Collin

  “Morning, Dad.”

  “Good morning, son. I wanted to let you know that Diana called in today because Jacob is in the hospital. Why don’t you take the morning off and go visit him?”

  “Thanks, Dad. I will.”

  “I’ll see you this afternoon.” Click.

  Amelia walked back in the room and handed me a cup of coffee. “Did I hear you talking to someone?”

  “Yeah. That was my dad. Jacob is back in the hospital.”

  “Oh no. That’s terrible.”

  “When I drop you off at the hospital, I’m going to stay and visit.”

  “Good idea, sweetie,” she said as she leaned over and kissed me. “Jacob will be thrilled to see you.”

  We both took a shower and got ready to leave. I pulled into the parking lot, parked the Range Rover, and walked with Amelia into the hospital.

  “Bye, baby. Have a good day,” I said as I kissed her.

  “Bye, sweetheart. Let me know how Jacob’s doing.”

  “I will.”

  She went right and I went left. I took the elevator up to the pediatric floor and one of the nurses showed me to Jacob’s room. When I walked in, he was lying in the bed, hooked up to a breathing mask, and Diana was sitting next to him.

  “Hey, bro.” I smiled from the doorway.

  “Hi, Collin. What are you doing here?” Diana asked.

  “My dad called me and told me that Jacob was here and I wanted to check in and make sure he’s doing okay,” I said as I walked over to him and placed my hand on his arm.

  He gave me a thumbs up.

  “That is very sweet of you and I know Jacob is thrilled you’re here.”

  He gave another thumbs up. He couldn’t talk because he was in the middle of getting a treatment. I felt bad for him and it really hurt me to see him lying there like that. It was something he’d dealt with his whole life, but it was new to me and I didn’t know if I’d ever get used to it.

  “Hey, buddy. As soon as you get out of here, I’m going to come over and spend the day with you. We can do whatever you want.”

  I told Diana to go and take a break and get some breakfast. She’d been by his side the entire night and I could see that she was exhausted. She took me up on my offer, knowing that I’d be there with Jacob. Sitting on the table next to his bed was the book Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I picked it up and looked at it.

  “Was your mom reading this to you?” I asked.

  He nodded his head. I opened to the page that was saved with a bookmark and looked it over.

  “Would you like me to read it to you?”

  He nodded again. I smiled and began reading where Diana had left off.

  I’d spent half the day with Jacob. It was time for me to get to the office because I had a meeting to attend. I kissed Diana on the cheek as she said goodbye to me, and I ran my hand through Jacob’s hair.

  “You better call me when you get out of here. Got it?” I pointed at him.

  He nodded.

  ****

  As I stepped into the board room, my dad was already sitting down, going over the notes for the meeting.

  “How’s Jacob doing?” he asked as he looked up at me.

  “I don’t know, Dad. It was terrible seeing him like that. We need to talk after the meeting.”

  “Okay, son.”

  Once the meeting was over, I followed my dad into his office. I walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water.

  “Sit down. What did you want to talk about?” he asked.

  “I think you should rent the house in California to Diana.”

  “What?” he asked with surprise.

  “I’ve been thinking about this ever since I took Jacob surfing at the beach house. He was so much better there. You even mentioned it to me, remember?”

  “Yes. I remember.”

  “They have water-related programs for children with cystic fibrosis and I think the quality of life would be so much better for both him and Diana.”

  He looked at me and cocked his head. “Collin, you want me to move my secretary?”

  “Yeah. I know she’s good here, but she can be just as good in California. I know Reese just quit the art gallery to stay home and raise her baby. You can give that job to Diana. She’s a smart woman and I know she can do it. It’s close to the house and Jacob can meet other kids in the programs there that are like him. I just think California would be a better place for them.”

  “Son, I know you want to help them, but you just can’t tell someone they have to move across the country.”

  “Why? Jacob is everything to her and she’d do whatever she could to make him better. Plus, Mason is close by since they moved back there and he could kind of act as a big brother to him. I’m sure he’d love that.”

  “I don’t know, Collin. That’s a huge move.”

  “We can help them, Dad. I wouldn’t be suggesting this if I didn’t feel it was right. Also, I want our company to start hosting charity events for cystic fibrosis. After all these years, you never branched out from the autism charities.”

  He leaned back in his chair with his hands behind his head. “Now that is a great idea. I’ll have Barb get started on that.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” I smiled.

  “I’ll give some serious thought to your proposal and get back with you in a couple of days.”

  “Okay,” I said as I got up from my chair.

  “By the way, have you told Amelia yet about the house you purchased?” he asked.

  “No.”

  “Son.”

  “I know, Dad. I will, don’t worry.”

  I told him not to worry when it was constantly a worry on my mind. As I walked out of the building into the freezing cold, my phone rang.

  “Hi, Mom.”

  “Hi, sweetheart. I’m having family dinner tonight and I expect you and Amelia to be here. I know it’s last minute, but I just decided it. Julia, Jake, and the baby will be here. So if you have plans, cancel them, and I’ll see you around six.”

  I didn’t have plans, but even if I did, I would have no choice but to cancel them because what my mom says goes.

