+Forbidden Affair-Chapters:25-30+Chapter 25 “Dylan, what the hell are you doing here?” Cheyenne questioned. “Nice to see you too, Cheyenne,” Dylan said smiling. “Like I said ‘what the hell are you doing here’?” “Codie told me where I could find you. I was hoping we could talk.” “There’s nothing to talk about.” “You told me to find you when I’m divorced and I’m now divorced.” “I was being sarcastic. You lied to me about every damn thing and I don’t want to see you again. Codie had no right to tell you where I’m staying. Don’t bother me again.” She slammed the door shut. “Ugh!” “He’s got some nerve showing up,” Reese said. “He’s probably on Delgado’s payroll,” Cheyenne said. “I wouldn’t be surprised.” She sat on the sofa between Nickolas and Brent. “So, Nick,” Bree began, “what do you do?” “I’m an artist,” Nickolas replied and he pointed to the spot above the TV where a portrait of Cheyenne was hanging. They all looked and Bree smiled. “You drew that?” Bree said. “Yep,” Nickolas said. “It was my birthday present from Cheyenne,” Brent explained. “Wow,” Bree exclaimed. “That is good.” “Thanks,” Nickolas said. “Can you do mine?” Bree asked and they laughed. “I’m being serious.” “And what would you do with it?” Reese asked. “Hong it in America’s room,” Bree replied. “I always wanted someone to draw my portrait. I will pay you however much you want.” “I’ll tell you what,” Nickolas started, “once I have my shop open you can come by and be my first customer.” “Sounds great,” Bree said. “And since you’re friend’s with Chey, your first session will be free,” Nickolas stated and Cheyenne elbowed him. “Ok your first portrait.” “Really?” “Yeah.” “Well hurry up and open that shop.” “Construction starts tomorrow.” “Great, I can’t wait.” They all laughed at her. “Is that all you do?” Reese asked. “Just art?” “I sing also,” Nickolas replied. “And his family owns the Carter Winery in Tampa,” James pointed out. “Ooh a multimillionaire,” Bree said. “Who happened to marry into the Delgado family and managed to steal Cheyenne’s heart.” Cheyenne looked at Bree, as Nickolas and Brent looked at Cheyenne. Cheyenne looked at the two guys and said, “She’s talking out her ass.” Bree looked at her and smiled. “She has no man of her own so she’ll just assume things about other people.” “Whatever,” Bree said. “So when’s your next gig?” Cheyenne asked. “Tomorrow night,” James replied. “At the Hard Rock.” “Ooh moving up,” Cheyenne said laughing. “Too bad I have to work.” “The rest of us don’t,” Bree said. “Shut up,” Cheyenne said. “Why don’t you just call off and go to the show,” Brent suggested. “It’s not like you can’t afford it.” “If I want to rebuild my house I have to work,” Cheyenne said. “What about your inheritance?” Reese asked. “I won’t get that until my 25th,” Cheyenne replied. “Gram knew what she was doing.” “How much do you get?” Lane asked. “Enough,” Cheyenne said. “The last I checked it was, like, $500 million I believe, but then with my family’s life insurance that was added on and a bunch of other things my family never told me about. And then there’s the inheritance I’ll be getting from Devon and his life insurance. But then I think I’ll just give that money to his family, perhaps his mom since he didn’t have children.” “You were his child,” Brent said. “Maybe so, but it doesn’t seem right to take it when his family could use it,” Cheyenne said. “So when I turn 25 I’ll give it to Millicent.” “That’s a very noble thing to do,” Miguel said. “Yeah,” Cheyenne agreed. “But any who…” “What about the fire insurance?” James asked. “Oh Gram was smart about that also,” Cheyenne stated. “In the will she put that in case of a fire I wouldn’t get the money until I turn 25. I guess she never trusted me.” “You were a teenager,” Brent said. “And teenagers aren’t that trustworthy.” “You’re really funny, Pongetti,” Cheyenne said slapping his leg and he smiled. “I didn’t get my trust fund until I was 21,” Nickolas said. “I didn’t even get that,” Cheyenne said. “Life ain’t fair.” “How’d you get money then?” Nickolas asked “An allowance and I started working at 16,” Cheyenne said. “’It’s called responsibility, Cheyenne,’ my father said. ‘If you can manage that then we’ll talk about your trust fund’.” She sighed. “I’ve had to work for my money ever since, but I don’t mind since I’m no different than anyone else.” “Right,” Lane said. “Bite me,” Cheyenne said and Lane smiled. “On second thought don’t.” They all laughed. “Where did your family get all their money?” Miguel asked. “I don’t know,” Cheyenne said. “They never said and I never asked. I guess I never thought it was a big deal. I really don’t think it is.” They nodded. “So who’s this Benny guy?” Bree asked. “Benny Torres,” Cheyenne said. “He’s Vinnie Delgado’s right hand man and he keeps following me.” “Why?” James asked. “Only God knows,” Cheyenne lied. “He’s been following me for the past couple months.” “You poor girl,” Reese said. “Yeah,” Cheyenne said. “I don’t understand any of it.” She sighed and got up. “I need some air.” She walked away and the others watched her walk out. Cheyenne sat outside in the sun and thought about all that was going on in her life. She was in love with a married man, he married into the mob, he was having a kid, his father-in-law was a man she despised more than anything, he didn’t want them around each other, her ex-fiancé was still in love with her, he house was torched, she was lying to her friends, and in a way she was lying to herself. God knew she was terrified of Vincent Delgado and what he could do. Telling people she wasn’t afraid made her feel better about the whole thing. She almost believed there was some truth behind it. It was better than thinking about the different ways Vincent could kill her. That was something she didn’t want