Chance Encounters Read online

  Chance Encounters

  C L Wesley

  Chance Encounters Copyright ©2017 C L WESLEY

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form without the written permission except the use of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Contents

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  9

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  11

  12

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  1

  ~Two Weeks Ago~

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to walk you ladies home?”

  “Nah, we got this. Nobody is going to mess with us bad ass bitches but we love you for thinking of us.” My co-worker and self-appointed best friend Willa told Chef Mike as we left the kitchen at The Nine, the upscale steakhouse that Willa and I waited tables at.

  “You ladies don’t live in the best area ya know?” He looked worried.

  “We know. You remind us of it every single night.” I say as we shut the back door and make our way down the alley onto East 9th Street. “Do you think he will ever stop asking?”

  Willa pulls her small bag around her and places her hand over it. She calls it her packing hand. She says there is a gun in there but I’ve never seen it. I’ve never even been around a real gun let alone shot one. I’ll stick with the mace on my keychain. I’d rather blind someone than shoot them. “No, Mike cares about all of us. He just doesn’t like that we live in a shady area of the Flats. It’s fucking cold.”

  “You’re telling me! I’m a good five minutes past your place!” I kick at the slush on the road. “But I like the nights we work together, it’s nice to have someone to talk to on the way home in person.”

  Twenty minutes later Willa was walking into her building and I continued on my own towards home. I live in an old textile mill building almost under the Innerbelt Bridge along the Cuyahoga River. It was the nicest of the apartments I viewed when I first moved up here from Columbus. In the day time it is not a bad neighborhood but night time brings out some people I’d rather not be around. I’ve been called a variety of names and asked how much I cost a few times but I just ignore it and walk fast with my hand on the mace in my pocket.

  I start to cross the street to my building when I hear the squeal of tires. Turning to see where the noise was coming from I saw bright lights and felt an immense amount of pain as I hit the pavement. I closed my eyes or at least I think I did. I could hear a car door slam and footsteps running toward me. “Is she dead?” I hear a scratchy male’s voice and the sound of what I think is a gun cocking.

  I feel a warm hand touch my face and throat. “No, help me get her into the car.” Wait. No. Call 911 don’t take me in the car. Oh my God, I’m going to be killed or dumped in the river.

  “Just leave her. In this neighborhood, this shit happens all the fucking time.” I hear the scratchy voice again.

  I feel myself being lifted as I groan in pain. “Shhh, I’ll take care of you.” What the hell does that mean?! I was trying to open my eyes. I was trying to scream. I tried so hard but nothing would come out. “You’re driving.” I remained in the man’s arms as we drove wherever they were taking me. Please let it be a hospital and not my grave!

  “You know your Daddy is going to fucking pissed.”

  “Just fucking get us home. She’s losing a lot of blood.” I groan in protest because it is the only sound I can make. “I got you. We will get you all fixed up. I promise.” That was the last thing I heard before my world went dark.

  2

  ~The Present, I Think~

  I feel like I was hit by a Mack truck. I was trying to move and as much as the will was there everything felt like I had concrete weights on. I don’t think I’m dead unless you feel pain when you die but how do you really know? I’m trying to open my eyes but they are just so heavy. I am trying to figure out if I am in a hospital. I hear strange sounds and people mumbling but I can’t make out what they are saying. I’m willing myself to open my eyes when sleep overtakes me.

  ~

  I know I am in and out of consciousness. At one point, I was aware of someone holding my hand and stroking my knuckles. I heard a lady singing a beautiful song but it wasn’t in English. As awkward as it felt, someone bathed me today. I wish I could just open my eyes but instead I lull myself back into dreamland.

  ~

  I thought I was dreaming when I hear HIS voice, “The doctor said that you are doing very well. You’re healing nicely. It’s been two weeks now, please open your eyes.” I feel my knuckles being rubbed. It’s a familiar feeling. “I promised you that you’d be okay.” When did he do that? I want to ask but again sleep overtakes me dreaming of the voice that saved me.

  ~

  “She will wake when her body is ready. We induce these comas to allow the body to heal. She is breathing on her own and healing well.” I hear a deep male voice.

  “Dr. Monahan, is there any way to medically wake her?” I hear a woman’s voice.

  “Yes, as I told Luca though, it is better for one to wake upon their own doing. She will wake when her body is ready.” Luca? Who is Luca?

  I hear the door close and it’s quiet again. I’d give anything to sleep on my side. I attempt to shift my weight and I move! The pain is excruciating across my abdomen and ribcage but I moved! I’m not paralyzed. Not long after my celebratory shift I fall asleep yet again.

  ~

  I hear the lady with the soft voice singing again when she is interrupted by a heavily accented deep male voice. “Carlina, how is she?” Carlina is who has been singing to me. Who’s Carlina?

  “She is starting to move on her own. Dr. Monahan says any day now. Did you find out anything?”

  “Yes, let’s speak in the hall.” I hear the male voice say. Moments later I hear the door open again and the singing commences. I tried opening my eyes and was able to see through my lashes long enough to put together that I have a green shirt on and then they slam shut and I fall asleep.

