touch my heart (15 page)

She’d even insisted she could still use him after the accident, and she’d been right. He was sure that companies would have been content with face shots for their ads, but the idea of letting people see him in his broken state had forced him to turn down the offer. He couldn’t let people in the industry see him as he was. He could imagine the looks of sympathy he’d get. He’d had enough of people’s pity when he’d been in hospital during those awful months. He’d made the right decision for him. Being home was the best place for healing, especially now that Aaliyah had forced him into fighting for his healing.

There was a knock on his door.

“Dominic, is something wrong? I’ve been waiting for you.”

He glanced at the clock, surprised to see that almost an hour had passed. Had he been daydreaming that long?

“Coming!” he shouted.

He quickly slipped into his sneakers and headed to the door. He opened it, immediately noticing her distance. He still wasn’t sure what he’d done, but he was sure that in time he’d find out.

He followed her down the corridor, watching the sweet sway of her hips, despite her attempt to walk with stiff dignity.

“You could slow down,” he said.

She stopped. “I don’t have all morning, you know.”

“Don’t matter,” he retorted. “Your mornings are all mine.”

She gasped. “That’s true, Mr. Wolfe. I keep forgetting you’re the boss.”

She turned and resumed walking, this time slowing her pace to something that was more manageable for him—a bit too manageable.

He followed along the corridor, which seemed longer than usual, and into the gym.

He sighed.

It was going to be a long morning.

Chapter 13

H
e breathed deeply and put the last weight down. His hand was sore, but he’d been able to lift the tiny weight with a lot more ease than when he’d started. In fact, Aaliyah had informed him that she would increase the weight for his next session. He squeezed his hand open and shut, feeling a sense of relief when he could do it with the minimum of pain. Tears welled in his eyes, but he fought them back. He would not cry. It was a sign of weakness he could not afford. He had to keep fighting. He had to be strong.

There was a knock at the door and Desmond entered.

“There’s a young boy asking for you.”

“A young boy?” he asked, but then Adrian’s son came to mind. “Brandon.”

“Yes, that’s his name. I asked him to wait in the sitting room.”

“Thanks. Tell him I’ll be there shortly.”

When Desmond was gone, he headed to his room. He didn’t want to keep the Brandon waiting, but he needed to take a shower.

Twenty minutes later, he stepped into the sitting room to find Brandon chatting with Aaliyah.

Her soft laughter rippled through the air. Brandon giggled in return. Yesterday he’d seemed so serious and mature. Today he was a boy.

At the sound of his cane, they both looked in his direction.

Brandon stood, his discomfort evident. Dominic walked toward them, with what he hoped was a welcoming smile. He did not want to scare the boy away.

Aaliyah stood. “I’m going to leave you two gentlemen to chat.” She turned to Brandon. “We’re going to have to continue this conversation some other time. It was nice chatting with you.”

“Nice to see you, too, Aaliyah.”

As she passed him, she nodded nonchalantly. He wondered what was going through her mind.

With that, he turned to Brandon, glad to see him, but really not too sure what to say. He’d not had many interactions with teenagers. To him, they were a strange bunch, with the tight sagging pants showing their boxers. He was glad to see that Brandon was nicely dressed with a loose-fitting pair of jeans. He wasn’t quite sure why it made him feel good, but it did.

Brandon moved toward him. He hesitated before he said, “I know you told me I could drop by anytime, but I wasn’t sure. I hope dropping by today is fine.”

Immediately, he saw the look in the boy’s eyes. The boy was lonely, aching for a male role model in his life. He could see it in his hesitation. What he said right now could make a total difference in this boy’s life.

“I did tell you coming over would be fine, and I meant it.”

The boy’s body relaxed noticeably. He’d said the right thing. Brandon no longer looked like a deer caught in the headlights of a car.

“I know I should have called first, but I was scared you’d say no.”

“Why would I say no?”

“Look at your home. You have a beautiful home and beautiful girlfriend. You don’t want for anything.”

He heard a bit of himself in the boy’s words.

“Money and fame isn’t everything,” he emphasized. “And Aaliyah’s not my girlfriend. She’s my therapist.”

“Oh,” he responded, but his eyes bore his skepticism.

