Touched By You (The Touch Series) (12 page)

“What are you doing here? I thought you didn’t want to see me ever again.”

“Angel, I’m sorry. I was so upset and said some awful things to you last night. Please forgive me.”

“Derrick I’m the one that should be sorry. I ruined everything.”

He pulled me away from him so that we were facing each other. Wiping away my tears he kissed my lips.

I missed him so much in only a short amount of time.

“I don’t like the idea of you living on the other side of the country Chloe. I won’t lie about that.” He says running his hands through my hair.

Looking into his eyes I can see the pain and hurt.

“We’ll get through this. I promise.” I tell him pulling us closer together. I need him and I need his touch to reassure me we will really be okay.

I let out a deep sigh at the memories and try to regain my composure. Things have been okay between Derrick and me since I left. We talk at least once a day and Skype every night before bed. I know everything happens for a reason and we’re strong together as a couple.

Walking toward the gate I smile, this week is going to be fun and exciting. My mom and dad are flying
in today and I have a jam packed week of activities for us to do. I want them to see why I love LA so much and know that I’m truly happy with the decisions I’ve made.

I can see my dad come through the tunnel first. Daddy really is quite the handsome man at 56. He is 6’4”, dark hair and eyes with a distinct mustache that drives me crazy. Coming up behind him I can see my mom. She too is attractive. Though mom is much shorter than dad, she still stands tall at about 5’7” with long dark hair, deep brown eyes and a smile that can go on for miles. I walk quickly over to them and dad grabs me up in a bear hug. As he puts my feet to the ground, mom comes over and gives me a warm hug. I feel loved and protected now that the two of them are here.

Out of nowhere two hands come around my face covering my eyes. I squeal with nervousness and pry the hands off of my face. Turning around to see who would do such a thing, I spot my little sister Char.

Holy shit! What a great surprise.

"What is going on here? Am I being punk'd?"

"No you are not being punk'd loser, you’re way not famous enough for that." She says.

"Come on girls; let's move this act of affection away from the gate. You two are going to get us kicked out of the damn airport." Dad tells us in a stern tone.

Char and I finally break free from our embrace and I walk the four of us out of the airport and out to the parking lot where my car is waiting.

I take them straight to my apartment to get settled in and then plan on going out for a nice dinner welcoming my family to LA.

Curling up on the couch I look toward Char and ask, "So Char tell me all about this hot roommate Derrick has staying with him. Derrick said Riley has quite the crush on you. Spill it girl."

"Wait, what? Char you just said there was nothing going on between you two." Daddy says in an odd tone.

Char seriously looks like she is about to spew so I figure I’ll lay off the Riley topic for now. I can dig in later when it’s just the two of us.

Spending this week with my family has been exactly what I’ve needed since moving out here. The best part so far was bringing them down to the studio and introducing them to some of the analysts. To me they are just normal people, but to everyone else I suppose we’re famous. Daddy nearly passed out when Erika Anderson walked in while I was giving the grand tour. Talk about a fan moment.

Since today is their last day here I set up an appointment for Char and me at the salon and sent mom and dad off on a tourist mission. I want to spend some time talking to my sister about her and this Riley guy. I have a sneaky suspicion that she is holding back because of her last relationship and I want my sister to find her happiness.

While we’re waiting in the whirlpool to get our massages I look over at her.

"Thanks so much for doing this with me today Char." It really is great to have her here with me in LA and having a day to just relax and bond.

She refuses to be the one that is being thanked, she feels this day is a treat and she should be thanking me. Honestly I’m just glad to be here with her.

"So tell me why you came out here to see me." I ask.

She plays it off as if it’s no big deal that she dropped everything to come out here, but I know her better than that.

"Chloe?" She looks over at me and a tear trickles down her face.

"Yeah, sweetie?" I reply putting my hand on her arm and slowly start to brush back and forth in a comforting rhythm.

"I don't think...I don't know."

"Look I know what Marc did to you was awful, no one deserves to be lied to and cheated on the way he did to you. You have to remember that none of it was your fault. He was a complete jackass and was unhappy with himself in many ways. You two were so wrong for each other from the start, but you always saw the good in him. You always see the good in everyone. That is why we all love you so much sweetie."

"I just don't think I can ever love again. Marc was my first everything and it just seemed to all line up until he got caught. I know I need to move past it all, but I can't."

"You can and you will. Char you’re absolutely gorgeous, have the body I would kill for, and deserve to be happy. I’m quite certain this Riley fellow is just as smitten with you as you are with him. Just admit it girl."

My poor sister lacks confidence in the relationship department, but I have a good feeling that now when she goes home she is going to start anew. I’m proud of the woman she has become and the future she is building for herself. She deserves to be happy.

I caved. As much as I hated the fact that Chloe was going to move across country I let her do it. I mean, what kind of boyfriend would I be to hold her back from her dreams? We promised each other that we would talk everyday and once our schedules were set we would visit. And we pretty much have done just that. She has only been gone a few months, but we still talk and text each day and Skype before bed. I love seeing and hearing her voice, but it’s not the same as her being here and in my arms. Thanksgiving vacation can’t come soon enough. I’ll have to fight our families to spend time with her. I have a pretty good feeling I’ll win that battle.