  ~

  I feel my hand being held again. It is rather soothing. I want to stretch. I’m tired of sleeping. I will myself to wake up. I’m looking through my lashes again and I can make out the silhouette of a man. I don’t blink afraid that I will fall back asleep. It takes a few moments and I’m taking in my surroundings. The first thing I look at is the man holding my hand. He has his forehead resting against his hands that is coupling one of mine. I can’t see his face but he has jet black hair that looks shaggy. I think he has on a suit jacket. I scan the room and realize I am not in a hospital room. I either scored a private suite or I’m in someone’s home. The room is beautiful and quite large. The walls are a Kelly green color and are adorned with beautiful paintings. The furniture is dark cherry wood and there is a large flat screen tv that is playing Fox 8 news softly. I can see the fresh flowers I have been smelling in a large crystal vase on the table by the window. This place is stunning.

  I part my lips and whisper the faintest, “Hi”. The man’s head flies up and I am taken back by how handsome he is. He has bright hazel eyes, dimples, and a chiseled jaw. He looks exhausted
. There are bags under his eyes and a rather sexy five o’clock shadow. He immediately stands up and leaves the room. Wow, do I look that bad?

  Within minutes a woman with dark brown hair comes rushing into the room with an enormous smile on her face. “Cameron, I’m so happy you’ve finally awaken. I’ve been waiting to meet you.” She comes to my bedside and sits. Reaching up at my nose I start breathing heavy, she quickly explains, “That is called a feeding tube. You have been with us almost three weeks in a coma. That tube kept you nourished while your body healed. The doctor is on his way to remove it.” I give a slight smile as she continues. “Can you talk yet?”

  I squeak out, “Barely.” I clear my throat as best as I can, realizing it’s the tube that is bugging me. “Where am I?”

  “You are in my home dear. My son found you lying in the road. We believe you were hit by a car. Our family doctor has been taking care of you.” She reaches over in an intimate gesture and moves my hair across my forehead and down behind my ear. “My name is Carlina Morano. I’m going to assume that would be your next question. I’m trying to save your voice for the doctor.” Carlina smiles at me and I suddenly remember someone named Carlina singing to me.

  “You sing to me?” A consistent smile remains on her face as a Latino woman comes in with a tray that has a pitcher of iced water and fresh sliced lemons.

  “Thank you, Lou. Let me fix you a glass of water. You must be parched.” I watch as Carlina pours me a glass of water and places a straw into the glass.

  “Make sure it is just little sips young lady.” I look to the door and see the doctor walking in. “Cameron I’m Dr. Monahan, I have been overseeing your care at Morano Manor.” Morano Manor? I thought I was in her home? “Carlina, if you don’t mind leaving the room.”

  Panicked by the thought of being alone with this man I have never seen I manage to get the word ‘no’ out as they both look at me. I say it again, “No, stay.”

  “You heard the lady.” I hear a dark male voice and standing in the doorway is the older version of the man who was here when I woke up. They must be related. I watch as Carlina walks to the man and he pulls her into a loving embrace.

  “Okay, let’s make this a party then.” The doctor snaps when the man with Carlina pipes in.

  “I pay you very well to do your job. If we choose to be in the room while you do it, is that going to be a problem for you DR. MONAHAN?”

  I watch as Dr. Monahan’s face pales. “No, Mr. Morano.” Ah, the old man must be Carlina’s husband. I keep looking around the room for the junior version but he is nowhere to be found. After being checked out and getting the feeding tube removed I was given my rules about what to do/not do, what to eat/not eat, etc. and then Dr. Monahan left the room leaving me with the Morano’s.

  “Well kiddo, I’m glad to see that you are awake. I have to get to the office. I will see you soon. Carlina and Lou will take good care of you.” I smiled and Mr. Morano walked out of the room.

  “Let’s see what you can do. The doctor said just to try and not overdo it. I’m sure you’d like to get out of that bed.” Carlina comes over to the side of the bed.

  “Yes, I would.” I was startled at how raspy my voice sounded. Carlina removed my blankets and helped me to a sitting position on the side of the bed. “Oh my God it hurts.” When I was able to catch my breath again I asked what happened to me.

  “Luca found you lying in the street. Dr. Monahan is the best in the business and he’s our personal doctor so Luca brought you here instead of the hospital.”

  “Why would he do that?” I took a drink of the best tasting iced water ever.

  “I have no clue why Luca does what he does but I am happy that we were able to help take care of you.” She walked into the bathroom and brought out a brush. Climbing on the bed behind me, she started brushing my hair. “I want you to know that I found your ID and we had our security team check you out. I don’t say that to scare you but we are a prominent family and you are in our home. I also informed your boss at The Nine that you were in an accident and of our address so that Chef doesn’t come looking for trouble.”

  “Chef Mike.”

  “One in the same. He seems to care about you. Is he your boyfriend?”

