Hush (18 page)

“Cory!” cried Samantha elbowing him in the side. “You’re going to let them win!”

“Sam, shut up,” he said in his quiet way, “and let me concentrate.”

“Ugh! Just hit it already!” Samantha said and smacked Cory on the butt.

“Sam, keep your hands to yourself. We’re in public,” Cory said but a smile twitched his lips. He hit the ball and it went in the pocket.

“Yes!” screamed Samantha jumping into Cory’s arms. “We win! Losers!” she pointed at me and Nate.

Nate shook his head at me. “Sore winners,” he laughed.

“Samantha’s like that,” I said with a smile.

After Samantha and Cory, well just Samantha, came down of their winner’s high I turned to her. “Samantha, give me your phone number and email. I don’t want to lose touch once I go back to London.”

“Oh, of course!” she said and swayed. Cory put a steady arm on her.
Too many drinks for Sammy.
She grabbed a napkin and then looked around blindly for a pen.

“Here,” I said and handed her one from my purse.

“Thanks!” she said.

She handed the pen back and I scrawled my information on the bottom of the napkin she had used. I then tore it and handed her my information.

“It’s been so good to see you Sloane,” she said and threw her arms around me. I stumbled under the sudden assault and Nate steadied me. I didn’t flinch this time.

“I missed you Samantha. Don’t forget to call me,” I said. I released her death grip and then hugged Cory. “Take care of her,” I said.

He smiled. “I always do.”

“Ready?” asked Nate motioning to the door.

“Yeah,” I said.

He opened the truck door for me like a perfect southern gentlemen.

“I’m really glad you came to dinner with me,” he said.

I laughed. “I’m glad I did to
o
. Just don’t tell my mother. All I’ll hear is, ‘I told you so Sloane.’”

He laughed at my imitation of my mother. “You sound just like her,” he said.

“I am her daughter,” I said.

“Yeah, I guess you are,” he said still chuckling.

All of the awkwardness with Nate was gone and I thought maybe I might have even made a friend. He pulled in the driveway and I scribbled my email address down on a piece of paper stuck in my purse.

“Just in case I don’t see you again before I leave,” I said. “I’d really like to stay in touch, Nate.”

He smiled. “I’d like to be friends.”

“Great,” I sai
d and kissed him on the cheek.
“Thanks for the date,” I said.

He laughed. “I didn’t even b
u
y your dinner,” he said.

“Thanks for the un-date then,” I shrugged.

His laugh echoed behind me as I made my way to the door. Before I could turn the knob it swung open to reveal my mom jumping up and down on the balls of her feet and clapping her hands.

“How was it?” she asked. “Did you have fun? Oh please tell me you were nice to that boy,” she said pulling me towards the couch.

“It was okay. We’re better off friends. Remember, I have a boyfriend, mom. And of course I was nice. Does that answer all your questions?” I asked.

“Friends why? He’s such a nice boy,” she said. Obviously, not all her questions had been answered.

I groaned and rolled my eyes. “Because I have a boyfriend mom,” I said.

She sighed. “Can I at least see a picture of this boyfriend?” she asked.

“I don’t have one,” I said.

She narrowed her eyes at me. “Does he even exist Sloane?”

“
Mooooom
!
” I drawled out the word. “Of course he exists!”

She put up her hands and said, “Okay Sloanie. Don’t get defensive.”

“Where’s your computer?” I asked.

She pointed to the coffee table where her laptop resided. I powered it up and brought up Google Images. I typed in Siva Kapur.

Immediately, pictures of my amazing, brooding, arrogant, moody, man popped up. He stood in one of his trademark suits in front of the modern backdrop of his business. Whenever I asked Siva what his business was he would always sigh and say, “Sloane, it’s lots of things. I’m involved with publishing, oil, real estate, lumber, fishing, I’ve got my finger in everything.”

In the picture, he had his arms crossed over his chest, and a broody look on his face. His dark black eyebrows narrowed at the camera as if daring it to take a bad picture of him.

“That’s him?” asked my mom.

“That’s Siva,” I said. “The way most people see him. With me… he’s so different. Happy,” I said.