to spend her time doing. And she didn’t want to spend her time being scared that Nickolas, or even herself, could get hurt or even worse. She cared about Nickolas so much and didn’t want anything to happen to him. She wanted to be with him, but didn’t want it to be at the expense of a life. “I thought I might find you here.” Cheyenne looked and grinned. “Nick.” “May I sit?” She nodded and he sat next to her. “Everything ok?” “I don’t know.” She shrugged. “I just hate lying to my friends.” “So do I.” “I just wish things didn’t have to be this way, ya know.” “Yeah.” “If there were only a way for us to be together without any one caring.” “I could file for divorce.” She looked at him. “Everyone now knows why I married Keera. I guess there really ain’t any point in staying married to her now.” “But what about your baby?” “I can still be his/her daddy.” “What about Vinnie? He’ll do anything to keep you married to his daughter.” “He can’t keep someone married to someone they don’t love.” She didn’t say anything. “Delgado can’t keep me married to Keera.” “Delgado can do whatever he wants to anyone he wants. No one can stop him from doing what he does. You defy him you’ll end up having an accident. Ugh!” She got up and Nickolas looked at her. “I don’t want that to happen to either of us. I care way too much for you to let that happen.” “Are you ending it yet again?” “No.” She sighed and looked at him. “A part of me wants to, but I can’t do it.” “Not that I’m disappointed about that, but may I ask why?” She sat next to him again and put her hand in his. She entwined their fingers and smiled. He smiled in return and kissed her hand. “Although I’m afraid of what might happen if we continue this, I don’t want to give up that feeling I get when I’m with you. It’s an amazing feeling and I never felt it with anyone before.” They looked at each other. “Not even with Brent. Can you believe that?” “Not really.” “Sounds weird doesn’t it considering we were engaged.” “Yeah.” She grinned. “But the heart does crazy things.” “Yeah.” “I’m not going to let Delgado ruin my life. I don’t love Keera and I’m not going to. He knows I only married her for the sake of the baby so I don’t understand why he wants me married to her. Neither of us are happy being married.” “But she’s in love with you and that’s all that matters to Delgado. Keera’s his baby and he’ll do anything to keep her happy.” “But I don’t love her.” “I know, Nick.” “What part don’t they understand?” “All of it.” “I believe so. I should’ve just kept my mouth shut when she said she was pregnant. I wouldn’t be in this situation right now if I didn’t think marrying her was the right thing for the baby.” She gave him a sympathetic look. He put his arms around her shoulders and she put her around his waist. She put her head on his chest and he kissed the top of her head. “So do you have any names picked out for the baby?” “Well for a girl I like Shylah Paradise and for a boy I like Dylan MacKenzie.” “What about Keera? What does she like?” “She likes Ashleigh Belle and Kyle Matthew.” “’Kyle’ huh?” “Yeah.” “Right.” She thought about what Miguel told her at dinner and wondered if their was a possibility that the baby is actually Kyle Walsh’s. “That’s odd.” “Excuse me?” She lifted her head and looked at him. “What’s odd?” “Oh, um, nothing. I was just thinking out loud.” “Ok.” She smiled and put her head back down still thinking. “If I only listened to my mom when she said I didn’t have to marry Keera. But since I’m a good guy I didn’t listen and got married anyway.” “Are you taking the whole blame?” “I guess I am.” “Well don’t. I could’ve easily told you to get lost, but I didn’t. I’m partially to blame also.” “No you’re not. I’m the one that kissed you. If I hadn’t kissed you then we wouldn’t be here today.” “So you’re saying that kiss is what attracted me to you?” He nodded. “Well it wasn’t the kiss. I was attracted to you before that kiss.” “Really?” “Mm-hmm. When I walked into that church and saw you I knew my life wasn’t going to be the same after that…and it hasn’t.” “That’s funny because I felt the same thing when I saw you.” “Interesting.” “If I offended you by that kiss then I’m sorry.” “Don’t be. The only thing I was thinking about that night was kissing you. I was glad when ya did kiss me. Well ecstatic to be exact.” She smiled and looked at him again. He smiled in return and she kissed him. “We’re not supposed to be doing this.” “I know, but I don’t care anymore.” “Then neither do I.” “Good.” She kissed him again and didn’t care who saw them. Chapter 26 “I’ll get it,” Cheyenne said, as there was a knock at the door. She got up and Nickolas watched her open the door. “Hey, man,” Brent whispered. “If ya want to keep it on the down low don’t stare.” “What does it matter any now?” Nickolas asked. “They already saw us kiss.” “That doesn’t matter any. If the wrong person found out you both will be in trouble.” “Well we’re at the point where we don’t care anymore.” Brent looked at him. “Brent, Alexis is here,” Cheyenne said letting Alexis in and closing the door. “Hey, girl, come sit down,” Brent said motioning her over and she sat between him and Nickolas where Cheyenne was sitting. Cheyenne glared at Alexis and sat at the kitchen table. “What brings you over?” “I had nothing to do,” Alexis replied. “And I heard all the noise.” “In other words she had to be nosy,” Cheyenne said to herself. “But it seems you don’t care.” She sighed and watched Alexis flirt with her ex. She tapped her fingers on the table for a few minutes while watching Alexis and then got up. She started going through the cupboards and slamming each one shut, as the others looked at her. “Hey, Chey, don’t be a stranger,” Brent said. “Come join us.” “No thanks,” Cheyenne said slamming another