Things have gotten really busy at Jax & Paige and I want to do my best to prove my worth to the senior partners. I enjoy what I do and I must say I’m getting pretty good at it. My win to loss case ratio is the best of the junior partners and according to some of the big guys I have a promising career ahead of me. If it weren’t for this work load, I think I’d go insane. Thankfully in my spare time I’m working on our house and I now have a roommate, Riley and his dog Manny, to keep me company…well sometimes.

Not only do I have the drama of my relationship with Chloe to worry about, but my new roommate Riley is crushing on Chloe’s sister and my best friend Charlie. I can’t say that it would be a bad thing for them to hook up. They’re both really great people and have a lot in common. It’s just that lately he’s acting like a chick moping about since Charlie pushed him away. Man o man, grow a pair and fight for her already.

Today Riley starts his new job at Taylor & Sons Contracting so being the nice guy I am I think I’ll make him some coffee to start the day. I can hear Manny’s paws coming down the hardwood steps and run straight for the sliding glass door. I make my way over and let him out. Riley turns into the kitchen and sees the cup of coffee sitting on the table. He gives me a look and I laugh.

“Hey man, all set for your big day at work? I’m so excited for you that I got up early and wanted to make you breakfast. Before you open your trash mouth, no I’m not a bitch; I’m a very good friend who wants you to have an even better day."

"Awe shucks thanks honey, I didn't know you felt that way about me. At least someone loves me."

He sits down at the table with a pout on his face. Damn this guy looks pitiful.

"Come on man, everything happens for a reason, right? Look at it this way, if you two are meant to be she’ll come back. Just be patient with her. She’s had a shitty relationship past and the last asshole did a number on her."

"I get that Derrick, I do. She just won't even give us a chance. I feel like a chick moping around, but she’s gotten to me and in like no time at all."

"Those Taylor girls are something Riley. I’ve been with Chloe for years and in that time we’ve had great times and times that have really sucked. But I believe we’re meant to be. No matter what life throws at us, we still get by."

"Yeah I guess you’re right. Well I’m going to go put my balls back on and get ready for work. Thanks for the coffee and the pep talk bro. It helps to have a friend like you around."

I tried to do my best to lift the guy’s spirits, whether it worked or not I don’t know. Finishing up my breakfast I clean up my mess and head upstairs to take a shower. Here’s to another week, got to love Mondays.

The week goes by damn fast and I love the fact that each week brings me closer to Chloe’s visit for Thanksgiving. We talked a little less this week with her parents and sister in LA, but I know we’ll get back to normal next week.

A big topic of conversation for us has been Riley and Charlie. It makes me laugh that I’m the one getting involved in Charlie’s romantic drama rather than her dealing with the issues of Chloe and me. I’ve told Chloe that Riley is pretty down about the way things ended with Charlie before she left for LA and Chloe agrees that Charlie is feeling the same way. To help these two love birds get their act together, Chloe and I have concocted a plan.

All I have to do is let Riley in on the details of tonight and watch the sparks fly. He just needs to get his hung-over ass out of bed. Then I can tell him the details of what he’s supposed to do.

When he finally makes his way downstairs, I start his day off the best way I can…with a loud voice of course.

"Hey roomy!" I scream as he passes by me heading to the fridge.

"Shut up asshole. Can't you see I’m in pain here?" He says laying his head down on the counter.

"Look I warned you that those guys from work were trouble. They got to you just like they wanted to and now you have to pay for it all weekend." I say with a belly laugh.

He gives me a killer stare and I know his head has to be hurting from last night’s drinking fest with the guys.

"So what’s on the agenda for you today?" He asks.

"Well if you must know I’m going to head on over to Charlie's in a bit. Chloe finally scheduled the movers to come and get the last of her things. Since Charlie doesn't fly in till later I said I’d go over and lend a hand."

"Hmm, how nice of you." He says in a sarcastic tone.

"So you want me to let you in on a little secret?" I ask.

At this point I’m so excited for the surprise they’re in for, I am almost giddy….almost.

"I don't know, do I?" He replies.

"Well let me just say that it would be cool if you were to be at Charlie's apartment around 6:30 tonight. I would also suggest having a bouquet of wildflowers and take out from the Chinese place down from her apartment warm and ready to eat." He pats me on the back and walks out of the house.

With that I grab my wallet and keys and head out the garage door to my car. Let’s see what he makes of that bit of information. I just hope he isn’t too hung-over and forgets what I just said. Chloe will kill me.

Who knew Chloe and I would become matchmakers, not I.

While rushing around my apartment I check and double check that everything is perfect before my guests arrive. Okay mental check list go…apartment clean and spotless…check, bedrooms have clean sheets and fresh towels in the bathrooms…check, decorations up and lights on…check, dinner in oven and delicious smells wafting through the air…check, I’m dressed and wearing shoes…check, and lastly Chloe has lost her mind…check, check, check.