“Yes, you see, I’m not too good without this cane right now. And my hand doesn’t work too well, but they’re getting better.”

“What happened to your hand?”

“Maybe we could sit before I get into the details.”

“Sorry,” he said, concern in his voice. “Does it hurt to stand?”

“A bit, but it’s not as bad as it was a few weeks ago. Aaliyah has worked miracles.”

“She’s good at what she does?”

“Yes, she’s very good. She’s my third therapist. I didn’t get along well with the others.”

“Are you are trying to say that you were difficult?” Brandon reasoned.

Dominic stared at Brandon. He noticed the wisdom in the boy’s eyes, wisdom way beyond his age.

He nodded. “At that time, I was angry with the world.”

“Are you still?”

“A bit, but I’m getting there. I’ve been trying real hard to look at life differently.”

They’d reached the patio. Brandon waited until Dominic sat before him and then took the opposite couch.

“It’s soon lunchtime. Want to stay for lunch?”

“If it’s fine with you. I don’t want to impose.”

“As long as we call your grandmother and she says it’s fine. Does she know you’re here?”

“I told her that you were living here. She remembers you and says that you must come to see her.”

Dominic remembered Mama, the old lady who’d often made sure he didn’t go to bed hungry. For the second time in two days, he felt guilty. He’d avoided going to the village. Maybe it was about time he faced his demons.

“Tell her I’m going to come over as soon as I can. I can’t drive and not sure I can walk that far right now, but I want to see her. She was good to me.”

“Yeah, she’s been good to me, as well. Just getting old in age. I do most of everything now. She has cancer.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that.”

“We’re doing fine. Don’t like to cook much, but I help her.”

“You help with the cooking?” Dominic asked.

“Some of it. Mama can still get around, but I do as much as I can.”

“And school?”

“I’m in high school. The same school my dad went to.”

“My old school, too.”

“That’s cool. I should have guessed,” Brandon said.

“Yeah, and you’re doing well?”

“I’m a straight-A student. Grammy wouldn’t accept anything else.”

“Your dad would be proud,” Dominic stated.

“I wish he was here. He always told me that my schoolwork was important. My dad made me promise that I’d make schoolwork priority. Fortunately, most of the other boys in the village are into their schoolwork, so it has been cool. We usually get together in the evenings to do our homework.”

“That’s so cool. Your dad and I were the only ones who were interested in any studying. We got teased a lot because of it. How old are you?”

“I’ll be fourteen in August.”

“That means you were born just after I left here.”

At the same time, Mrs. Clarke entered the patio. “Lunch is ready.” She glanced in Brandon’s direction, curiosity in her eyes. “I see we have a guest?”

Brandon rose to his feet immediately.

“This is Brandon. His father was my best friend when I lived here as a child.”

“You’re Adrian Johnson’s son?”

“Yes, madam.”

“You’re just as handsome as your father. He was a heartbreaker. All the girls loved him. Sorry he passed away so young.”

“Thanks, madam. I still miss him.”

“You can call me Mrs. Clarke. I ain’t nobody’s madam.”

Brandon smiled and nodded.

“Well, come,” Mrs. Clarke continued. “Aaliyah is waiting on the two of you. I’m sure she’s hungry by now.”

Dominic rose from the chair, reaching for his cane.

“Hope you like spaghetti and meatballs, young man,” Mrs. Clarke said with a twinkle in her eyes.

“I love spaghetti and meatballs.” Brandon beamed.

“Good, ’cause I make the best on the island. Even better than those fancy restaurants.”

“And I am living proof that she’s better,” Dominic added. “She’s the best cook on the island.”

“I’m sure my grandmother will have something to say about that.”

“Mama? I haven’t seen her in ages. She taught me to cook so many years ago. How is she doing?”

“She’s not doing too well,” Brandon replied, “but she has her Bible and her faith. They give her comfort.”

“Yes, she does. I suspected something was wrong with her. I don’t get into the village too often. On my days off I head to St. Michael to see my daughter and her kids. I’m going to make a promise to come visit her when I’m off next week.”

“I’m sure she will be glad to see you.”

They’d reached the dining room, where Aaliyah sat patiently waiting for them. The slight frown on her face morphed into a broad smile when she saw them.

