Chance Encounters Read online

  “Please call me Carlina dear.”

  “Okay.” I didn’t know if I should pause eating or continue. She said they were a prominent family, how prominent were they?

  “Please continue. I just came in to see how you slept last night.”

  “I did okay. I got stiff quick and it was hard to move. Someone came in to check on me around midnight but I was in the bathroom. By the time I finished up, they were leaving.”

  “I’m not sure who came in. I will look into who was here. It’s nice to see you more coherent today. When you feel up to it, I will show you around the wing.”

  “Sounds good. Miss Lou gave me your extension to call. Is that okay if I need anything?”

  “Yes dear. What is it you are hesitating to ask for?” She reached over and put her hand over mine.

  “Is there a laptop or a tablet I can use?” I felt silly asking like a child.

  “As long as social media is not the intent of your use. We do not allow it from anyone in this home. Not the help, not the family, and not our guests. It is just a strict rule of ours.”

  “No ma’am. I wanted to check my bank account and email if that is okay. I also have some bills that I need to probably make arrangements with if I missed payments.”

  “I will have a laptop brought up to you. Please do not worry about your payments they have been taken care of. When I told you our security team ran a background check it included your financials. We were not sure how long you would be out so we took care of two months of rent as well as your credit cards.”

  “Wow. Thank you, but why would you do that?” I sat there astonished and feeling very much confused.

  “If we want to help someone we will. If we choose not to then we do not. It is really that simple.”

  “I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I apologize if my manners have evaded me. I just never get the easy road. I have to bust my tail for every little thing.”

  “Well the road you were on led you to us literally and we have the ability and the means to do what we wish. Enjoy the easy road while you heal.”

  “Thank you again. I am very appreciative.”

  “You are most welcomed and I can sense that about you. You are very warm and open. I tend to pick up on people’s energy.”

  “You are very warm yourself and you have a beautiful singing voice.”

  “You could hear us?” The look on her face changed for just a second before smiling. “I do not sing for many people. If I knew you could hear me, I may not have been singing all those days.”

  “You sounded beautiful.”

  “Thank you, Cameron.” I watched as Carlina made her way around the room straightening blankets and fluffing pillows on chairs nobody has sat in.

  “Carlina, may I ask why Luca has not been in to visit me?”

  “Sweet girl, I have no idea.” Carlina walked over and kissed me on the top of my head. “Call if you need anything and I will have Lou bring up that laptop.”

  “Thank you.” Carlina left my room and I was alone again with just myself and the marathon of thoughts running through my head.

  3

  Luca

  “She’s asking why you have not been in to see her.” I hear my mother as I pour a rather large portion of my good friend Jack into the tumbler.

  “What am I supposed to say to her? I hit you with my car and instead of leaving you for dead or dropping you off at a hospital where I would be questioned by police, I brought you home for my momma to spoil?” I turn around and see the pissed off look on my mother’s face. “I’m sorry Momma. I just know she has questions and I do not have the answers she needs to hear.”

  “We told you what to say to her. She does not remember much about the car or any other details. You need to make friends with her, gain her trust, and then she will not question anything you tell her.” She walks up to me and adjusts my tie just like I am ten years old again. “Cameron is a good girl. Her backgrounds came back squeaky clean and she appears to be a beautiful girl inside and out. The kind of girl we, as a family, could very easily accept as a daughter in law.”

  “I have a date with Elina tonight. Quit trying to marry me off.” I watch as my mother scowled at me with the instantaneous death stare that could scare the devil. Elina was not on my mother’s list of approved women for me. To say their personalities clashed is an understatement. Elina had told my mother she wanted to marry me after only two weeks of dating. My dear mother has been trying to get rid of Elina for four months now. I probably would have gotten rid of her myself two months ago but sometimes pissing my parents off makes me feel young again.

  “You know how I feel about that hussy. If I had it my way, she would just disappear.”

