Holt's Holding part two (The Holt's Series) (13 page)

“That’s what I plan Nana”

“Ok, ready to go?” Brady entered the room

I turned to Nana and kissed her goodbye.

“Will you be here tomorrow?”
 
I looked down to her.

“No…I have plans volunteering at the rectory.”

“Ok, Nana. Happy New Year’s”

“Remember, what I said” She looked into my eyes.

“I will Nana” I kissed on her cheek and put my coat on.

Brady and I made our way out to his hummer.

Driving downtown, he filled me in on the going
on’s
for the Ball, and went over the sponsor list. I
started my Speech in my mind as I always did.

“So how are you feeling Lil?”

“Physically, I feel like me…emotionally…numb.”

“You’ll get thru this…and I’ll do my best to help you.
Whatever you need from me you have it.”

“Brady, something’s just can’t be fixed; they just need to
take their course. I’ll work it out for myself…you do more than you should when
it comes to me. Focus on your life, Sam, your future.”

“Lil…Charlie was at the house. I figured you probably were
too zoned to notice, but he came by every day and checked on you.”

“I don’t remember him being there.” I stared blankly out
the window. “It doesn’t matter. He made his point. We’re done.”

“He loves you Lil. He sat watching you sleep almost every
night.
 
I think he just doesn’t know what
you need. He’s just as lost and hurt”

“He left me in the Hospital Brady…he just left.” I shook my
head feeling the build of tears.

“I’m not making excuses for his actions…but it’s obvious
that he loves you, and the fact is, he is a complicated man. I’m sure there is
something more to this. You shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss him in your life.
I don’t think the two of you are anywhere near being done.”

“Honestly Brady, it’s better this way. He and I would have
had a lot to overcome…Hell, his jealousy towards Sebastian would have reared
its head sooner rather than later. He won’t forget the little fact that
Sebastian had me in his bed once.”

“Yeah, as a man I would have a hard time with that one. All
I’m saying is don’t rule him out of your life…I think the two of still have
things on the table to deal with, and eventually you will both have to deal
with the other to sort it out. What happens in the end will between the two of
you.” He looked down at me, with a more than serious look in his eyes. I knew
he was right. There were a lot of things that at some point would need to be
dealt with, but where would that leave him and me? I wasn’t sure.

“I don’t want to deal with this tonight Brady. I don’t have
the emotional capacity to.”

“I’m sorry. Your right. You’ve been thru hell, and I’m
piling the shit on high. I promise this is all you’ll hear me say for the rest
of the night.”

We pulled around front of the hotel, and valet took the
car, as the bellhop was quick to take our luggage.

A brief check in at the counter. The receptionist provided
our keys. It seems that Brady booked two suites on the pent house floor.
Looking to him, I shook my head. What did I need a suite for? It was just me.

As if he knew my internal conversation, “That’s all they
had available Lilly.”

That’s right it was New Year’s Eve. The hotel was booked
solid.

“Why don’t you head up to your suite…we have an hour before
people will be arriving and everything else is being looked after. I’ll come
get you when it’s time.”

“Are you sure there’s nothing you need me to do?”

“No, Sam took care of everything, and the event coordinator
is doing her job well. Relax. This is why we hire the people we do. Now we let
them do their jobs. Why don’t you finish up your speech; unless you would like
me to handle it for you?”

“Thank you Brady, but as chairman of this charity it’s part
of the job. Plus, you suck at public speaking.” I teased.

“Do not! What is it with you and Sam always giving me shit”
he laughed.

“We love you and you make it too easy.” I kissed him on the
cheek as we walked to the elevators.

He said nothing as he walked with me grinning to my
comment.

I stripped my coat off as it felt like they had the heat on
full blast.

“Shit…” Brady labored out

“What?” I turned to him not understanding his outburst.

“Wow…I really like the back of this dress.”
 
He slighted his head taking a better look.

“Too much?” I raised a brow.

“No…not many could pull off such a dress. It truly is
stunning” He shook his head in an approving manor.

“I bought it what now seems like ages ago. I’m surprised I
could fit into it.” I looked down shifting the dress.

“No offense; but you look really thin?”

“None taken. I was a bit surprised how quickly my body went
from pregnant and starting to show to like it never was.” I looked at myself in
the mirrored doors. The swollen abdomen where my little resident had once lay
was now flat and empty.

“Are you sure you’re up for this?” He placed an arm around
me hugging me.

“I need this Brady. Nana was right I needed to live. I
can’t let myself spiral into a darkness…because that’s where I was heading. I
need this more than you can understand.”

The elevator doors open and I stepped in. Turning, I
realized Brady wasn’t coming with me.

“I’m heading to the hall. I just wanted to make sure you
got to your room safely.” He grinned slighting his head.

I had a weird sense he was up to something, then I remember
he planned to propose tonight.

“I’ll see you in an hour then.” I smiled at him as he
looked nervous.

The doors closed. Looking down at the key no, I was on the
top floor.
 
Waiting patiently, I rode the
elevator up alone.
 
In silence, I walked
to the double doors of the pent house suite.

I opened the door and walked in. This suite looked so
familiar to me. I placed my coat down on the counter off the small kitchen and
walked to the windows.

Yes, my memory served me well. I had woken up in this same
suite. This was the suite Sebastian and I…

“Well that’s one hell of a dress MS Holt” His voice had me
gasping in shock. Sebastian?

Shit…and clearly, this is still his suite.

“I’m sorry the front desk must have made a mistake. They
gave me this key and room no. stating that this was my suite for the evening.”
I looked over at the room card and clearly marked suite no.

