Page 58 of Unexpected Love

Chapter Eighteen

Chloe

My eyes flutter open as the annoying sound of my alarm goes off. I hit snooze and flop back down and rub the sleep from my eyes. Last night comes back to me, and I quickly grab my phone and pull up my text messages and don’t see one from Joe, and from the looks of it, he read it.

Sadness washes over me, because what if I blew it? Both cats jump up on the bed and give me good morning “Meows.” I give them both morning scratches and snuggles before climbing out of bed and starting the coffee pot. While it’s brewing, I pop some bread in the toaster and pour food in the cats’ bowls.

I slather my piece of toast with almond butter and pour myself a cup of coffee. Leaning against the counter, I eat my toast and drink my coffee. Why didn’t Joe respond to my text? Is something wrong with his phone? Did he get called into work early? Hell, maybe he’s just mad at me and didn’t want to answer me.

If he doesn’t get back to me by tonight, I’ll text him again. A thought dawns on me. Maybe this is a test to see if I’m serious, but Joe wouldn’t play games like that, would he?

I push those thoughts away, because I have to get ready so I can get to work.

An hour later, I’m walking into Harmon’s. I find Mr. Harmon polishing the cases per usual. “Good morning, Chloe.”

“Good morning, Mr. Harmon. The cases are sparkling.”

He chuckles and goes back to wiping them down. In the back, I set up my work station. Checking my calendar, I see that in a half hour I have a couple coming in to have wedding bands designed. In the consultation room, I set up the binders with different styles in it and some bands that they can try on.

In the break room, I grab a bottle of water and take a sip as I head out into the front. I begin to straighten up the jewelry in the cases. During the week, we’re never super busy. We do most of our business on the weekends.

Throughout the day, I’ve kept checking my phone, but there have been no texts or calls from Joe. I’m hopeful that there’s a good reason for it. I clean up my workstation and can’t wait to get home, take a bubble bath, and drink a glass of wine. Then I’ll call Joe, and hopefully he’ll answer.

***

The sun illuminates my bathroom as I lie back in my bathtub. The scent of honeysuckle tickles my senses as I soak up the warmth of the sun through the window and warmth of the water. We had been very slow earlier, so Mr. Harmon had sent me home after he took his lunch break.

I grab my glass of Riesling and take a sip. The taste explodes on my tongue, and I let out a sigh. I set the glass back down and lie back in the water. In my bedroom, my cellphone is charging, and I can hear it ring. I close my eyes when it stops, but it starts ringing again. Sitting up, I pull the stopper out of the tub and stand up, grab my robe off the hook, and slip it on. I open the door and step into the hall when I hear pounding on my front door.

My heart starts racing as I move to the living room and to the front door. I see it’s Dad and Pops. I throw the door open. “What’s wrong?”

I step back as they enter the living room. They both get close to me, and I start to freak out. “Baby girl, you need to get dressed and pack a bag.”

“Why? What’s going on? Please, you’re scaring me.”

Dad puts both hands on my shoulders. “Joe’s been shot. We need to get you to the hospital.”

A weird buzzing sound fills my ears, my hands tremble, and my legs feel like they’re going to give out on me. My dad wraps his arms around me. “Be strong, baby girl. Let’s get you dressed.” They lead me back into my room. I watch them pack me a bag and then lay out some clothes for me. “We’ll be out in the hall. Hurry, okay?”

On autopilot, I get dressed. I don’t even know what I’m wearing right now, and I don’t even care. In the hall, my pops waits for me and wraps his arm around my shoulders. “Eli’s going to take care of the cats for you, and we’ve already called Mr. Harmon.”

I nod my head, hearing him but not. Outside, my brother is leaning against our dad’s Highlander. I step right into his arms, and he hugs me tight. “He’s going to be okay, Chloe.”

He helps me inside, and I get into the third row and wrap my arms around my knees. Dad gets in the back with me, and Carter rides up front with Pops. Dad grabs my hand in his. “How did you find out? What happened?” I croak.

“Stacy called me. She didn’t want you to find out over the phone. It was a routine traffic stop. The guy pulled his gun and shot Joe twice.”

The buzzing intensifies, and I feel the blood drain from my face. “I…Is he d…dead?”

“No, he’s not, honey, but he’s in surgery. He’s lost a lot of blood, and it’s not looking really good right now.” He brings my hand up to his lips and gives it a kiss. “Stacy said she’d call and keep us posted, okay?”

I nod my head and then stare out the window, watching the passing scenery. My parents and Carter all talk quietly, but I don’t listen to what they’re saying. I just think about every moment I’ve spent with Joe, every phone call, every text, and every video chat. I think about the child we lost. I think about all the times we made love.

No tears fall, because I feel numb. I wrap my arms around myself because I’m so cold I’m shivering. Pops’ phone rings, and Dad turns down the radio.

“Hey, Stacy.” Silence. “Okay, we’re two hours out.” A pause. “Yeah, she’s right here.” He turns to me. “Stacy wants to talk to you.”

With a trembling hand, I take the phone from him and hold it to my ear. “Tay Tay,” I whisper.

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