cupboard shut and walking to the door. “I have better things to do.” She walked out of the apartment and slammed the door shut behind her. She sighed disgustedly and went into the stairwell. That would give her more time to herself in case someone looked for her. They would take the elevator not knowing she took the stairs. What the hell was wrong with her though? Brent’s happiness meant everything to her; even if it was with the slut across the hall. As long as he was happy then she was happy. He deserved to be happy after she went and broke his heart. But why did it have to be with Alexis Valle? She went to school with people like her. She was too slutty and that wasn’t Brent’s taste. Why did he have to date anyone for that matter? Why couldn’t he just stay single for the rest of his life? Why did it matter to her anyway? She had Nickolas so Brent could have someone too. She didn’t want him to have anyone though. But why? She knew she didn’t want to be with him anymore. She still loved him, but he’s her past now. She had no idea what was going on with her. All she knew was that being with Nickolas felt right and seeing Brent with other women pissed her off. She opened the door to the roof, as she heard, “Cheyenne.” She looked and saw Brent climbing the stairs towards her. She sighed and went out on the roof. Brent followed behind her and followed her to the edge. She didn’t even look at him and he asked, “Do you want to tell me what that was all about in there.” She looked at him, but didn’t say anything. “I know it has to do with Alexis so what is it?” She shook her head. “Cheyenne, don’t hold things inside. If you have something to say just say it.” She continued looking at him and he sighed. “Fine,” Cheyenne said. “I don’t like Alexis.” She walked from Brent and he watched her. “Why not?” “Because I don’t.” “There has to be a better reason.” “So what if there is, it doesn’t matter any.” “Of course it matters. Everything matters.” She shook her head and he stood in front of her. He took her face in his hands and made her look at him. “What is going on with you, Cheyenne? Why are you acting like this? Why does it bother you if I date Alexis or anyone else? We’re not together anymore and you have Nick.” “I know.” “So what then? Why are you acting like no one’s good enough?” “Because no one is…I don’t know.” She sighed. “It’s not that they’re not good enough, Brent, it’s just that…” She sighed again and walked away from him. “What?” She looked at him. “You’re jealous of the fact that I’m into someone and it’s not you.” “I am not jealous.” “Yes you are.” “Why the hell would I be jealous of some fake breasted tramp that has to rub it in my face the first chance she gets that you two are dating?” “Yes we are and it’s none of your damn business.” “None of my business? Is that why you didn’t tell me, because it’s none of my business? Nick and I was none of your business, but I told you anyway! I told you anyway, because I thought it was the right thing to do, as your ex and as your friend!” “I was better off not knowing about you and my best friend!” “And I was better off not knowing you were screwing your damn slutty neighbor!” “I can’t believe how jealous you are.” “I am not jealous for the last time.” “Bullshit; if you weren’t jealous you wouldn’t be acting this way.” “And what way is that?” “All bitchy and pissy ass.” She shook her head and walked over to the edge. “You’ve known me since I was 16 and I’ve never gotten jealous a day in my life.” “Until now.” She sighed disgustedly while shaking her head. “Just because I don’t like your new girlfriend doesn’t mean I’m jealous of her. I have a lot more to worry about than be jealous of some girl I don’t know.” “But you are jealous of her.” “No I’m not. I just hate her.” “What’s to hate about Alexis?” “You don’t understand and you won’t.” He shook his head. “We’re not together anymore, Chey, and you made sure of that. You also made sure that we don’t get back together.” “How did I do that?” “By getting with Nick.” She turned slightly to look at him. “You don’t want me back because I slept with Nick? You’re going to forget those five years we shared and hold it against me for sleeping with your best friend?” He just looked at her. “You are. I can’t believe you, Brent. Why hold it against me for sleeping with Nick when Frank slept with your sister? That there is the worst thing a friend can do.” Brent didn’t say anything and sighed, knowing she was right. “Ya want to hold it against me then go ahead. You want to date that tramp downstairs then go right ahead. I ain’t going to stop you and I can’t. Just don’t expect me to be around.” She walked away and he looked at her. “I don’t understand why it bothers you who the hell I date! We’re not together anymore!” She spun around.
“Just leave me go.” She pulled her arm away. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“I’m glad you did.”
“But it’s just going to make things more complicated between us; all of us.”
“So you’re just going to walk away then and act like ya didn’t say it.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because it’ll be easier.”
“For who? You?”
“All of us.” He sighed.
“Knowing you still feel the same way I feel about you isn’t going to be any easier.” She looked at him. “At least not for me anyway. It hasn’t been easy for me since we broke up. Do you know why that is?”
“No, but I have a feeling you’re going to tell me anyway so go for it.”
“Because I can’t stop loving you no matter what. Seeing you with Nick or anyone else doesn’t help. Being with other women doesn’t help. I’m never going to stop loving you.”
“And I ain’t going to stop loving you either, but we both know what we had together is in the past and it should stay there.”
“Why should it? We were great together.”
