A Soul Mate's Promise (12 page)

Soon we arrive at the Mardi Gras Café. This place is a New Orleans theme restaurant. The décor was all purples and gold’s. Thrown beads of all colors hung on everything, and party mask’s covered the walls. The place is packed and loud with Friday night party people eating gumbo and drinking cocktails. We were lucky we only waited fifteen minutes for a table for two.

Sal pulls out my chair for me and shoves me in, as he takes his seat I open my menu, I’m not really hungry and my headache seems to pound along with the music being pumped into the restaurants sound system.

I feel eyes on me and glance across the table at Sal, his menu is still closed and there is a look of concern on his handsome face.

“Something wrong Sal?”

“You don’t look so well, are you feeling alright your face is very flush. You passed on a glass of wine while we were waiting for the table, and you’re quieter then normal moving a bit slow.”

“I’m fine just a headache, it started earlier, I thought it was the martini I had with Celine after the meeting. But it’s getting worse.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were not feeling good, we could have stayed in.”

“No, I’ll be fine, I just need some food in me.”

“You sure you’re fine? Squinting his eyes at me, We can go.”

After the food arrived I just pushed it around on my plate. “Don’t you like what you ordered? He asks, I’ve never seen you not eat, it’s one of the many things that intrigue me about you.”

That made me smile. “My food is great, I just don’t have an appetite, my headache is turning into a migraine.” Sal got up from his chair and took a step towards me, he put his hand on the side of my face.

“Gracie you’re burning up, I think you have a fever.”

“A fever? No way, it’s just a migraine I’ll have to sleep it off, I’ll be right as rain tomorrow.” Sal looks at me suspiciously.   “Come on, he says, were leaving.”

The ride home was torture on my head, the sound of the motor and vibration of the viper rattled my brain, and my stomach was staring to turn. Sal held my hand the whole time. I just sat with my eyes closed trying to concentrate on not throwing up in the car.

We got to my front door in record time.

“Go to bed, he orders, your starting to look pale, I’ll stay the night in case you need me.”

Feeling the way I do, I don’t want him to stay. I didn’t want to barf or god knows what else while he was here.

“Thanks, but you really don’t have to stay, I’m not that far, and I really just need to sleep this off I promise I’ll call you if I need you, thank you for dinner, I wish I felt better, I’m sorry I ruined our date.”

“Hey.. Sal put a finger to my lips. Never be sorry, Princess, you’re not well, get some rest, my phone will be next to me all night incase you need me.” He hugs me and kisses my forehead.

By the time I get up to my bedroom, threw my purse in the closet and strip out of my clothes I am feeling like death. The room began to spin and my head hurt. I grab a bottle of cold water and put it to my forehead.  All at once the pain in my head rolled my stomach into a knot, my throat thickening, I run to the toilet and heave. Oh how I hate to barf.

I sat there for a few minutes and placed the cold water bottle on the back of my neck. Toby padded in to see the sight of me and gave me a curious sniff.

When the dizzy pounding in my head slowed down a little I took a sip of water, but my stomach groans in protest. I still feel clammy and sweat is just dripping from my pours. I need some air. I open the door to the balcony, when the cool air passes over me, I feel such relief I stand there just breathing it in and cooling me down. Toby prances out too, sniffing the cool night breeze, and decides he wants to stay out there for a while.

“Okay, fine, I tell him. I’m leaving the door open anyway.” Sleeping with the fresh air coming in would feel good.

I crawled into my bed all my muscles were getting soar and I had a stiff neck. Sleep would be the best thing I could do now.

*       *       *

Antonio got two mugs of coffee and brought it out to his deck and hands one to his son. The sun is up and it’s a clear cool morning. Sal stands legs shoulder width a part, arms folded across his chest watching Gracie’s house for any signs of her.

“Nothing?” Antonio says as he hands the mug to Sal.

“No, I called her four times, it’s going right to voice mail.  She hasn’t called me back and she hasn’t come out and walked Toby, I’m getting concerned.”

