CHAPTER 8

NICOLE WAS BURIED UNDERNEATH THE mountain of covers and lost in a deep coma-like sleep. The world could have been ending, and she probably would have missed it. However, Rayna was a more powerful force than even something as significant as the ending of the world. She was one big ball of energy when she came bursting into Nicole’s bedroom. “Mom! I’m going to be late for school.”

Nicole groaned. She could barely open her eyes. The sleeping pills had left her feeling groggy—like she was walking on a cloud. “What time is it?”

Rayna stood by her head and leaned down over her. “It’s 7:20. My bus will be here in ten minutes.”

Nicole still hadn’t been able to move. Her head and limbs felt like dead weight. Her voice was hoarse. “Where’s your dad?”

“He already left for work, but Teena is here. She arrived before daddy left. C’mon, mom. Are you going to get up?”

Somehow, Nicole managed to open her eyes and push herself up. She moved the covers back and threw her legs over the side of the bed. Nicole dropped her chin down on her chest and put up one finger. “Can you give me a second?”

Rayna, wearing the striped skirt and purple button-down vest of her school uniform, tilted her head. She had never seen her mother so out of it. “We really don’t have a second. Are you okay?” She hoisted her backpack over the side of her shoulder.

“I’m fine. Just a little tired.” Nicole turned slightly and grimaced. “My ribs still hurt a little. Can you bring me my robe?”

Rayna ran over to her mother’s chair to retrieve it and quickly came back. Nicole moved slowly and put it on. The moment she stood, Rayna grabbed her by the arm. “C’mon mom!” She tried to pull Nicole out of the bedroom, but Nicole couldn’t keep up the pace. She was uncomfortable and still out of it. “Rayna! Please stop dragging me. I can’t move that fast!” Rayna froze. Nicole never screamed, so it was shocking to both of them.

Teena came bounding up the stairs. “Is everything alright, Mrs. Chatham?” Nicole pinched the bridge of her nose. Rayna’s eyes filled with tears, and Nicole felt like the worst parent on the planet. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell.” She opened her arms. “I can’t bend down for a hug, but I’d sure like it if you’d give me one. I could use it.”

Rayna went into her mother’s embrace. Nicole apologized. “I love you so much. I’m so, so sorry.”

“It’s okay. Daddy said you might be a little cranky because you’re not feeling so good.”

“He said that, huh?”

Rayna let out a little laugh. “Yes.”

“Well, sometimes your father is right, but only sometimes, and don’t tell him I said so.” Nicole blew out a breath. “Let’s get you downstairs before you miss the bus.”

As soon as Rayna was gone, Nicole went back to bed. She slept until noon and still couldn’t seem to shake the fog of sleep. She was in this weird space where she wasn’t asleep, but she wasn’t quite awake either. She promised herself; I will never ever, ever take those damn pills again.

When her cell phone buzzed, she had just enough energy to answer it. “Hello?”

“Nicole?”

“Yes. This is Nicole.”

“I just wanted to know if you received my flowers.”

Nicole whipped her head around as if she were looking for Davis. “Mr. Abboud?”

“My ego just took a hit.” He laughed. “I guess I didn’t make a big enough impression for you to remember what I sound like. Please call me Roman. My special friends call me Rome.”

“How did you get my personal number?”

“Ms. Lancaster gave it to me.”

“I see. I’m going to have to have a little chat with her.”

“Don’t be angry. I can be very persuasive when I want to. I hope you are feeling better. Did you get my flowers?”

Nicole’s brain wasn’t working fast enough. “The flowers. Oh, yes. I received them.”

“I’ve been waiting for you to call.”

“For what?”

“A “thank you?” I did send you flowers. I wanted to wish you well. Did you like them?”

Nicole sighed into the phone. “Mr. Abboud, thank you for the flowers, but you really shouldn’t have sent them. They were much too expensive.”

“As I said on the card, it was my peace offering and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Are you feeling better?”

Nicole was uneasy. He shouldn’t be calling her. “Yes. I am.”

“Glad to hear it. When you’re up and about, I would still like to get together for lunch.”

“I already told you that I don’t think that is a good idea.”

“Of course. Your husband wouldn’t approve.”

Nicole rubbed her forehead. “Not only would he not approve, but I also don’t approve. It’s inappropriate.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way. I only wanted to show my concern.”

“Mr. Abboud . . .”

“Rome.” His voice was silky smooth, and his accent was barely there.

Nicole was getting a headache. “I think its best that I call you Mr. Abboud. Thank you so much for the flowers and the well-wishes, but please do not call this phone again. If you would like to discuss more ways you can financially benefit the Angel Foundation, contact our office. Have a great day.” Nicole hung up. The man was persistent, she would give him that, but she and Davis had enough going on that she refused to add an unnecessarily jealous husband to the mix.

Nicole was having a hard time moving around, and Rayna would be home from school in a couple of hours. She needed to be in a better mood than when she sent her off. Otherwise, Nicole wasn’t going to win any mother of the year awards. It was also after lunch, and Nicole hadn’t seen DJ since this morning. She had better take her pain medication so that she could be somewhat functional.