Hello, Dean. How’s your trip going?” he asked.“Dan, Stephanie will be arriving on a flight from Vegas in about an hour plus. She’s on flight #261, and I need you to pick her up, then drive her back to her home”Is everything ok, Dean? You sound upset,” he asked.“I don’t want to discuss why I am mad at her. I just left the hotel, and I’m heading back to California. Just make sure you pick her up from the airport and take her home.”“Very well,Dean. I’ll be there to pick up Steph.”“Dan,” I said before he hung up.Yes, Dean?”“She’s probably going to need you to comfort her when she steps off the plane. Please be there for her,” I said.“No problem, Dean. You know I’m very fond of Steph.”I hung up the phone and pulled out of the hotel parking lot. My mind was racing going back to Steph alwaays being negative and Whining about her death. I was blinded by rage when Because she kept saying she was going to die, Doesn’t she know she was going to make me die from she sying that, I shouldn
“The urgency is that Howie needs an assistant right away.”“I got it, Dean. I’ll call her now and put her on the plane,” Paul said before he hung up.I threw my phone on the bed and walked to the bathroom. I splashed some cool water on my face and looked at myself in the mirror. My eyes were bloodshot and swollen. I also needed to shave, but I didn’t feel like it. I walked back to my phone and dialed Dr. Peters. I needed to see him right away.“Connor? I’m surprised to hear from you,” he answered.“I need to see you right away, it’s urgent.”“Is everything alright?”“No, it’s not, and that’s why I need to see you immediately.”“Can you come to my office around noon?”“Dr. Peters, I don’t think you understand. I’ll pay you triple your fee if you’ll see me within an hour.”“Fine, Dean. I’ll see you in an hour.”I threw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, then headed downstairs. My phone rang, and as I looked at it, Ashley’s name appeared. Damn her.“Yeah, what is it, Ashley?” I answered.
Dan was already sitting at the table, waiting for me when I arrived at the restaurant. I sat down as the waitress came over and smiled at me.“May I get you something to drink?” she smiled as she tilted her head.“I’ll have a double scotch.” I said without as much as a grin.Denny was glancing over the menu when he said, “A double scotch, huh?”I picked up the menu from the table and opened it. “It’s not like it’s too early or anything.”“I didn’t mean anything by it, Dean,” he said.“I know you didn’t, Dan,” I said still looking down at the menu.“Do you want to talk about what happened?” Dan asked as he closed his menu.The waitress came over and set down my double scotch in front of me. Dan and I ordered our meals, then she took our menus and walked away. “yes,” I answered as I took a sip.“She loves you, Dean, and I’ve known you long enough to know that you’re missing her right now.”I stare at Dean for a while.“ I guess she is missing ou right now” he saysI picked up my glass an
Dan was already sitting at the table, waiting for me when I arrived at the restaurant. I sat down as the waitress came over and smiled at me.“May I get you something to drink?” she smiled as she tilted her head.“I’ll have a double scotch.” I said without as much as a grin.Denny was glancing over the menu when he said, “A double scotch, huh?”I picked up the menu from the table and opened it. “It’s not like it’s too early or anything.”“I didn’t mean anything by it, Dean,” he said.“I know you didn’t, Dan,” I said still looking down at the menu.“Do you want to talk about what happened?” Dan asked as he closed his menu.The waitress came over and set down my double scotch in front of me. Dan and I ordered our meals, then she took our menus and walked away. “yes,” I answered as I took a sip.“She loves you, Dean, and I’ve known you long enough to know that you’re missing her right now.”I stare at Dean for a while.“ I guess she is missing ou right now” he saysI picked up my glass an
The next morning, I decided to leave the office and go to lunch at a deli that was down a couple of blocks. I pulled out my phone to check the time of my afternoon meeting as I collided with someone.We both looked at each other at the same time, and I gasped when I saw it was Steph. My heart started racing as I lightly grabbed her arm because she almost fell over.“Dean, I’m sorry; I didn’t mean…” she softly spoke as she wouldn’t even look at me.“No, it’s my fault. I should have been paying more attention,” I said.We stood in front of each other awkwardly and then she pulled away and said she had to go.“ How was the Chemo? I am really sorry that I can’t co…..” she cut me short.“I have to go now, she says and rushes away, I tried to stop her but she was in a rush.I stood there and watched her turn the corner as fast as she could. My heart felt like it was in my throat, and the pain I felt intensified even more. I missed her so much, and running into her and touching her arm only
I’m used to it. I just try to make my patients as comfortable as possible.” I leaned in closer to her and whispered, “Could you please stop being a smart ass? She’s only trying to help you.” She gave me a look and raised her hands to redo her ponytail. My eyes instantly went to her wrists as the sleeves of her sweatshirt fell back. I nearly gasped when I saw the tattoos; my name on her left wrist and the infinity sign on her right. Why the hell would she do that? I didn’t want to say anything to her about it; I wanted to wait and see if she would tell me. I got up and told Steph that I’d be right back. I walked down the hall to the restroom to catch my breath. I was speechless as to what I just saw, and I couldn’t understand why she would do that. As I was heading back to Steph, Nurse Bailey stopped me in the hallway. “Listen, Mr. Dean; Steph is going through a bunch of raw emotions right now. She’s feeling sad, anxious, depressed, and most of all, angry. She’s angry that this is h