Antonio looks at his son, nods towards Gracie’s house, “Go, go over there and check.” As soon as he said it Toby comes out on the balcony and spots them. He barks and runs in and out of the open door.

“Pop, something is wrong!” Antonio watches as Sal runs off toward Gracie’s house.

He gets threw the screen door and to the French doors in seconds, they are locked. “Shit!” Toby is still barking. I kick at the doorknob and the seam of the doors, they shatter and I get in.

“GRACIE!” no answer. I race up the stairs and down the hall to her bedroom, she is in her bed not moving.

“Gracie, Gracie, wake up!” I call out as I approach her. I reach out and grab her, gently lifting her dead weight, she is breathing and mumbling but not responsive.

She is burning hot with fever and dehydrated. “Gracie can you hear me!”

I’m thinking that I’m just glad to be alive. Following that damned SWS meeting, where I apparently contracted the flu, I almost died. If it hadn’t been for Sal breaking down the French doors and hauling me off to the hospital, I probably would have. That was five days ago. Since then, he’s taken care of me. I have no idea why I’m so lucky, but I’m happy that I am.

I sit at my kitchen table watching Sal and Antonio preparing food. They place a bowl of chicken soup in front of me and encourage me to eat. I pick up the spoon which takes a monumental effort, lift some to my lips, but my stomach swirls and I drop the spoon back in the bowl. Everything still nauseates me.

“You look better, Princess,” Sal comments. “Do feel any better?”

“Well, my head doesn’t hurt as much, but, I have some pains in my legs and feet.”

“You got to get more fluids in you, Gracie, please just try. Sip slowly at the soup.”

I do as he asks, the best I can. I still feel like I’ve been run over by a steam roller.

Sal watched me play with the soup. “Okay, Princess, enough,” he sighs. “Back to bed.”

I nod carefully. “Not going to argue. I feel crappy.”               After he tucks me in, he retrieves my medicine and I remember the job interview at the vet.

Sal raises his hand to hush me. “I took care of it. I called her, told her what happened. She said to tell you when you feel better her door is open anytime.”

“Really? Good, because I’m very interested in the job.”

“Here,” he says handing me a pill. I swallow it down and lay back already worn out from just going down to the kitchen. Sal climbs up on the bed and I curl up next to him.

“Aren’t you afraid you’re going to catch this flu?”

“No, I won’t catch it.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Gracie, for years I traveled to all different countries. The CIA treated me with a series of injections for all kinds of infections. I should be good for a few more years.”

“Really,” I say. “When was the last time you got sick?”

He raises his eyebrows and his lips at the corner’s come down as he thinks about it. “I can’t remember. I might get a little cold every now and then, but I haven’t had the flu or something that bad for many years.

“That must be nice,” I say. “But, when will I ever take care of you?”

“You already do, Princess. Almost since the first day I met you, you have taken care of me.”

My eyes are getting heavy again. “How?” I mumble.

He gives a small laugh. “ You ground me. Umm.. let me see, the way you look at me. Your smile and the way you laugh, all medicine for my soul. Just being near you keeps me sane, that’s the only way I can explain it.”

I lower my head down in the crook of his arm and he cradled me as I fall asleep.

“I love you,” he whispers in my ear.

*       *       *

I woke up that morning alone in my bed. I knew Sal was not far.  I sit up and do a quick diagnostic of how I’m feeling, much better to my relief.  I got out of bed, brushed my teeth, and thought a hot shower later would feel great. I pulled my hair back in a ponytail then climbed back into bed. The first one to enter my room is Toby, he stuck only his head in first as if to peek.

“Hi big boy let me see you” I chime. He was so happy to see me he jumped right up on the bed licking me, his tail swinging fast.

“There she is, Sal says as he enters the room holding a tray. You look better Gracie, how do you feel?”

“I’m feeling much better thank you. My body still has some aches but what ever is on that tray smells good.”

“I cooked you some scrambled eggs and some toast. Do you think you can get it down? There’s some tea too.”