“Told you she was hungry,” Mrs. Clarke said. “Enjoy your meal.”

When she disappeared, a barely recognizable rendition of Rihanna’s “We Found Love” followed her. They all laughed.

“She’s Rihanna’s number-one fan on the island,” Dominic offered.

“I would have thought Rihanna’s music would be a bit risqué for her,” Aaliyah said.

“Oh, those are the ones she likes more. Wait until you hear and see her rendition of ‘S&M.’ It’s hilarious.”

“I can imagine, but instead of talking about Mrs. Clarke and Rihanna at this moment, can we eat?” Aaliyah asked.

At the same time, Brandon’s stomach grumbled. They laughed.

Brandon, trying not to look too embarrassed, said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was so hungry.”

“Let’s dig in.”

* * *

Lunch was a mixture of laugher and discussion about anything under the sun. Aaliyah was amazed at the knowledge Brandon possessed. She was glad to hear he was doing well in school, and like her, loved to read. He wanted to be a lawyer and was hoping he would be awarded a scholarship.

One of the things the three of them had in common was their love of movies. Again she was surprised when Brandon’s taste not only included the latest action movies, but movies with critical acclaim, which she was sure the average teenage boy wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole.

After lunch, they decided to watch the Academy Award-winning
Life of Pi.

Two hours later, after the credits had rolled, they’d had an interesting discussion regarding the merits and weaknesses of the movie. Brandon announced that he had to leave.

“So soon,” she said, realizing that Dominic, too, looked disappointed. He was great company.

“I have to go take care of my grandmother and make sure she eats. She cooks and then refuses to eat. Of course, she likes me to sit and talk with her when she’s watching
her soap operas.
”

From the expression on his face, she could tell he wasn’t too happy about the arrangement.

“It’s not my kind of show,” he confirmed, “but I know she gets lonely, so if having to endure a show for an hour or so each day makes her happy, then I’m going to do it.”

“That’s really cool of you,” Dominic said.

“I love Grammy, and if spending some time with her is all she asks, then I’ll do it. It makes her happy.”

“So what are your plans for the rest of the week?”

“The boys and I are going into the city tomorrow and the next day we’re going to the cinema.”

“So you have a pretty packed few days?”

“Yes,” he replied, nodding. He hesitated. “Would it be okay if I come by on Saturday sometime?”

“As long as you don’t have a problem with hanging with us old folks.”

“Speak for yourself. I assure you I’m not old,” Aaliyah said.

“Neither of you are old. I’m sure you can’t be over thirty.”

“Thanks, Brandon. You’re the kind of gentleman I like. I’m sure one day you’ll be breaking hearts.”

“I’ve been told I’m already breaking hearts and I’m not even trying. I’m focusing on my studies and that’s the only thing that’s important.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that.”

“So I’ll see you on Saturday? I have soccer practice in the morning, so it won’t be until around midday.”

“That’s cool. You can come for lunch.”

“Okay, but I don’t want Mrs. Clarke to think I’m only coming over to eat.”

“It’s cool, Brandon. I know that’s not why you’re coming over.”

“Cool. ’Bye, I really need to get home now.”

“I’ll see you on Saturday.”

He turned and walked away, but not before she saw the glimmer of sadness in his eyes. Aaliyah could tell he loved being over there, loved being around Dominic.

“I’m scared for him,” Dominic said. “I can see he misses his father. I hope he doesn’t start seeing me as a replacement for his father.”

She grunted. “And what’s wrong with that?”

“The boy needs a man in his life. I’m not that man.”

“But I can tell you like having him over. Why invite him over, then? You’re going to break that boy’s heart,” she stated.

“Can’t I just be friends with the boy without people starting to think we’re a match made in heaven?”

“I think you’d make a great dad,” she said. “The boy has no one. He’ll soon not have his grandmother. Who’s going to take care of him?”

“Aaliyah, can you hear yourself? I just met the boy yesterday and already you have me adopting him.”

She looked at him, tears glistening in her eyes.

“I’m sorry. I just feel so sorry for him. He has no one. He could be out there doing drugs and getting ready to break into someone’s house. Instead, he spent the afternoon with us discussing a movie that most boys his age would consider boring. What else do you want me to think?”