“Good morning Dean, I hope her situation isn’t stressing you out?Her mom asked.“She isn’t and if she does, she is worth stressing me out”I said. I showered and put on my jeans and a button down shirt.When I came out of the bathroom,he parents had left. I could see her awake,I asked her if she was awake. She looked at me in a way that made me ache for her. I asked her how she was feeling, and she told me that she was ok and going to take a shower. I told her that when she was done to come downstairs, and Claire would make her breakfast. I told her I had to go to the office for a while, and I’d be home later. She said, “Ok, see ya,” in a tone that was cold and flat.I climbed down the stairs for work, her sister came to me that I should have something to eat but I only drink tea and told them I needed to leave for work.I sat back in my chair and ran my hands through my hair. What the hell was I doing? Staying with her was nice, but it was emotionally painful at the same time.I was s
I knelt down beside the bed and lightly touched her hand.“You have nothing to be sorry for; I’m the one who’s sorry. It kills me to see you in such pain,” I said as a single tear fell down my cheek. She reached up and wiped my tear with her thumb. I lightly took a hold of her wrist and looked at my name that was inked on it. I was just about to ask her about it when the nurse came in. She gave her a shot of morph**e and asked me if she could talk to me in the hallway. After a brief conversation, I walked back into the bedroom and over to the other side of the bed. I sat up with my back against the headboard and looked at Ellery as she turned on her side to face me.“Has the shot helped?” I asked her as I stroked her beautiful, blonde hair.See gave me a half smile and said it was helping. “It isn’t always going to be like this,” she said.“The first three days after chemo is the worst, her parents and sister would come from morning to night and leave and then I’m usually fortunate en
DEANIt was the best birthday that I’ve ever had. We celebrated at the beach house with about 70 close friends and family members. I made the announcement about Dean’s pregnancy, and the whole room beamed with excitement. I still couldn’t believe it myself, and every time I looked at her, she was glowing. Dean had arranged it so the party was mainly outside between the patio and the beach. It was a beautiful summer evening. When the last of the guests left, Steph turned and looked at me.“I’m exhausted,” she said as she fell into my arms.“Thank you for the wonderful party,” I said as I kissed her on top of her head.“Have I told you lately that I love you?” she smiled as she looked up at me.“You tell me every day over and over again,” I smiled back as I picked her up. I held her as she wrapped her legs around me and grinned.“I love you, and I will never let you go. We are forever, Mrs. Melile, and nothing will ever change that.” I kissed her as I carried her into the house and upst
“Baby, as much as I want to have lunch with you, I can’t.”“Why not?”“I’m with my sister Ally, and we’re going shopping. She came over, and she’s feeling a little down, so I told her shopping will lift her spirits.”“Why is she down? Is everything ok with her and Henry?” he asked.“Oh yeah, it’s just her time of the month; you know how that goes.”“Enough said, Steph. Have fun, and I’ll see you tonight. I love you.”“I love you too, Dean, bye.”Ally looked at me and started laughing. “You’re good,” she said.We arrived at the hospital, and I headed to the lab to have my blood drawn. The nurse told me that Dr. Nathan gave strict instructions to have me come upstairs to his office and wait for the results. After my blood was drawn, we stopped at the Starbucks inside the hospital and grabbed some coffee before heading up to his office. I was a nervous wreck. I felt bad for lying to Dean, but I had no choice.There was no need to worry him until I got some answers. We patiently waited in
“You never cease to amaze me, Dean Melville, and that’s why I love you so much. This song is perfect, and I couldn’t have picked anything better,” she said as one tear fell. I wiped away her tear and kissed her cheek.I wanted to get Steph out of there and to her wedding present. We said goodbye to our family and friends as we climbed in the back of the limo, and I took out a blindfold from my pocket. Steph looked at me and tilted her head.“Planning a little kinky time in the limo before we go back to the hotel?” She smiled.Steph thought we were spending the night at the Waldorf. She didn’t know what I had planned for us. She didn’t even know about the limo until I told her we had to leave.“I’m taking you somewhere special, and it’s a surprise, so you need to wear this blindfold,” I said as I put it over her eyes.“Aren’t we spending the night at the hotel?”“No, Steph, I have somewhere else in mind,” I said as my hand started traveling up her dress.“You are a very mysterious man,