  “But you do not have your way mother.” I kissed her on the cheek and left the room. I wanted to head to Cameron’s room but I was not ready to face her. I fucking ran her over with my car and then brought her here to cover my ass. Thank God, she did not die, I can only imagine the shit I would have caught from my old man for that mistake.

  I do not feel up to going out with Elina tonight. She has been dropping subtle hints about a diamond bracelet she had seen online at Cartier. In a twisted fucked up way I think we both know we are using each other. I use her for arm candy and she uses me for expensive gifts and the ability to attend exclusive events. To sum her up; she is a bitch. Making my final decision, I pick up my cell phone.

  “Hey baby.” Elina’s voice makes my skin crawl.

  “I’m going to have to” I was cut off instantly.

  “Don’t you dare say cancel. We made those reservations last month. I have been waiting to go there. It is the hottest restaurant to be seen in. The Nine is the crème de le crème. Get your ass over here to pick me up.”

  “I am really not feeling up to it Elina. I’m not even hungry.”

  “Get your ass ready. I will pick YOU up in an hour!” I swear if cell phones could be slammed in your ear, I would be rubbing mine. Fuck. I guess I could use a good lay. Almost an hour later, on the nose, I hear the door. Deciding to take the long way through the house I went down the back stairs through the kitchen. When I cut through the family room I was stopped dead in my tracks by a brunette sitting in one of the leather recliners talking to my mother, snuggled up in my mother’s favorite lap blanket.

  “Cameron, would you like to meet your knight in shining armor? This is my son Luca.” Cameron turned her head to face me and I was blown away by how much she has healed already. She gave me a smile and I about fell over. She was stunning. Cameron’s bruises were almost healed and the one cut on her forehead that needed stitches was now just a band aid.

  “Hi Luca.” She had an angelic voice and it pierced me. I was not sure if it was her or my guilt that made her so pristine to me. I took her in as she stared back at me awaiting the response I could not seem to form. Cameron’s brown hair was piled high on her head, a few pieces falling from the ponytail thing these women do. Unlike the lifeless blue eyes, I first saw upon her awakening, I was now blessed with big bright sparkling sapphires staring back at me. She was still dressed in the long large green shirts that Dr. Monahan had provided my mother and Lou for her.

  “Please forgive my son and his rudeness. The appropriate response would be ‘hello Cameron’.” My mother scolded me. I snapped out of my trance when I heard the click clack of stilettos approaching the doorway.

  “Luca are you about ready? We are going to be late and The Nine will not hold our reservations!” I tried to look at Elina but was far more interested in watching Cameron’s face light up.

  “You are going out to The Nine?” Cameron shifted in the chair with a wince.

  “Yes sweetheart, not that anyone of your stature could ever eat there! Would you like me to bring you back a matchbook for your scrapbooks?” Elina shot Cameron a look of death. I know exactly what Elina was thinking and on my part at least, Elina may not be too far off. I was not exactly being coy about checking out Cameron.

  Befo
re I even opened my mouth, my mother interjected, “Luca, please get your whore out of my house. And Elina dear, it is people of your stature that need reservations.” I watched as my mother patted the top of Cameron’s hand. I was for certain I would see her hanging her head in defeat but instead I saw Cameron’s head held just as high as my mother’s. Interesting.

  “LUCA!” I heard Elina’s heels as she was headed to the door.

  “My apologies Cameron. I must go. Mother.” I followed Elina out the door despite every urge in my body telling me to turn around.

  I made Elina drive knowing damn well she would be pissed and embarrassed when we pulled up to the valet and she drove. Elina is all about status. There is no substance behind all the Botox and couture. Elina immediately rushed over to my side the minute the car valeted. The Nine is a beautifully designed restaurant that I frequented often, mostly because my family is one of the shareholders. It gives me great pleasure knowing that Elina had to work so hard to get the reservation and I can simply walk in.

