Chapter 1
Reality
The sun was up and a beautiful new day was at hand. Mike Jackson stood looking out the window wondering why he was at the hospital, but there really wasn’t anywhere else he had to be. The multi-car dealership he had inherited from his family pretty much ran itself. He checked his calendar and had nothing in particular to do on this Tuesday so he resigned himself to waiting for word on Celia.
He took a sip of coffee and glanced at the man who had become his best friend. He’d met Martin Taylor years ago when he had first come to L.A. Mike had been a mechanic then, working at one of the five dealerships his family owned.
Martin sat on the couch with his arm wrapped around Randi, the new love of his life. Mike wanted to be angry with Martin for running to Celia’s side, but he couldn’t. Martin was a stand-up guy. He wouldn’t leave a friend, or an ex-girlfriend, stranded.
The ER had been packed. Several people had recognized Martin, so he had left. He came back an hour later wearing a hat and sunglasses. One of the nurses had promised to let them know when there was an update on Celia.
Truth be known, if it were not for Martin’s star status they would be in the dark about Celia. Since none of her family had arrived, they were at the mercy of the hospital. One of the head nurses was a fan of Martin’s and had set them up in this secluded waiting room. Now, all they could do was wait.
Mike turned back to the parking lot. He’d only known Celia personally for a short time but had become attached to her. It would hurt if he lost her. He was angry. He wanted to hit someone. He wanted to curse the drunk who hit Celia. Thankfully, he had been taken to another hospital or Mike might be making his way to find the idiot who had decided to drive while drinking.
As usual, the drunk had sustained minor injuries while Celia had a broken leg and possibly a serious head injury. The nurse said she had not been wearing her seatbelt so she also had several minor cuts and bruises. Mike couldn’t wait to know she was okay. He drank the rest of his coffee and in frustration, crushed the cup before walking the few feet to toss it into the trash.
Martin rose and walked over. “I wonder when we’ll get an update.”
“I can only assume it’s a good thing. You know, no news is good news.” Mike crossed his arms trying not to appear anxious.
“I suppose,” Martin said, “but it’s still irritating. It’s been two hours, maybe three, since the nurse said they had misread the x-ray and that she hadn’t been taken in for surgery.”
Mike shook his head. “We’re lucky your name got us this far. I think you’ve forgotten what it’s like in the real world. In most cases, they wouldn’t have told us anything much less cart us off to a private waiting room and deliver coffee and doughnuts.”
“Why don’t you go check, Mike?” Randi asked, as she came to stand by Martin. “They might have an update by now.”
Randi seemed to understand the turmoil that was brewing below the surface. A slight scowl disappeared from his face as she spoke, “Martin, maybe you can check with Celia’s family and see if they have a flight yet. Her parents might be able to call the hospital and give their permission to contact you with updates.”
Randi was trying to be a buffer, and the way he felt, that was a good thing. She reached into Martin’s jacket, took out his phone and handed it to him. “I’m sure they have flight plans by now.”
“I can do that.” Martin took the phone, gave her a quick smile and an even quicker kiss before making the call.
Randi looked at Mike and crossed her arms. He could guess from the raised brow that he was going to get a sermon. “I understand your frustration, and I know Martin is kind of out of the loop on the normal workings of everyday life for the poor and unnoticed, but is this necessary?”
“I know. That was uncalled for. It’s not him I’m angry with.”
“Are you sure?” she asked. “Because I think otherwise….”
“You don’t pull any punches do you?”
“No need to. I understand this triangle. I know your worries and I feel that we’re on common ground.”
“Does Martin have feelings for Celia?” Mike asked.
“Not like you mean. Will he rush to her side because he feels guilt or responsibility? Yes.”
“Guilt? What does he have to feel guilty about? She was in my car.”
“I’m sure he feels some guilt… though it’s not warranted, just as yours shouldn’t be. I doubt if you forced Celia to borrow your car. Martin feels guilty because of the break-up; because of the way he kicked her out of his house, out of his life. He’s just that kind of a person.”
“You’re right and I knew he would come running, just as he would have if it had been me or Emma. He’s a good friend. I guess what I’m feeling is more jealously than anything.”
“I know. You’re afraid this might drive them back together.”
Mike nodded and looked at Randi. She was a beautiful woman and he could see why Martin had fallen for her. Here she was by his side, being a friend and actually seeming to care about his ex. “I suppose,” he said, glancing at Martin to make sure he was still on the phone, “that you might have the same concern?”
“Yes. I’d be a bit naive to not consider the obvious outcome of such an event. I’m really hoping I’m wrong.”
Mike sighed and turned. They were thinking the same thing. When Celia came out of this, where would all the pieces of this puzzle fit? Would Martin and Celia find each other again and leave him and Randi out in the cold? He didn’t know the answer, and as he glanced into Randi’s eyes, he could tell that she didn’t either.
