Pieces of You (9 page)

Chapter 10

"Thank you. I still don't like road trips, especially ones this far from home."

"It's okay, Ty. How've you been?"

I turn to look at her, and she's just as beautiful as I remember. Her dark hair pulled up into a ponytail, and she's wearing little makeup. She doesn't need it. Her features are amazing even without accentuation.

"I've been good. Did you hear about the bar fight?" I ask as I shift in my seat. Her Tiburon is definitely more comfortable than my truck would have been for this trip.

"You were in a bar fight? I don't believe that for a second." She smirks and turns her attention back to the road.

I smile and lick my lips. "No, ma'am. I wasn't in one. I was a victim of one."

She turns her head and raises her eyebrow at me. "Explain."

"The Band is getting very popular and more and more people are coming to see them from all over. They actually started playing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays now."

"Good for them! They have talent."

"So I've been helping at the door. Stamping hands after Princess IDs them. You know. Doorman type stuff." I shift in my seat to get more comfortable and look out the window. "Two guys leaving got in a fight, for what, I have no clue. Princess and I separated them, and the one I had decided to smoke me over the head with a bottle."

She hisses.

"I woke up in the hospital. It freakin' hurt. Minor concussion and a huge bandage. Turns out they glued my head closed and it makes it difficult to wash."

"You’re lucky that's all that happened," she informs me.

"It led to me getting mad at Tim and then at myself, and finally I decided that I needed to do this. Thank you for understanding."

"Why did you call me to go with you?"

"It was..." I take a deep breath. "The only thing that made sense."

"So I got us a room at the Comfort Inn for the night. It's nothing special but it's a place to sleep. We'll get some dinner and hang out." She shoulder checks and changes lanes getting ready to take the next off ramp.

"I appreciate that, thank you." Neither of us says another word until we reach the hotel.

Together we walk in and we collect our room key. I look at her in surprise when I see the one key. As we walk away from the counter, I nudge her shoulder with mine. "I was expecting two rooms."

"How can we hang out if we're in two rooms?" She nudges me back.

"I want you to know that I'm not that kind of guy. I'm not going to be putting out tonight."

"Shut up." She smiles. The dimples appear as does the blush on her cheeks.

"I missed those dimples," I state quietly as she opens the room. I step inside and see two beds, and a large television. "Which one do you want?" I ask, trying to be the gentleman. However, I hope she takes the one closest to the bathroom. I need the breeze of the window to sleep more comfortably.

"You pick, I'm going to the bathroom." She tosses her bag on the bed closest to the bathroom and I watch her perfect backside as she walks away.

This is going to be a hard night.
No pun intended.

* * *

After a restless night, I wake at 7:00 A.M. and tiptoe past Riley's bed to take my shower and to grab some courage for today. I reach for the taps and pray for silence when I turn on the water. The last thing we need is screaming pipes as the hot water rushes through them.

Placing my folded clothes on the counter, I undress and climb into the tub and scrub down. Carefully I wash my hair. The spot is still tender where I was hit. The glue is still holding but I have to be careful not to pick any off.

I clean up as quickly as I can and towel dry off, taking extra care to dry my hair as gently as I can. Once I have my pants on, I'm just about to button up my shirt when there's a gentle knock on the door. I turn and pull it open and see Riley standing on the other side. Her hair is mussed up, her face still puffy with sleep. She looks amazing. I've never seen anyone look this beautiful in the morning. My heart skips a beat, and my mouth wants to drop open. Instead, I clear my throat.

I find her glancing down at my chest and back up to my face. She reddens a little before asking if I was done in the shower.

"Sure am." I pick up my pajamas and step out of the small room. She steps in and closes the door. As I reach the bed I hear the water turn on and just thinking about her standing under that spray in the next room, gives me goosebumps.

"Hey, Ty." Her small voice calls from behind the door when the water turns off.

I stand and approach the door. "Yep?"

"Can you pass me my bag? I forgot to bring it in with me. It's on the floor by the bed."

"Sure thing. Just a minute."

I walk back toward the bed and look on the floor. I see her bra laying there next to the bag and pick it up, thinking that she might need it along with her bag. The material is soft in my hands, almost silky, but I know it's not silk. It's delicate, and I picture it on her body. Clearing my throat, I shake my head and carry both items to the bathroom door. Resisting the urge to run the lingerie against my cheek, I raise my hand and tap slightly to let her know I'm at the door.