He placed the tray over my legs and sits down.  The two of them watch me, as if I have never eaten.

“Looks good,” I say. I pick up the fork and shovel in the first bite, then the second.

He smiles, “I think your appetite has returned.”

“You did it. You nursed me back to health.

He put his hand up. “It was my pleasure.”

Sal glanced at my plate and noticed it was clean. His eyes widened with pride.

“Good god Gracie, you ate it all. I thought you would take a few bites but you cleaned your plate, do you want more?”

I thought about it for a second. “ No I better not push it, but… I would love a hot shower.”

Sal got up and took the tray away. “Alright, he agreed. But you should soak in a bath, it’ll be better for your muscles.”

“Stay right here. He said. I’ll get it ready for you.”

I sit there waiting. I heard the water in my tub go on and some cabinets opening and closing. After a few moments he comes to help me out of bed.  When I reached the tub there were bubbles to the rim, and fluffy towels piled on one side. Sal gestured to the tub, “Get in.”

I give him a bashful glance.

“Gracie who do you think put clothes on you to go to the hospital.”

“Yeah but I wasn’t completely naked and I was kind of unconscious, and you were worried. It’s not the same thing. I’m just a little shy.”

He smiles, “Okay, I’ll be right out side the door. Let me know when you get in.

I climb in the tub and slowly lay back. The hot bubbly water feels so good on my sore weak body I almost melt. I am covered with bubbles when I tell Sal I’m in the tub.

He approaches me, stands gazing at me with his warm brown eyes and a small smile.

“How’s it feel?” He asks.

“Wonderful, this was a good idea.”

Sal sits down on the edge of the tub by my feet. He picks up a wash cloth and soaks it in the bubbly water. He gently snatches my foot brings it up and washes it, then does the same with the other.

“Come, sit up over here He says beckoning me with his hand.

With my back to him I sit in the middle of the tub with my knees bent up to my chest. Sal pours more soap gel onto his palms, massaging it into my back with his strong hands. He went around my neck, under each arm and down my ribs. I giggle.

When he was done he helped me wash my hair, slowly massaging the tension away. How did I get so blessed with a man who actually cared. I don’t remember a time when Richard was even remotely this caring.

When he was done rinsing me off he stood up with one of my big fluffy towels and held it up over his face so he couldn’t see me. I stood and stepped into it. He wrapped the towel and his arms around me patting me dry.

He brought me my robe and turned away as I put it on.  How did I get this lucky I thought again, was it fate, did all the stars and planets align? I know he is the one I’m supposed to be with now. I love him, and was ready to be loved.

*       *       *

After a few days I’m finally feeling better, but then with the care Sal’s been giving me, who wouldn’t? Hot baths, shampoos, foot rubs to ease the pain are only some of the special treatment I’m getting. If I’d had any doubts about him loving me before I got sick, I didn’t have any now.

Celine had called while I was recuperating to tell me that nearly everyone at the SWS meeting that day got the stomach flu from Chloe and everyone was pissed at her.

When I felt up to it, I sent a text message to Maggie:

I’m sick, stomach flu, and Sal is taking such good care of me that I’m in absolute heaven. I am not used to being spoiled... he is gentle and tender with me
!

A moment later she replied:

Get better soon my friend and get used to it. that’s how someone treats you when they really love you!

As if surviving the damn flu and being spoiled rotten by Sal weren’t enough, the next call I received was from my lawyer, Leonard Burnes. He called to tell me that my divorce should be final as soon as Richard’s bank accounts were thoroughly checked.

“It seems money has slowly been missing here and there,” he says.

“Missing?” I say, not sure I understand. “How could that be? Richard is so particular with his business. I can’t imagine this happening under his nose.”

“Well,” Mr. Burnes continues, “we’re calling in a forensic accountant to straighten it out. Seems someone is embezzling. For now most of the accounts are frozen until further notice. Good news is when you are feeling up to it, come by the office. I have the final papers for you to sign.