*****
Even though there was no real reason for Mike and Martin to be at odds with each other, Randi thought it best to separate them for a while. Mike was frustrated and his anger was about to cloud his normally sunny disposition.
She moved to where Martin was on the phone. He looked up and spoke softly, “I’m on hold while they call the hospital. They won’t be here until late this evening.”
“That’s not good.”
“No, it’s not. They’re talking with someone who will make sure the hospital keeps me notified about Celia’s condition.”
Randi wanted to say ‘no’ but she knew until the family got there, Martin would want to stay close by. She only hoped that after they arrived, he would feel free to leave.
She didn’t want to show how much she did not like this situation, so she nodded. She felt sorry for Celia, but to be very honest, she didn’t want Martin here. She busied her mind by reading over his shoulder. The note before him had a time jotted down for their flight.
Randi felt like Celia was winning this round. She knew it was selfish to think about Martin’s ex in this way and was determined to keep her true feelings hidden. Martin did not need to know how much she disliked Celia. He needed her support and, after all, that was why she was there.
Fifteen minutes later Martin ended the call. His brow was furrowed as he spoke, “I don’t like it that they want me to stay here as if I’m in charge.” Martin rose, pushed the note and phone into his pocket and ran his fingers through his hair. It was easy to see that the last part of the phone conversation had rattled him.
Randi allowed Martin time to pace then stepped toward him. He held out his hands and she took them. Instead of just holding hands, he pulled her arms around his neck and smiled. “You don’t know how grateful I am for you being here. I need you with me but I’ll understand if you need to go”
“I’m fine, and since I’m still working for you, it’s up to you when I leave.”
This brought on a real smile and for a few seconds he seemed to forget about his problems. “I like the sound of that and I may put you to work. I could use a distraction. Do you have any ideas?”
Randi grinned and glanced toward the door that, for now, was closed. “I think I can handle that request but it might get us thrown out.”
Martin leaned in, bringing his parted lips to hers for an electric kiss. Being through something traumatic often made people aware of what they could be missing. Martin was showing her what he was feeling and hospital VIP room or not, she didn’t hold back either.
After a few minutes, Martin slowed the pace and spoke between kisses, “Thanks. I needed that.”
“My pleasure.” Randi breathed in deeply as Martin again showed her some of the passion he was feeling. “Really. It was my pleasure,” she said, drawing out the last word as he wrapped up his point by biting her bottom lip ever so playfully.”
“You’re a bad one, Martin Taylor.”
“You could be right but I can’t help it if you make me realize what I’ve been missing.”
“I’m glad.” Randi brushed back his hair and rested her arms around his neck. “I know this isn’t easy and I was serious. If you need anything just say the word. I can go out and find a motel. I’ll pick up some cold cuts, bread, snacks and drinks.”
“That would be great. We’ll walk down, find an ATM and you can head out. Once you have a room, let me know. I’ve got to get out of this place. Mike can stay for a while.”
“I think he may be ready, in more ways than one.” Randi wasn’t sure if she should bring this up but the timing was perfect.
“What do you mean?”
“I think he feels responsible for Celia. She was in his car. He said she was going to see Sue but I wonder if she was running an errand for him.”
“It’s hard to tell. Do you think he’s feeling more than that?”
Randi didn’t have to say anything. The expression on her face said it all, even though she didn’t mean for it to. Martin cocked one brow and ran his hand up her back. “You know something or sense it? Did he mention he had feelings for her?”
“Not like you mean. I could tell he was something… maybe jealous. I get the feeling he’s like the old mother hen, very protective. I’m just not one hundred percent sure why. Is it because he feels sorry for her, or is there more?”
“I noticed, too. I would never have thought he would care for her, but he’s angry. I could see it and you saw it. I’m not an idiot. I know why you sent him off.”
Randi shrugged. “I didn’t mean for it to be so obvious. I thought you needed some space. I know the two of you are not in a competition.”
Martin placed his hands on Randi’s shoulders. “I hope you really do know that. I’m here out of concern. I don’t have feelings for Celia.”
“I know,” Randi said trying to feel certain of her own words and his feelings. From the expression Martin gave her, she wasn’t sure how convincing she was.
“Randi, I love you.” A slow smile played about his lips. “You have nothing to worry about. I am here but my heart is not in it.” In case words were not enough, he leaned in and moved his lips over hers. She caught her breath and felt like putty in his hands. Martin Taylor could move her like no other man.
His kisses made her understand why so many women could end up throwing caution to the wind and saying ‘yes’ to a man’s touch and kisses. As Martin expertly brought her to a new level of understanding, she knew she would have to be careful.
Alone in a motel or his apartment, she knew it would be ever so easy to find her clothes, along with her morals and good intentions, falling to the floor.