Lie Next to Me (9 page)

A few days had passed and then it was the night of Adalynn’s birthday party. We had been texting back and forth over the past couple of days. She asked me if I needed anything and when I told her that I was doing fine, she didn’t believe me and came over with a bunch of kitchen items, extra sheets, towels, and washcloths. We had lunch and not one word was mentioned about Ian. She had told me that that her birthday was a no-gift birthday party and I’d better not buy her anything. I didn’t listen because everybody deserved a little something on their birthday, so I bought her a silver bracelet. Nothing expensive. Just a little thank you. I really thought that Ian would have either called or sent me a text message asking if I needed a ride to the party, but he didn’t. I still hadn’t heard a word from him since that night he spoke about his mother. Thinking about seeing him tonight made me nervous, but I had a plan. My plan was to not look at him, talk to him, or even be in the same room as he was. It wouldn’t be difficult because I was sure he was bringing one of his hookers to keep him company.

I stood in front of my bathroom mirror and put on my makeup. I played with my hair and tried different styles before I decided just to curl it. After curling the last strand of hair, I ran my fingers through the loose curls and sprayed them with hairspray. I slipped on my black lace dress with the three-quarter-length sleeves and sweetheart neckline. It was the type of dress that hugged my body and showed off my hourglass shape. I felt sexy and confident as I looked in the mirror. As the cab pulled up to the curb, I put on my black heels, grabbed my purse, and took in a deep breath as I shut the door.

When the cab pulled up the long, winding driveway of Adalynn’s house, nervousness settled in. The valet opened the door and helped me out of the cab. There was a couple who pulled up behind me, so I let them walk ahead and I pretended just to blend in with them. The oversized doors were opened by a really hot guy wearing a black tuxedo. He was older, but extremely handsome, and definitely someone you could sit and stare at all night. He looked at me and smiled as I walked through the door.

“You must be Rory,” he said as he lightly kissed my hand.

“Yes, I am.” I smiled.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Rory. I’m Daniel, Adalynn’s boyfriend.”

I wasn’t surprised. As beautiful as Adalynn was, I knew her partner would be equally as gorgeous.

“It’s nice to meet you, Daniel.” I smiled.

“There you are! And, oh my God, look at you. You look amazing,” Adalynn said as she flitted across the room and hugged me.

“Happy B
irthday,” I said as I handed her the small gift bag.

“Now what did I tell you?” she pouted.

“It’s nothing big. Just a token of my appreciation for everything you’ve done for me.”

“Aw, you’re just too sweet. Come in and have a drink. There are some people I’d like you to meet.”

She led me to the living room, which was filled with men in suits and women dripping in diamonds. I felt so out of place. I scanned the room to see if Ian was there, but I didn’t see him. There was no way he wouldn’t come to Adalynn’s birthday party. After leading me through the living room and introducing me to some of her friends, Adalynn and I walked out onto the patio and I stopped dead in my tracks as I looked a few feet in front of me. Ian was staring at me. There was no expression on his face at all. Just a blank stare and dead eyes. My stomach began doing flips and I wanted nothing more than to run away. I grabbed a glass of champagne off the tray as the waiter walked by and started to sip it as I turned away. I couldn’t even bring myself to give him a small smile or wave. I was angry at him for ignoring me the way he did and it stung to look at him.

After meeting more of Adalynn’s friends,
I walked to the corner of the property, where it was quiet. I felt so out of place with all these rich people, even though some of the ones I met were nice. I walked over to a beautifully lit gazebo that sat in the middle of a large flower garden. I could hear the soft music that was playing throughout the entire property. I sat down on the bench and took off my shoes. My feet were already killing me in those heels. As I admired the flowers that surrounded me, the mixture of colors and the beauty of them made me feel both happy and sad.

“You look beautiful,” a familiar voice spoke softly from behind.

My heart started racing and my belly did flips. I closed my eyes for a moment before I turned around and looked at the sexy man standing in my presence.

“Thank you, Ian.”

“Do you mind if I sit down?”

“No. Have a seat.”

This was awkward and uncomfortable. Why would he talk to me now? He had his opportunity and I didn’t know if I had it in me to struggle to be nice to him.

“I like your hair curly like that. It’s very pretty.”

“Thanks.” I smiled as I looked down.

“How are you, Rory?”

Stay calm. Don’t give him attitude. Breathe. Be nice.
“I’m fine, Ian. How are you?”

I really wanted to ask him why the fuck he cared how I was now and not a week ago when he chose to ignore me and my text messages.

“I’m okay. How’s your new place working out?”

“It’s great,” I lied as I looked at him.

“Are you still having the nightmares?”

“Yeah, every night.”

He folded his hands while he looked straight ahead. “I think you need to talk to someone about what happened to you. I know someone who may be able to help you. She’s a good friend of mine.”

I bet she is.
“Thanks. But I don’t think so. I couldn’t afford it anyway.”

“You wouldn’t have to worry about that,” he sighed as he rested his elbows on his thighs and cupped his face in his hands. “I’m sorry, Rory. I’m sorry for ignoring you.”

Suddenly, my heart started to slow down and beat at its normal pace. It took a lot for him to come over to me and apologize. I put my hand on his and he turned his head and looked at me.

“I’m sorry too.”

“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers began playing. “Would you care to dance?” he asked with a slight smile.

“I would, but I don’t know how,” I replied as I looked down.

“Then I’ll teach you.”

Ian took my hand and helped me up. He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me close. He then wrapped his hand around mine as we swayed back and forth.

“Just follow my lead.” He smiled.