  I always sit VIP which is why I had never seen Cameron before. Only the veteran servers get the VIP section of the restaurant and she was one of the newer members of the Nine. I sat in general population with Elina and tried to make conversation but I kept thinking of the way she spoke to Cameron in front of my mother. Our server came over with the wine menu and I watched as Elina degraded her with her eyes. I looked at the girl apologetically and noticed her name, Willa. Willa was Cameron’s friend. I read their text messages before I destroyed her phone. Even though we had people inform The Nine part of me wanted to let Willa know her friend was okay.

  Halfway through dinner I could not take Elina’s bullshit anymore. “Elina, we need to talk. This, us, is over. I tolerate a lot, however disrespecting people in my parent’s home is not to be tolerated.” I did not give her a chance to cause a scene. Leaving Elina stunned and alone, I excused myself and called for a ride home.

  4

  Cameron

  Not going to lie, I am enjoying the satellite dish here and I am really excited about the 70” big screen in this family room. Carlina thought I needed a break from the room I am staying in. She was right. I almost feel like I am amongst the living again. The third episode of Shameless was about to start when I caught the glimpse of a shadow in the doorway. “Hello.”

  “Hello Cameron.” Luca walked into the room. He was so devastatingly handsome and that deep voice of his was such a turn on. I had no right to think like this, he was obviously so out of my league. “How are you feeling?”

  I smiled at him. I have been waiting for him to talk to me. “I’m good.” I paused the show. “How was dinner at The Nine?”

  “Uneventful.”

  “I work there. At least I think I still do.” I fidgeted with the blanket on my lap as I watched him stand there awkwardly. “Would you like to watch tv with me?”

  “What are you watching?”

  “Shameless. It’s a crazy show I just got into. This is the third episode.” I watched as Luca slowly sat down on the other end of the couch that I currently resided on.

  “I usually do not watch television.” Luca shifted, “So you’re feeling better?”

  “I’m okay. Some days are better than others. I owe you my life. Thank you for making sure I got taken care of.”

  “You owe me nothing. I owe you actually.” I turned so that I was fully facing Luca.

  “How so?”

  “I broke it off with Elina. No person should disrespect another the way she did to you. Especially in front of my Momma.”

  “She’s just a phony, trying to make it in your world.” I wanted to take it back as soon as I said it until he smiled.

  “You are correct.” Luca turned towards me a little more. “Tell me about your world Cameron.”

  By the start of the sixth episode I had divulged pretty much my entire life to Luca. Halfway into the seventh I introduced him to popcorn and peanut m&m’s. It was adorable to see Luca sitting next to me popping a few m&m’s before shoving a handful of popcorn in his mouth. I was very thankful for Lou and her fully stocked kitchen at this point. “Good eh?” Luca smiled with a mouthful and I couldn’t help but notice how beautifully imperfect he is. “Can I ask you a question?” I watched him immediately tense up so I changed my direction so he wouldn’t run out of the room. “Want to watch another episode after this? I know you have to work.” His shoulders relaxed and I just smiled. I did not know what else to do.

  I felt someone swiping my hair across my forehead and behind my ears. I nuzzled my head before realizing I was not sleeping on a pillow. Opening my eyes, I realized I was snuggled into Luca’s side with my head on his chest. “You missed episode nine so you will have to catch up while I am at work today.” I smiled and shifted myself into a sitting position, trying not to grunt.

  “What time is it?”

  “A little after two. Did you have a good nap?”

  “Yes, I did. You’re going to work? Do you ever sleep?” I put my head back and stared at the ceiling feeling stupid for asking fifty questions.

  “You need to sleep. I’ll turn this off.” Damn he was sexy. The simple act of walking across the room had my lady parts wide awake and attentive. “You should probably head on up to bed.”

  “I, uh, I’ll head up in a minute. You go ahead.” He had no clue I could not walk up inclines or steps yet. The Moranos have a chiropractor coming in once a week to realign my hips and my back.