  “We’ll be there, Mom. I love you.”

  “I love you too, my sweet boy.”

  As I was walking down the street to Starbucks, I passed the flower shop. I stopped and decided to buy Amelia some roses. It was no special occasion. I just wanted to let her know in another way that I loved her. While I was looking at the beautiful assortment of roses, my phone buzzed with a text message from Amelia.

  “Hey, babe. Clinicals ended early and I need to stop by the campus library and pick up a book. I’m going to catch a cab with Cheri and then I’ll take one to your place.”

  “No, Amelia. You and Cheri stay at the hospital. I’ll send Ralph over to pick you both up and then take you where you need to go.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive. I’ll see you later. I love you.”

  “Thank you, babe. I love you too.”

  I immediately called Ralph and had him pick up the girls. I told the sales clerk that I wanted two dozen red roses. As she was getting them together, I heard a voice behind me.

  “Fancy seeing you in here.”

  I turned around. “Hi, Hailey.”

  “Buying flowers for your girlfriend?” she asked.

  “Yeah. I am. Why are you here?”

  “No reason. I just saw you standing here when I was walking by and thought I’d drop in and say hi.”

  The clerk handed me the roses with a smile and I gave her my credit card. “Well, we’ve said hi and now it’s time to say goodbye.”

  “I’m leaving for Paris in a couple of days.”

  “Good for you. You always liked Paris.”

  “Yeah. Maybe I’ll meet some hot French dude who will sweep me off my feet with his incredible French accent.”

  “I hope you do, Hailey. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get going. Good luck.”

  I be
gan to walk away and stopped when I heard her next words.

  “Tell me one more thing. Does she make you happier than I ever did?”

  “Yes. She does,” I said as I closed my eyes and lowered my head.

  “Then I’m happy you’re happy. See ya around sometime, Collin,” she said as she placed her hand on my back and then walked away.

  My phone started to ring and, when I pulled it from my pocket, I noticed it was my dad calling.

  “Hello,” I said.

  “Where are you?” he asked.

  “Down the street at the flower shop.”

  “Good. Do me a favor and pick up some roses for your mom and then you can drive me home since you sent Ralph on an errand.”

  Oh shit. I forgot he didn’t drive to the office himself. “Okay, Dad. What color roses for Mom?”

  “Be creative and get a mix of colors. I’ll meet you in the parking garage.”

  I hung up and walked back up to the counter. The clerk smiled at me.

  “Sorry, but I need two dozen roses in a variety of colors.”

  “Sure thing, Mr. Black. This wouldn’t happen to be for your mom, would it?”

  “Yes.” I smiled.

  She made up a bouquet of colorful roses and handed them to me. I left the store still thinking about the question Hailey asked me and the sadness in her voice when I answered her. My phone rang. It was my dad again.

  “Hello,” I answered.

  “Pick up some pink roses for your sister.”

  I rolled my eyes and sighed. “Okay, Dad.”

  I walked back into the flower shop and the woman smiled at me again.

  “I need two dozen pink roses, please.”

  “Sister?” She smiled.

  “Yep.”

  “Your dad always bought her pink roses. I’ll be right back.”

  She handed me the roses and, before I left the store, I dialed my dad.

  “Hello, son.”

  “Before I leave the flower shop, is there anyone else you want flowers for?”

  “No. Just your mom and Julia. I’m assuming you went there to buy Amelia flowers, correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then you’re all set. Hurry up and get back here.”

  “I’m on my way,” I said as I hung up.

  ****

  I stepped into the apartment and Amelia came from the direction of the kitchen. The corners of her mouth curved up when she saw the roses I was holding.

  “Are those for me?” She smiled.

  “No. Some girl at the office gave them to me.”

  The look on her face was priceless. She stood there and narrowed her eyes at me.

  “What girl?”

  “I don’t know. She’s new. Anyway, she told me she loved me and then gave me these. Aren’t they pretty?”

  “She told you that she loved you?”

  “Yeah. Isn’t that weird? I was totally flattered and she was really hot. But I guess if you want the flowers, you can have them.” I smiled.

  “NO THANKS!” she said in a huff and walked away.

  Okay, maybe I took that a little too far. Now I needed to make things right. “Of course these are for you, baby. I was just teasing.”

  “Go away, Collin. In fact, I’m just going to stay at my place tonight.”

  Oh shit. What the fuck had I done?

  “Amelia, I was teasing. Please, baby. We have dinner with my parents tonight. They’re expecting us.”

  “Then you can tell your parents about the girl at the office!” she spat.

  She was looking around the apartment for her shoes. “Amelia, please. These are for you. I’m sorry I teased you.”

  “Nope. I don’t think you were teasing and I just really need to be alone right now, Collin.”

  “Really? How are you getting back to your place?”

  “A cab like every other New Yorker,” she said as she opened the door.

  I walked up behind her and slammed it shut. “Please don’t do this.”

  She turned around and looked at me. “Are you hurting?”

  “Yes. Really bad right now.”

  She smiled. “Good. That’ll teach you to fuck with me, Mr. Black.” She laughed and ducked under my arm.

  “AMELIA!” I exclaimed as I started chasing her around the apartment.