“Yes we were, but not anymore. Things changed since we were together, Brent; we’ve changed. Things will never be the same between us if we get back together…despite how much we love each other. You know I’m right, Brent.”
“But I still want to be with you.” She shook her head. “Why not? We can make it work.”
“Don’t do this, Brent, you’re just going to make things worse and neither of us want that.”
“I don’t want to make things worse.”
“So don’t. Just respect my decision, please.” They just stood there a few moments, neither saying a word. Neither knew what to say so not to upset the other. What could be said? Both knew how the other felt, it was no secret now. They knew nothing was going to be the same between them. The only thing they could really do was just walk away and forget everything. But they also knew that wasn’t the answer.
“You don’t want me anymore so why does it bother you if I’m out there dating again?” She looked at him and sat down.
“I’m afraid.”
“Afraid of what?”
“Losing you.”
“What are you talking about?” He sat in front of her. “I ain’t going anywhere.” She just looked at him. “You don’t want me to date, because you’re afraid of losing me.”
“Yes; you, Codie, Bree, and Reese are all I have left and I’m just afraid.” She wiped the tears from her eyes.
“You’re not going to lose me by my dating.”
“How do you know? You could meet someone who doesn’t like me and have you choose and you choose her and…”
“That’s not going to happen, because I won’t let it. If she did make me choose I’d choose you anyway.”
“I’m flattered.”
“Good, because it’s the truth.” She grinned. “Is that why you don’t like Alexis? You’re afraid you’ll lose me to her?” She nodded. “You’re not going to. Alexis knows how much you mean to me. She ain’t going to make me choose; even if we do get serious.” She didn’t say anything. “You have Nick in your life now too and you have Lane and James also along with Miguel.”
“I know, but you and Codie and Bree and Reese are my family now and I don’t want to lose any of you.”
“And you’re not going to. You have to stop being afraid.”
“I’ve been afraid since I was 16. Everyone I love dies and that’s enough to scare a person.”
“I’m still alive.”
“For now.”
“For a long time yet. I don’t plan on going anywhere.” She wiped her eyes. “You can ask Alexis if she’s going to take me away. I guarantee you the answer is no.”
“Could you just not date instead?” He chuckled. “I’m being serious. I don’t want you to.”
“You don’t want me for myself, but you don’t want anyone else to have me.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because it hurts too much.”
“What does?”
“Actually knowing you’re out there dating again, knowing it was a possibility was ok, but now that I know you actually are and seeing her is just…it literally kills me. It’s, like, a stab in the heart, because I still love you.” He sighed.
“Now you know how I’ve been feeling since finding out about you and Nick.” She looked at him. “It felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest and there wasn’t anything I could do to stop it. All I could do was stand there and let it happen. It’s the same thing whenever I see you two together. It kills me knowing I can’t do anything about it, because I want you happy.”
“I want you happy too, but I don’t want you to date. I don’t want to feel this way. I hate this feeling.”
“Join the club.” They sighed at the same time.
“Why does love have to be this way?”
“I don’t know and no one will probably ever know. It’s one of those great mysteries like why is the earth round.”
“Yeah.”
“Even if someone did have an explanation I wouldn’t want to know, because then love wouldn’t be interesting anymore.”
“I guess so.” They just sat there a few minutes in silence and Brent moved and sat beside her. “If love is such a great and wonderful thing then why does it hurt so much?”
“I don’t know and that’s kind of like your first question.”
“Right.”
“If it doesn’t hurt then it’s not love. I guess it’s like a test.” She nodded. “If ya get hurt then ya pass.”
“Did we pass?”
“I hope so. If not then what were those five years together for?”
“My security after my family died.”
“I was more than happy to be there for you and I’m more than happy to be here for ya now.” She looked at him and smiled.
“Thank you.” She hugged him.
“You’re welcome.” They just held on to each other.
“So now what?”
“I don’t know. I guess we just be friends for now and hope things don’t get weird and see where life takes us.”
“I just hope you’re included.”
“I am.”
“Good.”
“Why don’t we go back downstairs? There are two gay guys in my place and they just might decide to clean up.”
“That’s so not you.” They laughed and she left him go. “Let me fix my shoe and we can go.” Brent nodded, as she leaned over and something grazed her neck. “Ow!” She put her hand on the back of her neck, as Brent grabbed her arm. She looked at him just as he fell forward.
“Brent?” Cheyenne barely whispered, as she looked at him. At first she didn’t know what to think until she saw the blood coming from his neck. She quickly knelt beside him and put her hands on the wound. “Brent, can you hear me? Look at me please. Brent!” She looked around in hopes of seeing someone, but no such luck.
“Chey,” Brent whispered and she looked at him again.
“Shh, don’t talk. I’m going to get help.” She looked at him and then keeping one hand on his neck she searched for his cell. “Do you have your cell?”
“No.” She looked at him again.
“Now is not the time not to have your cell on you, Brent.” She wiped her eyes with a blood covered hand. “I have to get help, but I can’t leave you here alone.”
“Go.”
“No! I ain’t leaving you alone.” He just looked at her and then closed his eyes. “Brent, open those eyes!” His eyes stayed closed and she gave a disgusted sigh. “Somebody help! Please! Somebody! Anybody! Brent, please don’t leave me. You promised me.” She sat there a few minutes crying with no one coming to help. “I have to do this myself.” She took off her shirt and then Brent’s belt. She put her shirt over the wound and then tied the belt around his neck to hold the shirt there. “I’ll be right back with help. I promise.” She kissed his forehead and then got up and ran inside. She ran down the stairs, as fast as she could and to the first floor she came upon. She pounded on all the doors until someone opened.