“He’s… handsome,” she said reluctantly.

I looked at my mom. “He’s way more than handsome,” I said.

“And he’s Devak’s brother?” she asked.

“Yeah?” I said but it came out as a question. “Where are you going with this mom?”

“It’s just- oh honey,” she said patting my knee. “Do you think maybe you’re attaching your feelings to Siva because you miss Dev? The next best thing,” she said with a pitying look.

“No,” I said shaking my head. “I love Siva, mom. I’m
in
love with Siva. He
’s- he’s everything to me mom.
I love him so much it
hurts.
I never felt like that with Dev. I loved Dev but… this is different, mom, so different.”

She looked at me in sympathy. “Oh sweetie, you do love him don’t you? That look on your face- wow,” she whistled. “My eyes lit up like that whenever I talked about your daddy. I miss him,” she said softly.

I hugged my mom. “Is it supposed to hurt this much, mommy?” I asked.

“My sweet Sloane,” she said. “True love hurts the worst.”

I was soon going to find out just how true her words were.

* * *

“Bye mommy,” I said hugging my mom at the airport.

“It’s so good to hear you call me mommy. It’s just like you’re five years old again,” she said. “And Sloanie?” she held me at arm’s length. “Be sure and let that boy know just how much you love him,” she said and patted my cheek.

I swallowed. “I will,” I said finally.

“I love you, baby girl,” she said and hugged me.

“I love you, too,” I said.

She hugged me once more and then started away. She turned back and said, “Sloane, please try and visit more.”

I smiled. “I will.”

She smiled too. “And bring that man of yours this time,” she said.

“Of course,” I laughed.

She waved once more and then was gone.

Chapter Fourteen

The plane touched down in London. It was good to be home.
Home
. This was my home now. Savannah, Georgia may have been my birthplace, the place I grew up, but London was where I belonged. I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. But another one replaced it.
An even heavier one.
Siva.

We departed the plane and I went to get my bags. Once that headache was complete I headed for the exit planning to get a taxi. But that wasn’t what fate had in store for me.

He stood leaning against a column. Hands stuffed into his designer jeans and a loose gray sweater. His black hair, normally slicked back, was now around his head in disarray but I thought it only served to make him more beautiful. He was looking at the ground as if he wanted to melt into the wall and never be seen. He was imperfect and perfect all at the same time and I wouldn’t have him any other way.
Scars and all.

As if sensing my presence he looked up and his violet eyes met mine. He smiled hugely but his smile soon turned to a frown as he remembered our last encounter and what had prompted it.

I walked towards him.

“What are you doing here?” I gasped, still in shock.

A small smile tried to quirk his lips but he shot it down. “Making the big gesture,” he said softly.

“Coming to get me from the airport is a big gesture?” I asked with a laugh.

“Well, when you put it that way,” he said and smiled, a real smile.

But that didn’t mean that the giant pink elephant wasn’t still in the room. I decided to clear the air.

“Siva, I said I believed you and I’m sticking by that.”

He narrowed his violet eyes at me. “In your heart do you believe that or are you just saying it?” he asked.

“In my heart,” I said and put my hand over my chest to further my point.

“I would never hurt you like that Sloane. At one time that was my way; I’m not going to lie.
But now?
No, never. You mean too much to me. You’ve changed me. For the better,” he added and put his hand on my wrist.

I looked around the airport and then at him. “Can we go home?” I asked.

He grinned. “Home? As in my place?”

“Well, yeah.” I shrugged. “That is the place I’ve been living for almost six months.”

“But you called it home,” he said.

I smiled. “You’re my home.”

“You’re just full off great one-liners aren’t you?” he joked.

“I don’t know about that.” I shrugged.

He laughed, put one arm over my shoulder, took one of my bags, and led me from the airport.

* * *

“Siva?” I said that night during dinner.

“Yes?” he said after he swallowed a bite of fish.

“I’m going to quit my job.”

He choked on his wine. “What? Why?” he asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. “It doesn’t make me happy. I need a change of pace,” I said.