  She laughed as she ran through the kitchen. “You should’ve seen the look on your face.”

  “You wait until I catch you. You’re going to be punished.”

  “Only if it involves you holding my wrists above my head and a wall.”

  I stopped dead center in the middle of the apartment. She stopped and turned around.

  “Really?” I asked.

  “Yeah. Really.” She smiled.

  “Now or after we get back from my parents’ house?” I asked.

  She twisted her face and looked around. “Both.”

  “Deal!” I said as I unbuttoned my pants.

  Chapter 30

  “Jesus Christ, you’re hot,” I said breathlessly as I pulled out of her.

  “See what happens when you get me all wound up?” She smiled.

  I let go of her wrists and gently kissed each one. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

  “Yeah, you did. But it hurt so good, babe.” She winked.

  I kissed the tip of her nose and looked at the clock that hung on the wall.

  “SHIT! It’s six fifteen. My mom is going to kill me,” I said as I ran and grabbed my pants.

  I picked up Amelia’s clothes off the floor and threw them at her. “Hurry up and get dressed. We were supposed to be there fifteen minutes ago. The one thing my mom hates is when people are late.”

  “Collin. Calm down.” She laughed.

  “Oh no. This is no laughing matter.” I said as my phone rang. I picked it up from the table and it was my mom. “See. I told you,” I said as I showed her the phone.

  “Crap,” Amelia said as she ran and grabbed her shoes.

  We ran out the door and up the stairs to the penthouse. There was no time to wait for an elevator. I opened the door and as soon as we walked in, my mom came scurrying from the kitchen.

  “Why didn’t you answer when I called you?” she asked as she pointed at me and then hugged Amelia.

  “We were almost here.”

  “You’re late!”

  “I know. I’m sorry.”

  “Go sit down. Dinner is almost ready.”

  We walked into the dining room and my dad smirked at me. I walked over to Julia and gave her a kiss on her cheek. I bent down and took the little hand of my nephew.

  “Hey, Brayden.” I smiled.

  As soon as dinner was finished, I took Brayden from Julia and walked into the living room. My dad was already sitting down with his after dinner scotch in hand.

  “Your shirt is buttoned wrong. Is that the reason you were late? Amelia must have really liked those roses.” He winked.

  A wide grin spread across my face. “She loved them and that is the reason I was late. I lost track of time.”

  “Good for you.” He smiled as he held up his glass.

  Brayden started crying and I tried to rock him back and forth. It wasn’t working.

  “Dad. Help me. Why’s he crying?”

  He chuckled. “Maybe he’s hungry. Here, let me take him for a moment.” He got up and took him from my arms. Holding Brayden made my dad happy. He just hadn’t been quite the same since Denny passed away. My mom and I had a conversation about it and she said that all my dad needed was time. I walked over to the fireplace where Denny’s ashes sat in an urn.

  “Dad, when are you spreading his ashes?”

  “I was thinking we could all go next month. Brayden will be a little over two months old and Amelia will be on semester break from school, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Then it’s set. We’ll go right after Christmas and spend a couple of weeks there. It will give me time to arrange things.”

  “What things, Dad?” r />
  “Things for Jacob and Diana.”

  “Really?”

  “I gave it some more thought after you left and I think you’re right. It would be the best thing for them. But only if Diana wants to go.”

  “Bring her and Jacob to California with us. That way, she can spend a couple of weeks there and get the feel for everything.”

  “I already planned on it, son.”

  I walked over and gave him a light hug, being extra careful not to squish Brayden. “I know I don’t say it enough, but I love you, Dad.”

  “I love you too, Collin.”

  “What’s going on in here?” Julia asked.

  “Just having a father/son chat,” my dad replied.

  Amelia and my mom walked in the room and my mom took Brayden from my dad.

  “I have an announcement to make,” my dad said as everyone quieted down. “I’ve decided that we’re going to fly to California for a couple of weeks, as a family, and spread Denny’s ashes right after Christmas. That way, we can spend the holiday in New York and then spend New Year’s in California.”

  “What about the company, Dad?” Julia asked.

  “No worries, princess. The company will be fine without us for a couple of weeks.”

  Amelia looked at me and smiled. I couldn’t have been happier to take her to California with me. The only thing that worried me were the horrific memories of what had happened there.

  ****

  Amelia and I walked hand in hand down the streets of New York, looking at all the Christmas lights and decorations that lit up the city. She was in an exceptionally good mood because her classes had ended and she completed her first round of clinicals. I wanted this Christmas to be special for her and one she’d never forget. She told me that she had spent the past two Christmases alone. My heart broke when I heard that because no one should spend the holidays alone. We stopped at Starbucks before meeting my family over at FAO Schwarz. Julia and Jake wanted to take Brayden to see Santa Claus and do some shopping. She wanted it to be a family affair and then my dad wanted all of us to go see the tree at Rockefeller Center.

  “This coffee tastes exceptionally good right now,” Amelia said.

  “Why’s that?”

  “Because I’m freezing and it feels good to have something hot.”

  “I can warm you up and inject you with some hot liquids if you’d like.” I smiled.