“May I help you?” Cheyenne looked. “Cheyenne.”
“Dr. Lopez,” Cheyenne said. “My friend’s been shot on the roof. I need to call an ambulance.”
“Mother, call 9-1-1.” Dr. Lopez grabbed his medical bag. “Take me to him.” Cheyenne ran back up the stairs with Dr. Lopez behind her.
“He’s over here.” She led him over to Brent and knelt beside him. “We were just sitting here and he was shot.”
“Did you do this?” He looked under the bloody shirt at the wound.
“Was that wrong?”
“No; it was good thinking.”
“What can I do to help?” He took his jacket off and handed it to her.
“Put this on and go wait for the ambulance.”
“No, I’m staying with Brent.”
“You’re no good here so go wait for the ambulance.”
“I can help, but I ain’t leaving Brent.”
“Cheyenne, listen to me, you can help Brent better by going and meeting the ambulance.” She just looked at him. “Go. I know what I’m doing.” She just sat there and looked at him. “Go now!” She waited a second then got up and ran back inside. She ran down to the 10th floor; to Brent’s apartment.
She threw open the door and said, “Brent’s been shot! He’s on the roof!” They all looked, as she ran out. She ran over to the elevator and stood there a second waiting before going back into the stairwell. She ran all the way down to the lobby and outside. She stood there a couple minutes alone before joined by Bree and Reese.
“What happened?” Bree asked.
“I don’t know,” Cheyenne replied. “I felt something graze the back of my neck and then Brent’s falling over. I-I-I don’t know what happened.”
“Why don’t you go up to the roof and we’ll wait for the ambulance,” Reese said. “He needs you with him and not here waiting.” She just stood there and they looked at her. “Bree, take Chey up to Brent.”
“C’mon, Chey,” Bree said taking her arm. “Reese can bring the EMT’s up to the roof. You need to be with Brent.” Cheyenne didn’t say anything and Bree watched the tears go down her cheeks, as they walked to the elevator. “He’ll be ok, Chey. He’s a very strong person.” Cheyenne didn’t say anything and they went up to the 15th floor and then took the stairs to the roof.
“Where’s the ambulance?” Dr. Lopez questioned.
“Reese is waiting downstairs,” Bree replied, as Cheyenne knelt beside Brent and pushing Alexis out of the way.
“Cheyenne,” Brent whispered.
“I’m here,” Cheyenne said taking his hand and Alexis looked at them. “I’m right here.”
“Brent, try not to talk,” Dr. Lopez stated.
“Is he going to be ok?” Nickolas asked.
“It’s hard to say,” Dr. Lopez began, “the bullets still in his neck and from the amount of blood it’s pretty clear it hit an artery.”
“Oh, God, please let him live,” Cheyenne begged.
“Chey—“ Brent said.
“Shh, don’t talk,” Cheyenne said. “I’m still here and ain’t going anywhere.”
“Where the hell’s the ambulance?” Dr. Lopez demanded. “When it’s not life threatening they’re there right away.”
“Over here!” Lane yelled and they looked to see the EMT’s.
“What do we got?” the EMT asked.
“Single shot to the neck,” Dr. Lopez replied. “No exit wound, but an artery was hit. His vitals are weak and he’s in and out of consciousness. I need to get him into surgery stat.”
“He’s going to be ok, right?” Cheyenne asked.
“You’re going to have to step back,” the EMT said.
“No,” Cheyenne said. “I’m staying right here.”
“Chey, c’mon,” Lane said pulling her back. “Let them do their job.” She looked at him and hugged him.
“He has to be ok, Lane,” Cheyenne said. “He promised he wasn’t going anywhere.”
“And he’s not,” Lane said.
“I’m Officer Jones,” a guy said. “Who found him?”
“I was with him,” Cheyenne said.
“Ok let’s get him out of here,” The EMT said.
“I need to ask you some questions,” Officer Jones said.
“Well ya have to wait,” Cheyenne said. “I’m going with Brent.”
“Ya can’t leave a crime scene, ma’am,” Officer Jones said, as Cheyenne ran over to the stairs. “Did anyone else see anything?”
“The rest of us were downstairs,” Lane replied. “We didn’t know anything was wrong until Cheyenne came in and said.”
“So she’s the only witness?” Officer Jones asked.
“Apparently so,” Miguel said.
“What’s her name?” Officer Jones asked.
“Cheyenne Corinthos,” Lane replied.
“Age?”
“Twenty-two.”
“Address?”
“She’s staying with Brent at his place which is on the 10th floor…room 10F.”
“Of this building?”
“Duh.”
“Where does she work?”
“She’s a bartender’s at Tyke’s. What does this have to do with your investigation?”
“It’s for the report.”
“Then shouldn’t you get the victim’s name?”
“I was getting to that.” Lane just looked at him. “What’s the victim’s name?”
“Brent Pongetti, 23, 10th floor, room 10F, and works at Buddy’s garage.” Jones wrote down all the information and looked at Lane and Miguel. “May we go to the hospital to be with out friend now?”
“Yes; I’ll be in contact and keep Miss Williamson at the hospital.”