I was nervous as all hell. I’d never danced with anyone before. I started to ache down below for him. His strong hand wrapped around mine, and when our bare flesh touched, it sent shivers throughout my entire body. I slowly closed my eyes and concentrated on not stepping on his feet.

“For someone who doesn’t know how to dance, you’re doing very well.”

“Thanks. I’m trying really hard not to step on your feet.”

“Ah, well, I wouldn’t mind if you did.”

I looked up at him and smiled. The song had ended and so did our dance. He let go of me and my hand and I walked down the steps of the gazebo and stood in front of all the big and beautiful flowers. I ran my finger along the petals of hydrangeas and then bent down to smell them.

“I take it you love flowers,” Ian said.

“I do. They represent life and growth. As long as you give them tender loving care and everything they need, they’ll thrive. Like people do in life. Even if the flower starts to wilt, it can so easily be brought back to life.”

“I never looked at flowers that way,” he said. Ian put his hand on the small of my back as he stood next to me and looked at the array of flowers.

He put his hands in his pocket, turned around, and started to walk away. When he was a few feet away, he stopped in the middle of the grass and stood there. “I miss you, Rory,” he said as
he continued to walk away. His words stabbed through me much like the knife had.

I blurted out, “Tomorrow morning, six a.m., I’m going running if you would like to join me.”

He stopped again and stood there. “We’ll see.”

And just like that, he left. I walked back up to the house and, when I stepped inside, I saw Ian kiss Adalynn on the cheek and walk out the front door.

“Why did Ian leave?” I asked.

“He got a call and said there was something he had to do,” she replied as she shrugged her shoulders.

I stayed long enough to sing “Happy Birthday” and have a piece of cake. It was getting late and I wanted to get home, so I called a cab, said my goodbyes, and left.

****

As my alarm went off, I rolled over, fumbled to find my phone, and turned it off. I noticed I had a text message from Jordyn.

“I had to switch your day off from Tuesday to Monday because one of the girls quit last night. I hope you don’t mind. Enjoy the next two days.”

I smiled as I got out of bed, went into the bathroom, and stared at the bags under my eyes from another nightmare and sleepless night. Maybe I should take Ian up on his offer to see a therapist. I changed into my running clothes, threw my hair up in a ponytail, and looked at the clock. It was six a.m. I guessed Ian wasn’t coming or he would’ve been here by now. I should’ve known better than to get my hopes up where he was concerned. I sighed with disappointment and opened the door. I gasped when I saw Ian sitting down on the steps.

“It’s about time,” he said with his back turned.

“It’s six o’clock right on the dot and why are you sitting on the steps? You could’ve knocked,” I said as I walked down and stood in front of him.

He got up from the step and stared at me. He took his thumb and lightly swiped it under my eye. “Another nightmare last night?” he asked.

I nodded my head as I stared into his eyes. “Come on; let’s get going. You lead,” he said.

I ran my usual course. The only difference today was I had a hot and sexy millionaire by my side. “I was thinking that maybe you could give me the phone number of that therapist you know.”

Ian smiled as he looked over at me. “Of course. I’ll give you Dr. Neil’s number when we get back to your place.”

“Thank you.”

“How are you feeling?” he asked as we continued jogging.

“I’m feeling good. I barely feel any pain anymore.”

“Good. I still want you checked out. I called Dr. Graham and he said he’ll be at the hospital all day and just to stop by.”

“That’s not necessary, Ian. I’m fine.”

“Well, you may think you’re fine, but you could have some internal damage. Let’s have Dr. Graham check you out to make sure you’re okay and then we’ll never discuss it again.”

I laughed lightly because of Ian’s authoritative tone. “Yes, sir!” I said with a deep voice.

“Are you making fun of me?” He smiled as he glanced at me.

“No. I would never make fun of Ian Braxton.” I winked.

He ran into me and almost knocked me over.

“Really, Ian?”

“Really, Rory.” He smiled.

I bumped my body against his and laughed as he almost took a tumble. He looked at me and shook his head, then stopped. I stopped with him, as we were both out of breath. “You almost knocked me over,” he said breathlessly as he pointed his finger at me.

“So. You almost knocked
me
over.” I smiled.

“I’m starving. Let’s go get some breakfast,” he said as he tapped me on the nose.

“Okay. Where do you want to go?”

“I know this great café that’s not too far from your apartment.”

“Would it be okay if we walked?” I asked. “I’m kind of tired.”

“Are you feeling okay? Do you hurt?”

“I’m fine, Ian. Just a little tired, that’s all.”

I looped my arm around his and he looked at me for a moment and then smiled. We walked to the café and sat down at a table outside. I ordered a bagel sandwich and Ian ordered eggs and a blueberry muffin. I silently laughed because of his love for blueberry muffins.

“Did you really mean what you said last week?” he asked.

“I said a lot of things. Which are you referring to?”

“About hating blueberry muffins. Do you really hate blueberry muffins, Rory?”

His look was so serious. I think if I would’ve told him that I didn’t like them, he’d cry. I sat there and stared at him while I bit down on my bottom lip.

“Well?” he asked as he cocked his head.

“No. I don’t
hate
blueberry muffins, but I prefer the chocolate chip ones.”

The corners of his mouth curved up slightly as he took a bite of his muffin. “I’m confident that I can get you to change your mind about them.”

“You can try.” I smiled.

We finished up our breakfast, Ian paid the bill, and we walked back to my apartment. As we walked up the steps, Ian placed his hand lightly on my back. The touch of his fingertips through my shirt sent a tingling sensation throughout my body. I inserted the key in the lock and opened the door. I stepped inside and invited Ian in.

“Well, here it is. My apartment. I know it’s smaller than your bathroom, but it’s mine.”