Page 84 of Saving Me
“And I’mveryglad it’s you.” He slowly pulls out of me and picks me up in his arms. I lie my head on his chest as he carries me to the big standalone tub and sets me down.
He starts a bubble bath, and I sigh in pleasure as I sink into the warm water. Taking a hair tie off my wrist, he gathers it up for me and secures it on top of my head.
“I’ll be right back,” he says, walking away. I sink further into the bubbles as the water soothes any soreness away.
He returns with a small box and our two drinks from earlier that we never got to finish. Setting them on the table beside the tub, he gets in behind me, and I rest against his chest.
“One more surprise,” he whispers in my ear and hands me the box. I open it and see a gold necklace with a hummingbird charm. It has tiny diamonds on the feathers and is the most beautiful piece of jewelry I’ve ever seen.
“Jake…” Words fail me as I finger the delicate chain and wipe away a tear.
“Do you like it?” He asks softly.
“It’s beautiful,” I say in awe. I study it closer and see a light brown stone for the bird’s eye. “It has my eyes.” I whip my head to see his smiling face.
“I had them customize it for me.” He takes the piece of jewelry and secures it around my neck. I touch it against my skin and can already feel the love behind it.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “I’m going to wear this forever.”
“And I’m going to love you forever.”
“Forever,” I agree softly.
I answermy phone on the second ring as I’m pulling banana chocolate chip muffins from the oven. The pancakes Jake made me last week inspired me to try a new recipe.
“Hello?” I say, putting the phone up to my ear.
“Hi, Mrs. Knight.” I cringe at the last name and take off my oven mitts.
“It’s Ms. Pierce now,” I say, using my maiden name.
“Oh, sorry about that. I’ll change my contact information for you.” I hear the rustling of papers before she speaks again. “This is Amy. I’m one of the nurses assigned to your mom. You told me to call you if anyone showed up trying to see your mother.”
“Yes,” I say, my body going on alert as I grip the phone tighter. “Has something happened?”
“We had a gentleman show up today demanding to see your mom. When he was told he wasn’t on the list, he caused quite a scene, and our security had to remove him from the building. He said he was your husband, but we have no record on file that he is allowed to see her.”
“Did he say why he wanted to see her?” My heart thuds loudly against my chest as I grip the countertop for support.
“Not specifically, but I got the feeling he was looking for you. I just thought you should know,” she says. I can hear the concern in her voice and can only imagine what she’s trying to piece together.
“Thank you,” I say absentmindedly while my thoughts are focused on the one thing I heard clearly.
He’s looking for me.
“Will you still be coming for your visit next week?” The nurse asks, pulling me back to the present.
I’ve been visiting my mom at least once a month when I can afford the bus ticket. With the new business starting to come in, I should have enough this month. I’m also working for Clara this weekend, so that will help.
“Yes, I’ll be there.” I’ll have to plan ahead with my orders and drop them off earlier, but I should be able to get away for a day…two at the most.
“Perfect. I’m sure she will be excited to see you. I’ll see you then, Ms. Pierce.”
I end the call and take a deep breath through the tightness in my chest. Pulling up my messages, I check to see if any new ones came through, but he still hasn’t responded to what I sent on the day of my birthday.
The papers are still not signed, and no one has heard a word from him. Maria has been trying to contact him but has never received a response. I chew my bottom lip as I try to figure out what he’s thinking.
It’s impossible to know how far he’s going to take this. I was his wife for five years and still never knew who I was going to get from one day to the next. He had his highs where I would almost believe things could get better, and then something would trigger him, and I would remember why I hated him. He was the devil in disguise. His coworkers loved him, and his friends adored him. No one knew the true him…no one except me.