“And then I’m divorced?” I ask, unable to keep the joy from my voice.
Thank you, thank you, thank you
.

“You will be one paper away from finalizing it, but, yes for all purpose and circumstance you will basically be divorced. The final paper is about your share of the monies, but like I said, Richard’s accounts are frozen due to a big red flag, but don’t worry Gracie, it’ll get squared away.”

I hang up feeling kind of giddy but also confused about the red flag on Richard’s financial status.
Embezzlement?
  Mr
. Perfect apparently isn’t so perfect, is he?
The whole situation did not sit well with me at all and I hoped it was all just a mistake.

*       *       *

My new job at the vet clinic is just what I needed. My first week is fun and productive and the bonus is that Toby gets to go to work with me. Veronica is a sweet lady and we hit it off right from the beginning.

Veronica told me all about the big animal hospital in Jacksonville she worked at for many years and the high stress she was under all the time.

“This is why,” Veronica explains when I go for my interview, “I wanted a nice quiet place to keep my hands busy, working with animals at my own pace. I was getting burned out at the big city practice. Too much stress.”

I understand what stress can do to a person. “I’m so happy you opened a clinic so close to my home. For years everything I looked at for jobs was just too far. And I love to work with the animals. Toby is such a blessing to me and everyone we meet.”

“Speaking of that,” Veronica says, “I knew your boyfriend’s dad a long time ago–Antonio Petroni. What a great guy and a great officer too. He was a K-9 cop and his partner was a German Shepard named Enzo. Enzo was so smart and he never left Antonio’s side–they were a great team. He would bring Enzo in for check ups and vaccines. It was so sad when Enzo had to be put to sleep because of a gunshot wound. It broke Antonio’s heart. I think that’s what drove him into early retirement.”

“What?” I ask, snapping my head in her direction. “What are you telling me? I’ve known Antonio for years and we got very close in the last few. He never mentioned any of this! Wait a minute–, K-9 officer? Oh my god.. TOBY!”

Veronica looks at me with wide eyes. “You didn’t know?”

I stand there, quiet, having an epiphany as I mentally review certain conversations in my memories. “I found Toby on the beach, I always thought that was strange but I thought maybe someone dumped him there. Antonio told me I should keep him–it was right before Richard and I split.”

Veronica bursts into laughter. “That is something Antonio would do. How old is Toby now?”

“He’s about six, why?”

She gives me a shy smile. “Just about five or six years ago, Antonio came down to the shelter where they train the K-9’s. This one pup was just a little too soft to be an officer, but he would make a great protector and pet. I heard through the grapevine that Antonio took him. I assumed he took him because his wife had passed on a while back and he wanted a companion. But to let you find that dog is something he would do. Antonio must think very highly of you. I can tell Toby loves and protects you. Gracie, couldn’t you tell the dog had some training in him?”

“Well, yes,” I say, rolling my eyes and turning red. “Now I feel like a total idiot, thank you very much.”

As I’m getting ready to leave for the day I peek my head into Veronica’s office.

“Wait till I get home,” I say, “I’m going to have a nice chat with Antonio.”

“Oh don’t get me in trouble,” Veronica says with a laugh.

“You’re not the one in trouble,” I reply with a wave of my hand Toby is at my side.

Veronica shakes her head, still laughing. “You better let me know about the look on his face when you bust him!”

“Oh, don’t worry. I might take a picture and send it to you!”

*       *       *

As Sal worked in the kitchen on dinner, I ask Tony to join me in the living room. When I tell him I know about Toby, his color goes pale instead of red.

“Caro, please forgive me! You know you would-a-never took a dog as a gift from me. You needed-a-something to take care of and-a-love. You love Toby now and he love’s you. I didn’t want you to be alone. I used to hear you cry at night, it made me sad. Finding Toby helped a little? No?”

“Yes, Tony, but Why didn’t you tell me you were K-9. If you told me there was a dog that needed a home I probably would have taken him.