Pieces of Me (14 page)

He’d tried calling her phone but it would go directly to voice mail. He knew that she was safe because his security detail gave him updates.

Davis was in his home office staring at the same line on a spreadsheet for the third time when he heard Jane at his door. He hadn’t even heard her come inside.

“Hey big brother. How are you doing?”

“I’m sure you already know or you wouldn’t be here.”

“Well, that’s some hearty welcome for your sister who just flew two hours to make sure you were doing okay. And, you know I don’t deal in rumors. I wanted to come see for myself what’s going on. Where’s Nicole?”

“Nicole is not here.”

“I know that. Where is she?”

“She just rented an apartment over at LockWood Estates.”

“Why would she do that? LockWood Estates? What happened?”

“She couldn’t get over my past with Anne.”

“Was that her problem or yours?”

“What are you talking about Jane? I married Nicole. There’s nothing between Anne and me.”

“Well, the word on the street is that you had an affair with her after you married Nicole.”

“I thought you didn’t ‘do’ rumors? And, that’s a lie! I never cheated on Nicole. She’s just too stubborn to admit she’s wrong?”

“If you didn’t have an affair, why is that what Mindy thinks happened?”

“Because Mindy is a sap.”

“That’s very true. So, tell me what happened from the beginning.”

“Nicole has felt threatened by Anne since before we were married. I chose her and I promised I’d be a good husband and father. She is jealous of Anne and doesn’t trust me worth a damn.”

Davis ruffled his hands through his hair. “I told you what’s been going on at Chatham with my technology being stolen. Well, on top of that, someone sent Anne a letter threatening to kill her and her family, if I didn’t back off.”

“Oh my god Davis? Are you or the FBI any closer to who’s doing this?”

“I think we are and that’s why the threats are getting stronger. Anyway, I’ve added extra security to you, Anne, and Nicole.”

“Why would they send a letter to Anne and not Nicole? I mean that doesn’t really make sense. Nicole is your wife.”

“I thought the same thing at first, but when I came back from being stranded on the Island, Anne and I were openly dating. No one really knew about Nicole until the announcement in the papers. I’m thinking the letter was sent to her before they knew about Nicole.”

“I guess that would make sense.”

“Anyway, the day Anne came to my office to show me the letter, Nicole caught me comforting her. She took it the wrong way. I tried to explain but she wouldn’t listen.”

“That’s why she left you?”

“Not exactly. Anne had another threat. She called me because she was terrified. I went over to make sure she was ok. Even though I had security check everything out and had them posted outside of her home, she was still afraid. She asked if I’d stay with her until she fell asleep.”

Jane raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t look at me like that. Nothing happened. I sat in a chair while Anne went to sleep. That was the least I could do since she was having these problems because of me. Once she fell asleep I came home. Somehow it came up in conversation and Nicole took it the wrong way. Anne offered to clear it up but I just don’t think Nicole is in a space to listen.”

“Did you tell Nicole about what’s been going on at Chatham and the threats?”

“I told her about it. I just left out the parts about Anne. I knew she was sensitive about Anne and I didn’t want to argue with her about it.”

“So, she was blindsided by you spending the night with Anne when it ‘just came up’? I don’t condone violence but I would have slapped her silly….and you too.”

“Anne didn’t try to make Nicole think anything happened between us. Nicole is just misunderstanding the situation.”

“Davis you are a brilliant man but you can’t really be this dense. Misunderstanding? Are you forgetting you told her your deepest secrets on that island? If I remember correctly, you told her that Anne was ‘the woman of your dreams’. You were in the process of reconciling with her until you found out Nicole was pregnant and every time Anne calls, you go running to make sure she’s ok. Isn’t that why you hired the extra security? That’s their job. Davis, can I ask you something?”

“When have you ever asked to ask me anything?”

“Ok…How do you feel about Nicole? I mean really? Because I knew the moment I met her that she was in love with you.”

“What kind of question is that? I married her.”

“Because she was pregnant Davis. Not because you declared some undying love for her. Do you still love Anne?”

Davis swallowed hard. That was a question he didn’t really want to analyze because he wasn’t sure what the answer would be.

“That’s why she left Davis because she loves you. She’s trying to bow out as gracefully as she can. Look, I told you before I just want you to be happy. If Anne’s the one in your heart then choose Anne. If its Nicole then choose Nicole but you’ve got to make a choice.”

Jane hugged him “Remember, I love you no matter what.”

“No matter what.”

“Now, I only have a few hours before I’ve got to get home to my husband and the twins. You look a mess so go take a shower and take me to dinner.”