“I don’t think she’ll be going anywhere.” Lane and Miguel walked away. “He’s pretty stupid for a cop.”
“Yeah,” Miguel agreed, as they went inside.
“Everything looks good, Miss Corinthos,” the nurse said. “The most you should have is a slight scar if even that.”
“So I can go then?” Cheyenne asked. “I have to go see Brent.”
“Yes you may go.”
“Good.” Cheyenne got off the bed.
“You have some release forms to fill out first.”
“I have to see Brent.”
“If you wait here I’ll be right back with them.”
“But I have to see Brent, he needs me.”
“It’ll only take five minutes. I’ll be right back.”
“But you don’t understand. He was shot and needs me.”
“Your friend is in surgery.”
“I have to see him.”
“Just wait right here and I’ll be back.” The nurse didn’t give Cheyenne time to protest and walked out. Cheyenne paced back and forth for a moment before the divider curtain was pulled back. She looked and saw Nickolas standing there.
They looked at each other a moment then Cheyenne asked, “How’s Brent?”
“Still in surgery,” Nickolas replied.
“How long has it been?”
“A little over an hour.” She just looked at him. “I’m sure everything’s fine though.”
“Right.”
“What happened, Chey?” She sighed and sat on the bed.
“I don’t know. We were sitting there, I leaned over to fix my shoe, I felt something graze my neck, and the next thing I know Brent’s falling forward and blood’s pouring from his neck. We were just sitting there, Nick. I don’t know what happened.” New tears filled her eyes and Nickolas sat next to her. He embraced her and left her cry into his chest.
“It was probably just an accident.”
“Was it an accident, Nick? Or was it on purpose?” They looked at each other.
“Of course it was an accident.”
“I don’t think it was.”
“Why not?”
“The bullet hit me first then Brent.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying Vinnie Delgado.”
“What?”
“He doesn’t want us together.”
“And he’s not going to betray his best friend by killing you.”
“You don’t know Vinnie.”
“And neither do you.” She just looked at him. “Someone was probably just cleaning their gun on the roof and forgot to unload it.”
“You believe that?”
“Yes.”
“Well I don’t.”
“Well it’s better than thinking someone tried to kill you.”
“Brent’s your best friend.”
“Yes he is.”
“So how can you be so calm? I haven’t seen you shed one tear yet.”
“Well it takes me awhile. I’m sorry I ain’t as emotional as you women are.”
“No you’re just a heartless bastard who doesn’t care his best friend is on an operating table fighting for his life. Just as long as you’re not the victim you don’t care.”
“I do care.”
“If you cared then you’d understand my decision to think that this is more than just an accident.”
“Why must you think the worst right away?”
“You weren’t on the roof when it happened! Neither of us heard anything! If it was an accident then we would’ve heard the shot.”
“So you’re saying they used a silencer?”
“Yes.” Nickolas just looked at her. “I’ve been thinking about this for the past hour and I’m pretty sure this was a hit on me.”
“From Delgado?” She nodded. “But it makes no sense.”
“It makes perfect sense; you and I are still seeing each other and hurting Keera. So why not get rid of me so you can be a devoted father and husband.”
“But he’ll just be betraying his best friend like I said.”
“So he claims he and Antonio were best friends. He’ll say anything to get you to trust him.”
“He was pretty sincere about it.”
“So you believe him?” Nickolas just looked at her. “It was Delgado and I’m positive of it.”
“You’re just upset.”
“Upset? I am angry, Nickolas. I am angry because Brent was shot and it’s all your fault.”
“My fault?”
“Yes.” She walked out of the room and to the waiting room where the others were waiting. Nickolas grabbed her arm and she looked at him.
“How is this my fault? I didn’t do anything.”
“Try not staying away from me when I told you to.”
“Excuse me, but you couldn’t stay away from me after you told me to stay away from you.”
“That’s different.”
“How so?”
“Because it just is.” Nickolas shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Don’t even do that. I told you to stay away and you wouldn’t and look where Brent is.”
“Ugh! Why are you putting the blame on me? You’re as much to blame as I am for Brent being shot.” She looked at him as the others looked at them.
“But it wasn’t meant for Brent, it was meant for m. If I hadn’t moved I would be the one lying on that operating table and not Brent, but I did move. I moved and the bullet got Brent instead. If we hadn’t met then this wouldn’t be happening. We could all be at home enjoying the evening, but instead we’re sitting here worrying about Brent. If he doesn’t make it I swear I’ll never be able to forgive you.”
“Chey, it’s going to…” She just ignored him and walked away, as the others looked them.
“I thought you could use this,” Bree said handing Cheyenne a cup. Cheyenne just looked at her then looked back out the window. “Ok then maybe later.”
“Are Brent’s parents here yet?” Cheyenne asked.
“No.” Bree sat next to her. “There’s a lightening storm in Chicago and no one’s allowed in or out. They’re going to take the first plane out though, but they’re glad you and Nick are here.”
“They should be here.”
“And they will when they can be.”
“This shouldn’t be happening to Brent. It should be me on that operating table instead.”
“Neither of you should be.”
“It’s my fault be was shot.”
“No it wasn’t.”
“Yes it was.”
“How so?” Cheyenne looked at her a moment then back out the window again. “Cheyenne, all ya did was move. It was an accident.”
“Believe that if ya want, because I don’t.”
“Why not?”