  “No, more like a big brother. I went to culinary school in Columbus and after he found out he let me come prep in the kitchen and learn how to make their dishes.”

  “I see.”

  “Where is your son?” I tried sitting up straight and it about killed me.

  “Luca? After you woke up he went to work. He was here a lot watching over you. There is a lot for him to catch up on. Let’s get you into that recliner.”

  After helping me into the oversized brown leather recliner and setting me up with some chicken noodle soup and the remote Carlina left me in what she coined ‘my room’. I had a lot of questions and not a whole lot of answers. I knew I had several broken ribs, a sprained wrist, and a shit ton of bumps and bruises along with some short-term amnesia. I cannot remember being hit by a car. I remember walking home with Willa and I remember someone who I am assuming is Luca telling me that they promise I would be taken care of. I also found out that my cell phone was crushed in the accident and if I remember correctly I definitely do not have the money to replace that right now. Well I guess if this is what being hit by a car feels like, this is top notch.

  I spent most of my day catching up on the news and waiting for Luca to come home. I have so many questions to ask him. I want to know where he found me and how injured I was. I also want to know why he chose to bring me here instead of a hospital, has he never heard of 911? Carlina and Lou were in and out all day checking on me in the most annoying fashion. I really had no privacy but part of me was grateful that someone helped me into the bathroom. I was completely fascinated with the bathroom attached to my room. Surrounded by beautiful luscious ferns was a garden tub that was nestled in the back of the bathroom. To the left was a large walk in shower tiled with colorful tiles and across from that was a vanity with glass bowls for sinks and running water that turned on like a fountain when you placed your hands underneath. The toilet was in its own room with frosted doors thank goodness.

  Around dinner time Lou came in with some sort of chicken casserole. “Here you are doll. This will be easy on your tummy until you get used to eating again.”

  “Thank you.” I sat up and moved the tray over my lap.

  “Also, I know that you are not supposed to have it, but there is some chocolate silk pie under that foil. I didn’t want to get busted with it on the way up here.” She gave a devilish giggle that made me smile. “Girl you are very pretty when you look like shit. I can’t imagine how gorgeous you are when you are well.”

  “I’m going to take that as a compliment.” I smiled and started on my pie first to get rid of the evidence.

  Lou straightened a few things up around the room before taking a seat. “So, tell me about yourself.”

  “Well there is not much to tell. No family, went to culinary school in Columbus, moved up here with my roommate but then she moved in with her boyfriend and I moved to the building next door in the ghetto. I also serve tables at The Nine. How about you?” While I was listening to Lou tell me about living at Morano Manor and her lack of love life I couldn’t help but wonder what the hell was Luca doing down in the ghetto? Willa and I did not live in the best neighborhood by any means. From the looks of it, it would not appear that his family has any reason to be down there. I think the only reason Willa and I have never been shot at is that we are usually home before midnight. After that you hear at least one gun fire every single night. “What time does Luca come home?”

  “Oh, sweetheart that boy is harder to keep tabs on than a beer can at a redneck bonfire.” Lou has a sassy side and I am finding that I really like her. I am comfortable with her.

  “Oh.” I giggle and hand her the pie plate. “That pie was amazing and I’m sure I will pay for it later but thank you.”

  “You
are most welcomed. Do you need help later getting into bed?”

  “I think I will be okay. I have stood a few times today and can move slowly.”

  “Okay dear. Well if you decide you need assistance press 19 on the phone and that rings directly to me. Carlina’s extension is 02 if you can’t get ahold of me.”

  “Thank you, Lou.” I say as I watch her walk away, so many questions I want to ask but hesitant to gain the answers.

  The Voice was coming on television signaling to me that it was around 8-9PM. With every bone in my body I scooted out of the recliner and moved over to the bed. I think the show was halfway over by the time I climbed into the bed. I had thought that Luca would have come in to check on me but I found myself falling asleep shortly after laying down. I did not sleep well at all. I was beginning to think that the coma kept me from feeling all the pain of the accident because I feel it now.

  Around midnight I had to attempt to get into the bathroom. No fucking way were they going to find me sitting in my own piss in the morning. What felt like thirty minutes later, I found my way into the bathroom. It was a small triumph to stand at the sink and wash my hands and face by myself. Scooting my way back into the bedroom I caught a glimpse of my bedroom door closing. I couldn’t even begin to think of walking fast enough to see who that was. I finished my hobble back to bed, turned off my tv, and fell into an unsatisfying sleep.

  I finally woke up in the morning, finding that it was 10:23AM. Holy shit that was a lot of sleep when I just slept for three weeks straight. I sat up the best I could and looked around noticing that Lou left me a breakfast plate on the tray next to the recliner.

  I managed to get to the bathroom a little easier today. It only took me twenty-nine minutes instead of thirty. I had just sat down in the recliner to eat when Carlina walked through the door. “Good morning Cameron”, she says with a slight accent.

  “Good morning Mrs. Morano.” I shoot her a smile, getting ready to butter her up.