the work newsletter. She’s the worst!” After scanning the restaurant and realizing no one is even glancing our way, I relax. At last, my attention returns to Julian. “By the way, thanks for saving me from her. You were really smooth.”

“No problem,” he says with a smile both bright and sparkly. In fact, Julian is always bright and sparkly. I adore him. He leans back into the booth. “Hailey, you’re going to have to face Derek and cut the ropes…” Julian says and continues on and on with his ‘dump Derek speech.’