"Here you go. I'll turn away," I say and step to the side of the door frame. Turning my head back to the beds. My eyes come up and find a mirror as her eyes find the same mirror. Momentarily, our eyes meet in the glass before we both turn away in embarrassment. She pulls her arm and the bag inside in a hurry while I take my hand back and turn away from the mirror.

"You trying to spy on me, Mr. Lorey?" Her voice calls out a second later.

"No, ma'am. I wouldn't do such a thing." I assure her. Old me might have. The before Mel me wasn't such a sweet guy. I'd be in the shower with her right now if this was pre-Mel. We'll see what happens in a couple of hours.

Turning on the television, I find the local news station and settle in for a while. Amazed at the city news compared to the small town news I'm used to. Shootings that aren't related to hunting accidents are never heard of. Muggings, car accidents. School closures and donation drives. It's heartbreaking to hear all of this stuff.

I drop back on the bed and close my eyes in disbelief. This is why I don't like the city. I can't handle stuff like this.

"Crazy night," Riley states as she sits beside me on the bed. I open my eyes and turn my head to look at her. Her hair is twisted up on the back of her head, and she's wearing a small amount of makeup. The pink blouse she has on looks amazing on her skin tone, and I can't help but stare.

"Indeed."

She takes the remote from my hand and turns off the television. "Let’s check out and get some breakfast so we can be there as quickly as possible. Then you can do what you need to do."

Tapping my leg, she encourages me to stand and follow her while we claim our items and leave the room. I leave Riley to check out, and I take our bags to her car in the parking lot. There's a pancake house on the other side of the lot, and we've decided to have breakfast there.

It only takes a few moments for her to check us out and meet me in the lot. She's smiling as she approaches me, and it captivates me. I can't take my eyes off of her, and I'm sure I'm showing every bit of my adoration for her like a mask.

"What?" she asks suspiciously as she approaches me. I knew she could tell. I'm not very good at hiding these things.

"I just want to tell you that…" I begin and think better of it for the time being. "Thank you again for being here for me."

"You're welcome." She smiles. "Let's go eat. I'm starving."

Together we walk to the restaurant and wait at the door for the hostess to seat us. It doesn't take long before we are both finished with our second cup of coffee, and our meals are being placed in front of us.

I'm starting to get nervous now. The time is getting closer for me to do this, and I just pray that I don't back out. It's getting harder and harder for me to swallow my meal and Riley watches my struggle. Reaching across the table, she takes my hand in hers and squeezes it.

"I'm here for you." It's the only thing I need to hear to remind me that this is what I want.

Squeezing back, I nod and finish my meal with one hand. There's no way I'm going to let go of her again.

Chapter 11

We pull into the parking lot and cut the engine. Anxiously, I sit and try to calm my breathing. My heart is beating out of my chest, and I'm filled with a hive of angry bees.

Reaching for my hand, Riley squeezes and brushes my knuckles with her finger. "You don't have to do this today, Ty," she whispers. She can see the pain my body holds. "You can do this when you're ready and only you will know when you're ready."

I turn my head to face her. Chewing on my lip, I adjust my hand and braid our fingers together. I know she's just trying to encourage me to do what I need to do. She knows how much I have suffered with this for a year.

"I need to do this. It's time," I tell her quietly. "I have so much to say to her, and I need to do it today. Her mother gave me today. I could never ask for another."

I look out the window and see the beautiful cemetery before me. Rows upon rows of beautiful ornate markers made of slate and marble. Flowers on almost every plot.

Looking up I see blue sky with wispy clouds and a gentle breeze rocking the leaves of the oak trees that line the property. "I want you to come with me." I turn back to Riley. "Please." She nods and gives my hand one last squeeze before we open the doors and step out of the car.

Rounding the car, she takes my hand and together we follow the sidewalk into the cemetery. Slowly we walk the path and take note of some of the markers.

Grandparents with lilac flowers.

Children with baby's breath and teddy bears.

Mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers.

Every one of the markers is a loved one, lost but not forgotten.

Finally we come to the section where Mel is laid to rest and we separate to find her. It takes a few minutes of reading headstones before I come across a simple black marble headstone with her name on it.

Melanie Corrine Vispar.

Beautiful daughter.

Fly high among the angels, sweet child, we will dance again one day.

I kneel on the ground in front of it and start shaking like a leaf.

"Hi, Mel," I whisper. "I'm sorry I didn't come sooner. It took a lot for me to come. I wasn't ready to say goodbye."

I take a deep breath and change positions so I'm sitting directly on the earth above her. My fingers run through the grass, and my emotions hang on by a thread.