“Forget it.” She sighed and looked around the room. “What the hell is he doing here?” Bree looked, as Cheyenne got up, and saw Vincent. Cheyenne walked over to him and they looked at each other. “You’re not welcome here.”
“I brought Keera to be with her husband,” Vincent said.
“No, you come to check up,” Cheyenne stated. “Ya didn’t get your target so ya have to see what went wrong.”
“What do you mean ‘my target’?”
“Don’t play stupid with me. You put a hit on me, but you missed. Did you come to finish the job? Well I’m right here and an easy target so do it.” She opened her arms and he just looked at her. “Do it, Delgado, I’m right here. Ya missed me on the roof so now’s your chance to get it right.” He just looked at her. “Do it!” Everyone in the waiting room looked at them. “I ain’t going anywhere so what’s stopping ya? Ya have your shot so do it. Ya just have to make it the head or heart to make sure I’m dead. I am in the hospital so I can be saved if ya don’t do it right.”
“Chey, what are you doing?” Codie asked.
“Go away, Codie,” Cheyenne demanded. “This is between me and him. What’s stopping you, Delgado? This is a perfect shot.”
“I do not want to hurt you, Cheyenne,” Vincent said.
“What a crock of shit,” Cheyenne said the anger burning inside her. “I know you want to do it so what the hell’s stopping you? What’s so important to you that you can’t kill me?”
“You know what it is.”
“Really? Well I know it ain’t Keera’s happiness with Nick, because that would require killing me to keep me out of the picture. So what is it, Vincent? Money? Someone paying you a hefty amount not to kill me? Did Nick plead and bargain with you? Ya feel guilty about what you did to my parents that you can’t betray my father again by killing me? What is it Delgado? What’s your reason?”
“Antonio.” She looked at him. “If Antonio wasn’t my best friend I probably would’ve had you eliminated months ago. Then again maybe not because I like you; not just because you’re Antonio’s daughter.”
“Spare me. I don’t want to hear it. You want me dead and the only thing on your mind is how I’m going to have an accident.”
“Shooting people on rooftops is not my style and you know that. I understand you need someone to blame and I don’t mind it’s me, but I won’t admit to something I had no part of.” Cheyenne just looked at him. “I brought my daughter to be with her husband and not to see what went wrong.”
“Well someone tried killing me today and Brent is fighting for his life, because of it. If it wasn’t you then it’s someone that’s associated with you.”
“And I’ll find out who it was.”
“I don’t want your help. I’ll find out who it was just like I’ll find out who torched my house.”
“I have that under control.”
“Then who was it?”
“They covered their tracks very well, but I believe I’ll soon uncover it. Whoever torched your house is most likely the same person that shot at you. You solve one you solve the other and I always do.” Keera looked at them. “I promised your father I’d look out for you and I am.” She looked at him and then walked away and over to the guys.
“Keep him away from me,” Cheyenne said.
“That won’t be a problem,” Codie said hugging her.
“I have to make a phone call,” Keera said and Reese and Bree looked at her. “I’ll be right back.”
“Yeah,” Nickolas said, as Keera kissed him.
“I’ll only be a couple minutes,” Keera said, as Nickolas nodded and she walked away with Bree and Reese watching her.
“Excuse me,” Bree said excusing herself. She walked away and Bree followed her. Bree followed Keera to the payphones and hid behind the wall.
“What are you doing?” Reese whispered and Bree jumped.
“Damn it, Reese,” Bree said slapping his arm.
“Sorry, but what are you doing?”
“Spying; I don’t trust that tramp.”
“Me either.” She looked at him. “Did you see the way she looked when Delgado said he’ll find out who did this?”
“Yeah I know, it’s like she was guilty of something.”
Reese nodded and they heard Keera, “Hey, it’s me.”
“Shh,” Bree said, as they looked at Keera.
“I’m at the hospital,” Keera said into the phone. “You screwed up…you got the wrong one…I don’t tolerate screw ups…this is the second time you missed…I don’t care…just because they were friends doesn’t mean anything…I want her eliminated…as soon as possible…I don’t care how it’s done just get it done.” She hung up the phone and Bree and Reese looked at each other.
“Dr. Lopez,” Cheyenne said. “How’s Brent?”
“He was a good sport,” Dr. Lopez said. “I was able to stop the bleeding, repair the artery, and got the bullet out.”
“But he’s going to be fine, right?” Nickolas asked.
“We’ll know for sure in a couple days,” Dr. Lopez replied. “The next 48 hours are critical.”
“But it looks good, right?” Cheyenne questioned.
“I don’t want to get your hopes up so I’m not going to say for sure,” Dr. Lopez stated.
“That ain’t good enough,” Cheyenne said.
“It’s the best I can do, Cheyenne,” Dr. Lopez said. “I can tell you more in a couple days.” She gave a disgusted sigh. “You can see him in a few minutes; two at a time, but only for five minutes and no longer. He’s still critical and I don’t want the excitement to get to him.”
“We understand, Doctor,” Reese said.
“I wish I had better news for ya,” Dr. Lopez said. “You’ll just have to pray.” His beeper went off and he looked at it. “If there are no more questions I have other patients. I’ll be back to check on him.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” Nickolas said and they just stood there a few minutes in silence thinking about what the doctor said.
“At least he’s alive,” Keera said and they looked at her.
“But he’s in critical condition,” Cheyenne rebutted. “Or did you miss that part?” Keera looked at her. “Why are you here anyway? Brent means nothing to you.”