“No they made no mistake…They were over booked and I made
the arrangement to share this evening. Though, I didn’t think you would come.”

“I’m sorry I’ll go see if I can work something else out” I
turned to head back to the door.

“Lillian, please don’t be silly. This suite has two rooms.
I had the bell boy put your bag in the other room.” His words were honest and
sincere.

This was just too weird. However, I knew I couldn’t stay in
Brady’s suite…he and Sam would without a doubt want some privacy. I couldn’t
impose on him like that. I’ve done too much of that these days.

Turning around, I finally looked at Sebastian as he was
standing there in a towel. Oh, shit…really? What in the world was he up to?

The grin on his face, definitely a man up to something. I
crossed my arms and slighted my head looking him up and down quizzically.

“Sorry just stepped out of the shower. I meant nothing of
it. Promise. Plus it isn’t like you haven’t seen all there is to see” he raised
his eyebrows teasingly and smiled as he just stood there.

“Yes, I certainly have…with a concussion no less” I found
myself smiling at him

“I can always refresh your memory if you’re so inclined.”
He grinned teasingly.

“I think I’ll pass.” I pulled my lips tight trying to fight
the urge to laugh…I knew what he was doing. He was simply trying to make light
of it all. If he wanted to seduce me, I knew this would not be how he would go
about it.

“Do I see a smile on that lovely face of yours?” again with
his ridiculous grin.

“Perhaps” I allowed for the smile. “Why don’t you go put
some clothing on?”

“Hmm, I thought I looked good the way I am?” He was now
teasing me.

“Get dressed” I rolled my eyes at him

My senses quickly honed in on the sound of the door opening.

It was like a bomb waiting to go off…the door to the
penthouse opened and there stood Charlie. His eyes moved from me to his
brother. I recognized that look in his eyes…accusing, and jealous all to mask
his hurt.

I moved sensing he was about to lose his cool. Grabbing my
small clutch, I placed myself directly in front of him, my hand to his chest
and my eyes searching into his. I felt his heart skip and his breath hitch. My
nose now enveloped with his scent, the cologne that was so similar to his
fathers. The cologne, I loved.

Charlie, staring past me and to Sebastian, he said nothing.
Even in my heels; I would need to lift myself slightly…I kissed him on the
cheek slow; when my tears betrayed me, falling from my eyes and landing to his
cheek.

Lowering back down, the door was still open and I walked
out. Unsure of what would happen; this was between the two of them to work out.

I waited for the elevator and needed a drink, so the bar
would be where I was headed

Finally, down to the lobby, I walked to the small bar with
purpose. Pulling a bar stool, I ordered a patron on the rocks with a lime. My
drink of choice; I needed to calm my nerves.

Sitting and wondering what to do with my obvious broken
heart, a voice pulled my attention.

Chris was at the bar ordering drinks.

“Chris?”
 
I looked to
him shocked.

“Lillian? Wholly shit! I wouldn’t have recognized you in a
million.” He walked over and hugged me. “I had no idea you came out of the
coma. How are you?”

“I’ve been better. But I’m well.” I smiled up to his caring
eyes. “So what are you up to this evening?”

“I’m here with Julie and Tiffany…you remember our bartender
from Pickles…well Julie apparently felt the need to bring her along as a date
for Charlie her brother. But I don’t think she ran it by him as he looked less
then pleased with her.”
 
Chris shook his
head laughing.

Julie was here and I hadn’t seen her since before. Shaking
my head…Charlie was on a date tonight whether his idea or not…he was here with
Tiffany. Maybe it is better this way.

“So you look stunning…are you attending the charity ball?”

“Yes I am”

“Who’s your date?”

I pursed my lips and smirked to his question.

“Actually, I’ll be escorting Lillian.” Sebastian came
around dressed in a very expensive tuxedo that made him look irresistible.
Truth be told I always thought him to be very attractive.

Chris turned to him and looked intimidated.
 
I suppose most men would cower in his
presence.

“Sebastian Vaihn,” he extended his hand to Chris.

“Chris Boiler…wait a minute…your related to Charlie
Vaihn…Julie’s half-brother.”

“Yes…Charlie and I are brothers and partners in business.”

“So are you related to Julie?”

“No…he and I had different mothers.” Sebastian added then
moved around next to me at the bar appraising my drink “And what would you be
drinking.”

“Easy…she likes her tequila Sebastian,” Chris offered
raising his expression to mine, as I shook my head to him. “Well I leave you to
it. Happy New Year’s to you both” He leaned down and kissed my forehead like
old times. “I’m glad you’re well Lilly. Take care of yourself.” he whispered,
and then nodded to Sebastian; before he walked away.

“You too.”

I turned to Sebastian and cocked my head. “So what makes
you think I need an escort?”

“Well…I’m going as are you…we’re sharing my suite, so it
makes sense that I escort you. However, I suspect that this is not the true
conversation you want to have. Don’t worry…Charlie is fine. He ruffles too
easily at times and is quick to make assumptions…I can’t say I don’t blame him.
If you were mine, I would be more than up in arms, as it relates to you.”

“Well, I’m not his or yours, so there’s no reason for any
type of jealousy to be had.”

Sebastian pulled his money clip withdrawing a crisp
hundred-dollar bill and tossing it on the bar.

“Are you ready?” he looked to me.

“I only had one drink, and I’m sure you would want your
change.” I raised my expression of shock to him.

“Bartenders work hard…she’s deserves the tip.”

“That’s quite the tip. I’m hoping your generosity keeps at
ball.”