  “Goodnight Cameron.” After he walked out of the room I shifted on the couch and snuggled up into the blanket Carlina had given me.

  5

  Luca

  “Cameron, wake up baby.” I continued to rub her arm. She needs to be in her bed where she can get proper rest. “Cameron?”

  “Hmm?” She was so tired she could not open her eyes.

  “Let’s get you up to bed.” I reached down and picked Cameron up. She groaned only for a moment. I felt myself fighting a smile when she buried her face into my neck.

  “No steps.” Cameron whispered.

  “What’s that?” I started towards the stairwell.

  “I couldn’t go to bed because I can’t walk up steps yet without help.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me? I would have helped you.” The strangest feeling came over me as I continued to carry her.

  “I did not want to tell you that I could not do something.” I started up the steps. Honest. This girl is honest. Honesty is not a trait I run across very often in myself or in others.

  “You will get up and down these steps in no time.” I strong armed Cameron in one arm and pulled down the bedding with the other. Watching her face scrunch up in pain as she tried to get comfortable tore me apart knowing that I caused it all. “Another episode tomorrow?”

  “Sure.” I got halfway to her door when I heard her ask me to stay.

  “I’m sorry?” I turned around to make sure I heard her correctly.

  “Will you stay with me?” Even in the dark I could see her eyes twinkling patiently awaiting my response. I knew the right thing to do but I’m a Morano, when the hell do we ever do the right thing? Against my better judgment, I crawled into the bed with her. Tense as hell, I was in a place I’ve never been in before, not knowing what to do with a woman in my bed. I knew sex was off the table, not that she would want me like that. I am not sure why she even asked me to stay until she rolled over nestling into my side. “I know you have a girlfriend, I just feel safe with you.”

  “I told you, I ended it with Elina tonight. Nobody should be treated like she treats people, my momma, you.” The more I try to stay quiet and not open up, the more I find myself talking to her.

  “I was wondering why someone so caring would date someone like her.” Her voice was starting to fade.

  “How do you know I’m such a caring individual?”

  “You could have left me in the road and you brought me here.” Those were the words that haunted me until I finally drifted off with Cameron in
my arms.

  Surprisingly enough I was sleeping well until I was rudely woken by Lou. “Luca Morano you better get your ass out of that bed before your momma comes in to check on her.”

  “Yes ma’am.” I had a certain respect for Lou. She knows an immense amount of information about our family and is discreet with anything you tell her.

  “I’ll give you a moment.” Lou whispered. I looked down at Cameron still fast asleep in my arms. What the hell am I doing? Knowing my momma is on her way up here given Lou’s surreptitious warning, I slip out of bed without waking Cameron.

  Rushing to get myself out the door, I fly through the kitchen looking for my mother. “Lou have you seen my mother? I want to get Cameron a cell phone today. She needs to have contact with the outside world.”

  “She checked on Cameron and is meeting friends for breakfast at the club. I will get a message to the security team about a phone.”

  “Thank you, Lou.” I kiss her on the cheek and haul ass to the office. Most of my day was spent staring out the window wondering what Cam was up to today. That girl is addictive to the point of overdose. She went from a complete stranger to someone special in less than 24 hours. Who the fuck am I kidding? She was special to me from the moment I ran her over.

  6

  Cameron

  Lou helped me downstairs sometime before noon and informed me that Luca has arranged for me to get a new cell phone. I was so excited, I miss Willa terribly. I appreciate the care the Moranos are giving me but I also miss my life. I spent my day catching up on the episodes of Shameless I slept through last night. I thought about watching the next one but was secretly hoping that Luca would join me again tonight.

  “Cameron, the chiropractor will be here in thirty minutes. Did you need anything before your appointment?”

  “I’m good at the moment. Thank you, Lou.”

  “Your new cell phone should arrive anytime. Are you excited to contact the outside world?”