“Dean,” my mom said as she walked over to me, “You look so handsome. I thought I’d never see this day,” she smiled.“I didn’t think that I would either, mom,” I said.Our mom took their seats in the front row as Henry and I headed down the aisle to take our place in front of the archway. Steph’s dad stepped outside the gates to meet Steph as her limo pulled up. Dr.Peters nodded and smiled as he and his wife sat down. I stood there next to Henry as a nervous wreck.“You’re not nervous; are you?” Henry asked.“I’m nervous as hell,” I replied.He put his hand on my shoulder. “Don’t be nervous. Steph’s the woman of your dreams, and you’re finally making her your wife. You’re one lucky man, Dean.”I nervously smiled at him. “Just wait until you’re standing in my place, waiting for Peyton to walk down the aisle.”“Good point,” he said as he cocked his head to the side.The orchestra began playing as Steph’s sister, Steph’s maid of honor, slowly walked down the aisle. I looked at Henry as a
“Are you cooking, Ashley?” I asked as I put my hands on her h*ps and kissed her.“Yes, and you’re going to eat it, whether you like it or not,” she smiled.“I’ll eat anything from you,” I winked. She hit me on the arm and turned to the oven. I grabbed a couple of glasses, filled them with wine, and set them on the table. Steph took a chicken pot pie out of the oven and set it in the middle of the table.“My mom used to make this for my dad and me. It was his favorite. I’ve kept the recipe with me all these years. I started making it for him when I was only nine years old,” she said as she sat down across from me.“You cooked dinner for your father at the age of nine?” I asked.“It was either that, or he didn’t eat. I always knew that would be the one dish he would eat.”I looked at her and shook my head. I couldn’t believe that drunken bastard would let his child cook and use the oven at the age of nine. I needed to tell her about Ashley, and I guess now’s as good as time as any. I de
“I love you so much, and I’m so happy everything turned out right today. I was so scared for you, Steph,” I said as my eyes swelled with tears.She tilted her head and wiped away the tears that were falling down my face. “I know, babe, and I’m so sorry I put you through that. But we have our whole life in front of us, and we need to set a wedding date. I can’t wait to marry you and become Mrs. Steph,” she smiled. I picked her up from the counter and held her firmly by her ass as I kissed her and carried her to the bedroom for round two.We said goodbye to Mason and Landon as they drove us to the airport. All three of them cried as we said our goodbyes. I looked at Mason and Landon seriously.“When the two of you come to California, which I know will be frequently to see Steph; you are to call me first to let me know because I’ll send the company plane to get you. I don’t want you flying commercial.”Steph smiled at me as both Landon and Mason agreed. They were such good friends to Ste
Dr. Ray sent over a script to Dr. Nathan so Steph didn’t have to wait to get her blood work done.She had lengthy conversations with Dr. Nathan during Steph’s treatment period to ensure he was fully aware of everything going on. He told us that she should have the results in about three days. We flew to N.Y the day before her results were supposed to come back. Steph wanted to spend time with Mason and Landon. She seemed to be doing fine until I woke up at 3:00 am, and she was gone.I rolled over and opened my eyes; her side of the bed was empty. I got up and searched the apartment for her. Where the hell is she? I thought as I ran my hand through my hair. I picked up my phone and dialed her number, but it went straight to voicemail. I sighed as I put on a pair of jeans and a shirt. I grabbed my shoes and got in the Porsche. I sat there with my hands on the steering wheel, trying to figure out where she’d go. It’s 3:00 am, and she’s out in Los Angeles all alone. I was pissed now, beca
She looked at me and cocked her head. “Maybe I can a little,” she said. I sighed as I stared into her eyes. “So, all this time you pretended you that you didn’t know how to skate? Why?”“Because I liked the idea of you holding me and protecting me,” she innocently answered.“Steph!” I exclaimed as I let go of her, and she smiled at me.She started skating backwards holding out her hands as I stood there. “Come on, big boy; come and get me,” she smiled as she took off around the rink. I skated after her as Ally,Steph’s Sister and Henry stood to the side and laughed. She was fast. I couldn’t believe she tricked me, but that made her more irresistible.I caught up with her and grabbed her from behind. I pushed her up against the side of the railing and kissed her passionately. We were both out of breath as our tongues tangled, and our cold lips started to warm. “You’re a very bad girl, Steph, and I think you need to be punished,” I smiled.“You’re going to punish me here, right in front
“I guess I’m just scared,” she whispered.“Don’t worry, baby. Everything is going to work out; you just wait and see,” I said right before we fell fast asleep.A couple of weeks later, I felt the emptiness on Steph’s side of the bed as I rolled over. I opened my eyes and noticed that it read 4 am on the clock. I looked around the dark room; the only shadow of light was coming from the clock. I got out of bed, put on my pajama bottoms, and walked downstairs to find Steph, sitting at her easel and painting. I walked over to her as she turned her head and looked at me.“I’m sorry, babe, I hope I didn’t wake you,” she said softly.“No, you didn’t wake me, but why aren’t you sleeping?” I asked as I slipped my arms around her shoulders.“I couldn’t sleep. I have too much on my mind, and painting always helps me clear my head.”“You need to talk to me, Steph. Please tell me what’s on your mind,” I said as I kissed the top of her head.”“It’s nothing to worry about. I’ve just been thinking ab