Chapter 22

Nicole had been in her new place for a couple of weeks. She hadn’t done much too it yet. Probably, because there was a part of her that wished Davis would realize how much he loved her and come to take her home. Even though she knew that wasn’t the case she still hoped. Of course, he’d called a few times and Nicole didn’t answer because she couldn’t allow him to talk her into going back.

Just like now. Her phone was ringing but it was Dana.

“Hey you, I was just calling to see how you are doing. How are you feeling?”

“I’m feeling pregnant and nothing fits anymore. But, otherwise I’m fine. How are things going with school? Did you hire that candidate for the teaching position?”

“I’ve never been pregnant but they tell me this is all a part of it. And yes, the interview went well. She’s starting next week. I miss having you here though.”

“If Calgone could really take me away I would be down there with you in Fiji.”

“Well, you know the doors are always open for you to come back.”

Nicole felt her baby move. It was a feeling that gave her strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other “I can’t keep running away. I’ve got to set down some roots. I’m almost five months pregnant.”

“Have you talked to Davis?”

“No, I haven’t. It’s probably better this way. Out of site out of mind right?”

“As a therapist, I would say no. You can’t hide from him forever Nicole.”

“I’m not hiding. I’m just licking my wounds. I think I deserve some time to do that. A lot has happened in the last year. I’ve had a broken engagement, I’ve barely survived a plane crash and was stranded on a deserted island, I’ve been married, I’m having a baby, and I’ve gotten separated from my husband. Yep, I think I deserve some time.”

“Well, I guess when you put it that way, you’ve definitely had a rough year.”

“I can’t continue to make decisions that aren’t good for me. I have more than myself to think about now.”

“Nicole, you didn’t have control over everything that has happened.”

“Maybe, maybe not. But, I’m physically and emotionally exhausted. I just want to be able to wake up in the morning and feel some sense of peace.”

“Well, the door is always open for you to come back and help me in the jungle.”

“Thank you. If Davis decides he’s really going sue me for full custody I might just come and hide out in the jungle.”

“You know he won’t do that. He was just angry. Nicole, I’ve got to take another call but don’t give up hope just yet.”

“I’m not so sure he was just angry but you take care and I’ll talk to you in a few days.”

Nicole disconnected her cell. It was late, she was tired, and she had an early morning doctor’s appointment.

*****

Nicole was sitting in the waiting room waiting to see the doctor for her monthly check up. She was flipping through a magazine when Davis cleared his throat.

“Do you mind if sit here?”

She didn’t hear him come inside the office. Nicole didn’t trust her voice so without looking up she just nodded.

Davis was nervous. He hadn’t seen her in almost six weeks. He couldn’t stop looking at her “How have you been feeling?”

Nicole still wouldn’t look at him. She spoke softly “The baby is moving around a lot now.”

Davis sat and waited with her. He didn’t know what to say to her. So, he just quietly absorbed her presence. After a few minutes, the nurse came to the door “Mrs. Chatham? We’re ready for you now.”

Davis stood up first and tried to help Nicole up. She was having a difficult time getting out of her chair. Davis smiled knowing his child was growing inside of her. She was a little more round since the last time he’d seen her but still as beautiful as ever. They walked into one of the patient care rooms. The nurse took her pressure, weighed her, and gave her a gown to change into.

“Davis, can you wait outside while I change?”

“Nicole, I’ve seen you naked before.”

“Davis please.” He didn’t want to upset her so he walked outside the door so she could change. It almost felt like that time on the island when she wanted him to turn around so she could get in the water. He never thought there would be a time where he would want to be transported back to the island. A few moments later he knocked on the door to see if she was done. Nicole gave him the all clear sign. Davis came back inside and took a seat next to her while she sat on the table. Shortly after that the doctor came inside.

“Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Chatham. How are you feeling Nicole?”

“Hi Dr. Cooke, I’m feeling a lot heavier and a little more tired than usual. Is that normal, to feel so tired at this stage?”

“It’s pretty normal. Are you taking your prenatal vitamins?”

“Yes, faithfully.”

“Good. It’s pretty normal for you to be feeling this way at this stage of your pregnancy.” He looked at her chart. “Your vitals look good. Are you ready to find out the sex of the baby?”

Nicole was surprised “That’s today?”

“Yes it is.”

Davis wanted to know but he would wait if Nicole wanted to wait. She looked over at Davis “I’d like to know but if you want to wait we can wait.”

That was the first time she’d actually looked at him. She still took his breath away. Davis answered for them “Yes, we’d like to know.”

Dr. Cooke put the jelly on Nicole’s stomach and then started rubbing it with some instrument. All of a sudden this little figure appeared on a screen. “There’s your baby.”

Davis asked in wonder “That’s him?”

“Actually, that is….her. You guys are having a girl. These are her toes and fingers. Wait, it looks like she’s sucking her thumb.”