"I've missed you so much. That last day we were together was the happiest day of my life. You were so amazing. Smiling and loving me on our journey. I remember that morning so well, we just threw whatever we could in our bags and started toward Vegas. It was so exciting. Do you remember that, babe?” I ask quietly.

"Your mom quietly offered us her blessing just the day before and we couldn't wait. We decided to do it as quickly as we could.” I smile at the memory and chew on the inside of my cheek.

"We made love that night, knowing that would be the last time we did it as a dating couple. Little did we know that would be the last time we were intimate - ever."

Birds chirp in the trees just behind her marker and I look up toward them. Taking a deep breath as I do.

"I miss you so much." A tear runs down my cheek and into my beard. Tipping my head forward, I close my eyes and wipe my nose with the heel of my hand. "You were the only thing in my life that meant anything. You made me a better man." I sigh. "Just knowing you made me a better man."

Behind me I hear quiet footsteps approach on the sidewalk. I don't turn around to greet her, but I know it's Riley. She steps off the path and onto the grass beside me. Her hand finds my shoulder and gives a squeeze.

My hand comes up and reaches hers. Squeezing slightly, I take a breath and continue.

"This is Riley. She doesn't know why I brought her here today. It's not just for the company, it's so she can see that I am finally ready to move on. I miss you every day, Mel. Every day! But I need to move on, and this is the woman I want to move forward with."

Her hand squeezes my shoulder, and I look up at her.

"Mel, I know you would love her. She is amazing. Talented and beautiful. Riley is fun and smart and she makes me want to move forward. She makes me want to remember you. She makes me want to love again."

Riley's eyes fill with tears, and she kneels beside me.

I continue.

"Mel, I dreamed of you every night for a year until I met this woman. I started sleeping better and through the night again when she came into my life. I started smiling again when she gave me attitude and showed me the fire that fills her belly. She made me live again when she smiled at me."

Silence falls over us on Mel's grave. I'm with the two women that mean the most to me, and I care for both of them deeply.

She clears her throat.

"Hi, Mel. I'm Riley. I want to thank you for being a part of Ty's life. For in a way, being a part of mine. I know how amazing you were and how special you were to him. It was hard competing with you. I won't lie. I had to walk away to keep my sanity, but it didn't work. I thought about him every day we were apart."

I drop my head and chew on the inside of my cheek, while I listen to Riley talk to Mel. Telling Mel how she feels about me, and how thankful she is to her.

I listen as Riley takes a breath and reaches for my cheek, brushing my beard with her thumb. I know in this moment that this decision is the right one. This is the closure I need.

"So, Mel, I've come to say goodbye. Your mom gave me her blessing to come here today so I could say goodbye to you properly. Your dad would never allow it. He told me as much in the hospital, along with other words that were not very kind. But we know how your dad felt about me." I laugh. "I want to move forward, hopefully in the same direction as Riley."

I stand and walk to her marker, brushing it gently with my fingertips.

"I remember how your skin smells. I remember how soft your hair was. I remember your gentle voice." I take my wallet out of my pocket and open it. Two of my fingers slide out a small photograph from one of the ID slots. It's a picture of us kissing in one of those mall photo booths. I don't know what happened to the other ones, this is the only one I have. Taking out my pocketknife, I make a slit in the sod at the foot of the headstone and slide the photo into it.

"I love you, Mel. I always will. But I have to go now." I look back over my shoulder and see Riley standing there wiping her eyes. "I think I have someone waiting for me."

Leaning over, I press my lips to the cold marble and run my fingertip over her name one last time. "Bye, baby," I whisper onto the stone.

Turning back to Riley, I reach my hand for hers in hopes that she will take it and walk with me. Nodding, she accepts my offering, and I wrap my arm around her waist, bringing my free hand to her face. Brushing her cheek with my thumb and staring into her eyes.

Taking a deep breath, she releases the air with a sigh and nods briskly before bringing her lips to mine. Her pillow lips greedily attack mine, and I willingly surrender to her. Pulling away, I kiss her forehead, and she brings her fingers to her swollen lips.

Together we join hands and walk back to the car. I open the passenger door for her and climb into the driver's seat. Before I turn the ignition, I stare back at the entryway to the cemetery and take a deep breath.

"You okay?" Riley asks reaching for my thigh.

"I am. I'm better than okay." I lean over and kiss her lips. Turning back I throw the car into reverse and pull onto the street.