“Do you want me to set up an interview for you?” he asked, having recovered.

“No,” I said. “I appreciate it but I want to do something completely different. I’m sure I’ll go back to journalism and take you up on your offer but not right now,” I said.

“Why the change of heart?” he asked. “I thought you loved writing.”

“I do,” I sighed. “But- I guess sometimes I feel like my life is passing me by.” I shrugged. “I want to do something different just to say that I did.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” he said.

“So, you’re okay with it?” I asked.

“Of course, Sloane. It’s your life. I’m not going to try and control you.”

I smiled up at him. “I love you, Siva.”

He grinned like a fool. “I love you.” He paused. “Can I take you to bed now?”

I laughed and nodded my head.

He grabbed me up in his arms and carried me up the steps.

“I thought you were hungry?”

“Not anymore. At least not for food but I’m starved for you,” he said.

He laid me down on the bed and stripped his shirt.

He pressed his lips to mine. “Oh, Sloane. I never knew I could love someone like I love you.”

“I feel the same,” I breathed.

He slowly removed my clothes as his eyes took in every inch of my body. He pressed kisses against every inch of my skin. I tugge
d on his belt and then worked at
the button. He obliged by yanking his pants off. He pulled me against him and murmured, “I love you so much. I never knew I could.”

* * *

My hair hung in waves down my back. It was chilly today so I slipped on a pair of jeans and a thick grey sweater. Siva came up behind me wrapping his arms around my body. He kissed my cheek.

“Quitting today?”

“No time like the present,” I said.

He smiled. “Good luck,” He said.

I took in his pajama clad body. “Are you going to work?” I asked.

“No,” he grinned. “I’ve got something planned for tonight.”

“And it’s going to take you all day?”

“It has to be perfect,” he smiled.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “What do you have planned?”

“It’s a surprise,” he grinned like a little boy.

“Okay,” I said and smiled too. “I’ve got to go,” I said and kissed him.

Instead of taking the elevator to the garage I went to the lobby. I stood outside the lobby and hailed a taxi. I was surprised that Siva was letting me take a taxi. His mysterious plans must be very important.

I handed the driver some cash and headed into the building.

“Hey!” called Lyndi.

“I’ll be right back,” I said to her. She frowned but sat back down.

I knocked on April’s office door.

“Come in,” she said.

April was seated behind her desk taping violently on her keyboard. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a severe bun. A wrinkle had formed between her
brow
.

“Sloane, what do you need?” she asked looking up.

This was hard. I had worked here ever since I finished college. Avid News was familiar to me, the people my friends, and I was about to say goodbye to it all.

“Well as you know I went to visit my mom and it gave me some time to think about things.” I cleared my throat. “April, I’m quitting.”

She sighed. “I knew this day would come. You’re too good for this place. I’ll give you a good recommendation,” she said.

“Thank you,” I said, “and I’ll take you up on that… one day. For now I want to do something different.”

She smiled. “I can understand that. I wish you all the luck Sloane. You’re very talented.”

“Thanks April,” I said. “I’ll get my stuff out of your way.”

“Take your time,” she said and then went back to her clacking.

When I came out of April’s office Lyndi came up to me and said, “You’re quitting aren’t you?”

“Yeah,” I said. “How did you know?”

“It’s written all over your face,” she said.

“I’m going to miss you,” I said.

“This isn’t goodbye,” said Lyndi. “We’ll still see each other. Maybe do lunch one day?” she suggested.

“That would be great,” I said.

She went back to her little cubicle but leaned over the partition to talk to me while I packed up my stuff, there wasn’t much.

“How was it seeing your mom?” she asked.

“It was great. She drives me nuts but at least she makes me laugh. She set me up on a date,” I said.

Lyndi laughed. “I bet you loved that,” she said sarcastically.

“You know it. I went kicking and screaming the whole way. I think she now understands how much I love Siva; so I guess it was worth the torment,” I shrugged. “Actually Nate was a great guy. You two would be perfect for each other except for th
e whole distance thing,” I said, clearing out my desk.