The funny thing is I feel better. A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders, and I don't miss her so much. The pain isn't as crippling and the world looks brighter. I wondered what would happen when I did this. Would the day be gray and cloudy? Would Riley walk away and leave me stranded at Mel's grave? Would I go through with it?

But I did, and the world looks different now.

* * *

We drive the entire way home, without stopping. It's a six hour drive, but we push on until we're home. I pull in front of my house and cut the ignition. I turn to face Riley. I gently run my fingers over her lips and cup her cheek. Riley closes her eyes and leans into my hand. Sighing, she blinks her eyes open, and they shimmer while darting around my face.

"How are we going to do this, Ty?" she asks hopefully.

"Let's play it by ear. I don't want to rush anything with you. I want to take it where it needs to go, when it needs to happen."

"Can we play it by ear in the house? My legs need to move." She grins and brings her lips to mine. "And I need to pee," she says against my lips.

I nod and reluctantly I pull away from her lips. Opening the car door I climb out and round the car helping her out of her door. Taking her hand, we walk to the house and step inside.

"You want coffee?" I ask walking into the kitchen. Reaching for the beans from the cupboard and filling the maker with water.

"Please. I'll be right back," she calls out and rushes down the hall to the bathroom.

I fill the filter and press the power button. Grabbing a couple of mugs, I place them on the counter and lean forward on my elbows, dropping my head. Finally, the weight of the day falls on my shoulders, and I'm exhausted. My head swims with the memories and my heart swells with the girl whom I want to give my whole heart to.

She comes back and joins me in the kitchen. Her hand travels the length of my spine and rubs between my shoulders. Her touch invigorates me. Lifting my head, I turn to face her, and she steps into me. Her back presses into the counter as I box her in with my hands. My forehead meets hers and I close my eyes again, absorbing her scent. Our noses sweep each other. Barely touching.

Neither of us use our hands, instead we brush lips and cheeks. I bring my nose to her hair, and my lips find the tender spot just below her ear causing her to shiver. "I've been wanting to do this for a long time, Riley" I whisper.

"So have I," she replies and arches her neck making it an easier target. I appease her and allow my lips to travel down to her collarbone, licking gently when I reach my destination.

Slowly I pull away and bring my lips to hers one last time. When I pull back we open our eyes and look at each other. "I don't want to rush this, Riley."

"I understand, Ty. I do." She conveys to me as the coffee finishes brewing. "Let's just take things slow and see what happens."

"Agreed." I plant a chaste kiss on her lips and push off the counter turning to fill our waiting mugs. Riley takes her mug and heads to the sofa, pulling her feet up beneath her, hugging a pillow.

I follow her into the room and stand beside the sofa watching her for a moment. Swallowing a mouthful of coffee, she turns to me. "What?" she asks playfully.

"I wanted to be so mad at you, Riley. I wanted so badly to be able to walk away and hate everything that I felt for you."

"You aren't the only one. When you told me you wanted to move forward with me but didn't know how. That scared the crap out of me. I wasn't ready to face my feelings. I felt cornered and scared. I ran because that's what I do. I run."

"I don't understand." I sit beside her on the sofa.

"I flip houses so I don't have to stick around anywhere for too long. So I can leave without guilt. So I can do what I want to do and not meet anyone, not fall for anyone. And it has worked up until you."

"But you flipped the house and you will be moving on to the next one. Same as always."

She smiles devilishly.

"What's that look for?"

"That's not entirely true." She bats her eyelashes. "I didn't sell the house." Riley lifts the coffee to her mouth and swallows.

"You didn't? I'm so confused."

"I rented it out. The people living in it are my tenants. They tried to buy it, and I wouldn't let them. I needed to be able to come back when the time was right."

This is new news to me. It changes so many things, and it makes me want to grab her and hold her tight. She felt the same way I did.

"So you knew I wasn't ready and stepped off?"

"Basically."

"How did you know I would come around?" My fingers find her hair, and I pull it free of the elastic holding it in place.

"I didn't. I just hoped you would. I'm sorry if I upset you. But I needed it to be clean for both of us just in case that was it." She looks down at her lap and places the mug on the table. I sit beside her and drape my arm around her shoulders. She nuzzles into my arm, and her fingers play with the buttons on my shirt.

It was in the past. It doesn't matter. What happened between us brought us to where we are now, and that's all that matters. My fingers dance on her shoulder, and I kiss the top of her head.

We fall asleep in each other's arms on the sofa and nothing feels more right than this. If this is what moving on feels like,

I'll take it.