Lyndi giggled. “I’ve dated practically all the male population of London. I doubt one guy from America is going to tame my wild heart,” she laughed.

“You never know,” I said.

“That’s true,” she said.

I dumped a pack of pencils
into
the box. Realizing that was the last of it
I looked into the box
to see what I had
. Pencils, notebooks, pens, an eraser, and that
was
it.
I thought there would’ve been more.

I pulled out my blackberry and called Siva.

“Sloane? Are you okay?” he asked. I hardly ever called him and he always freaked out when I did. No doubt, he remembered that night at the bar with Mac.

“I’m fine, Siva,” I said. “I was just wondering if someone could pick up my belongings from work. I want to walk around for a bit and then I’ll take a taxi home.”

“Yeah,” he said.
“I’ll send someone.”

“Thanks,” I said.

“So you really did it? You quit?”

“I did,” I said.

I could feel his smile over the phone.

“I’ll see you later,” he said.

“Bye,” I said and hung up.

“You’ve got that dreamy, drool running out of the side of your mouth, face,” commented Lyndi.

“It’s called, being in love,” I laughed. “It’ll happen to you one day,” I said.

“Yuck,” she said.

I laughed. “I better go,” I said, “before April thinks I changed my mind.”

Lyndi smiled. “Don’t forget to call me.”

“I won’t,” I said.

* * *

The sounds of the outside world bombarded me.
The
taxis
, the people chatting on their phones, the click-clack-clacking of heels.
I smiled. It was nice to be free.

I walked down the street just wandering. Going in and out of odd little shops I had seen but never had the time to venture in to. I walked a couple more blocks before entering a unique little bookstore. Every
surface seemed to be covered with
books. The walls, the floor, every available space was littered with them. A huge oriental rug covered to floor and the walls were painted hot pink and cobalt blue. The books ranged from just released, to obviously antique. String lights hung from the ceiling creating a tent like atmosphere.  The smell of old books was dulled by the smell of fresh coffee being made. I had to tiptoe around the stacks of books to make sure I didn’t knock any over. Suddenly a ball of golden brown and black hair came running at me. A pink tongue flicked out at me.

“Astor!” cried a voice from the back.

I bent down to the dog offering my hand for him to sniff. He must have deemed me worth
y
because his pink tongue licked my hand leaving behind a slobbery wet spot. I laughed and scratched the dog behind his ears.

“Astor,” scolded a woman coming from a back room. I stood.

She was pretty, probably around nineteen, and her shoulder length hair was hot pink.

“I’m so sorry about him,” she said grabbing the dog by the collar. “Bad Astor,” she said.

“It’s okay,” I
said. Just then a ball of gray fur
jumped down from somewhere onto the counter behind me and hissed.

The girl sighed, “And that’s Ruby. I’m not going to even bother apologizing for her behavior.”

I turned around and glanced at the Persian. Her green eyes were narrowed at me and she hissed again. I jumped.

The girl sighed. “She’s like that with everyone. She only likes my great-grandma. Two of a kind,” she said.

“Are you talking about me child?” said a gravelly voice and a moment later and old, stooped over woman, appeared.

“Of course not grannie,” said the girl.

The older woman was… old. She looked about ninety
-five
. Her face was wrinkled and her hands were covered in liver spots. Her gray hair was wispy around her skull, barely covering it. She used a cane to get around. But her smile was kind and her pale blue eyes sparkled with laughter. She came up to me and patted my cheek.

“Hello child,” she said. “I’m Alice and this disgrace here is Mae my great-granddaughter.” She smiled at Mae and you could see how much she loved her great-granddaughter and the joking banter between the two was cute. Mae rolled her eyes.

Mae looked at me. “Grannie thinks the pink is too much,” she said and fluffed her hair.

Alice glanced at me. “The carpet must match the drapes,” she chortled.

I laughed to. “I love your store,” I said.

“This old place?” asked Alice.

“Yeah, it’s great,” I said.

Alice tsked.

“You aren’t hiring by any chance are you?” I asked.

Alice looked me up and down. “I wasn’t but- well an old woman needs a break. You look like a hard worker. When can you start?” she asked.