“But he means something to Nick,” Keera started, “and I’m here for Nickolas since he’s my husband after all.”
“Because of the baby and nothing more,” Cheyenne said.
“And you believe it?” Keera said.
“Don’t start,” Nickolas warned Keera. “You didn’t have to come anyway.”
“I wanted to make sure you were ok,” Keera replied.
“Spare me,” Cheyenne said.
“I’m fine,” Nickolas said.
“You just wanted to keep Nick away from me,” Cheyenne stated.
“Will you stop picking fights with a pregnant lady?” Codie requested and Cheyenne looked at him.
“The kid’s probably not even Nick’s,” Cheyenne said and they all looked at her.
“I can take you to see Mr. Pongetti now,” the nurse said. “Two at a time though.” Cheyenne looked at Nickolas.
“Go ahead,” Nickolas said. “You go first.”
“We go first,” Cheyenne said taking his hand and he just looked at her. “C’mon, he’s your best friend.” Nickolas hesitated a moment, as Keera looked at him. Cheyenne looked at Vincent, not for approval, but for self power.
“Ok,” Nickolas said, as Cheyenne gave a little grin and they started walking behind the nurse.
“In there,” the nurse said. “You’re only allowed five minutes for now.” They nodded. “It’ll help if you talk to him. If he hears your voice he might find his way back to you.” They nodded again. “I’ll leave you alone.”
The nurse walked away and Cheyenne looked at Nickolas. She took a deep breath and he led her into the room. They slowly walked over to the bed and looked at Brent. They just stood there in silence a couple minutes and just stared at him. Neither knew what to say nor what to think. They didn’t even know what to do. All they knew was that they were to blame for what happened to their friend; not anyone else.
Cheyenne took Brent’s hand in her own and said, “I’m sorry, B. I didn’t mean for this to happen to you. I didn’t think it would happen.” Nickolas looked at her. “I promise I’ll find out who it was though. It’s the least I can do for putting you here.”
“No,” Nickolas said. “It’s the least we can do.” Cheyenne looked at him. “I’m as much to blame for what happened. We owe it to you.”
“Please get better, Brent. You promised you wouldn’t leave me and I’m holding you to that promise so you can’t break it. You break it and I swear I’ll find a way to make you sorry.”
“I’d believe her if I were you. She’s already pissed off so I wouldn’t piss her off anymore.” Cheyenne grinned and Nickolas rubbed her shoulders. “He’s going to be fine.”
“I hope so.”
“He will be so don’t worry about anything. He has coming back to you to look forward to.”
“Is that enough?”
“Of course it is. If I was lying there instead of Brent all I would be able to think about would be coming back to you. I’m positive that would get me on the road to recovery.” She looked at him and sighed. “Cheyenne, you have nothing to worry about.”
“Aren’t you worried?”
“Yes I’m worried, but Brent’s a strong guy and he’s going to get through this. He has all of us here pulling for him. I can’t see anything great than being surrounded by your loved ones and we all love Brent.”
“I can’t lose anyone else, Nick. I just lost Devon and I can’t lose anyone else in my life.” She started crying all over again and Nickolas hugged her.
“You’re not going to.”
“Who would do this, Nick? Who’d want to kill me?”
“I don’t know, but we’ll find out who it was.”
“Keera,” Bree replied and they looked to see her and Reese.
“Excuse me,” Nickolas said, as he and Cheyenne just looked at Bree and Reese.
“Well it’s just a guess,” Bree replied.
“Maybe we should go somewhere else,” Reese suggested. “Have some respect for Brent.”
“Um, ok,” Cheyenne said. She left go of Brent’s hand and her and Nickolas walked out. They followed Bree and Reese to the waiting room and to a corner. “So what’s going on?”
“We don’t trust Keera,” Reese stated.
“Why not?” Nickolas asked. “She never gave me a reason not to trust her.”
“It’s the way she looked at Delgado when he said he’ll find out what happened,” Bree replied.
“And how was that?” Cheyenne asked.
“Fright and guilt,” Bree pointed out.
“Well Delgado’s her father so she knows how he is,” Nickolas stated. “I’d probably be a little frightened too if he was my father.”
“It wasn’t that kind of fright,” Reese said. “It was the ‘oh-my-God-what’s-he-going-to-do-to-me-if-he-finds-out’ kind of fright.” Cheyenne and Nickolas looked at them.
“It doesn’t mean anything,” Cheyenne said. “I may not like her, but I don’t think she’s capable of putting out a hit.” They just looked at her. “What?”
“I wouldn’t hold onto that statement,” Reese said.
“Why not?” Nickolas asked. “Keera is a little flaky.”
“Is she?” Reese asked. “Or is it just a front?”
“What’s going on?” Cheyenne questioned.
“We heard Keera on the phone,” Bree answered.
“I’m not surprised,” Nickolas said. “She lives on the phone talking to friends, family, ordering stuff, and shit like that. It’s no big deal.”
“But I highly doubt when you’re around she uses the phone to make calls to a hit man,” Bree stated and they just looked at her.
“What are you talking about?” Cheyenne asked.
“We heard her talking and she was saying something to the person about screwing up and missing the wrong one,” Bree replied. “And it being the second time. By her voice I highly doubt she was talking about baby needs.” Cheyenne and Nickolas just looked at them not exactly sure what to say. “Then again we could’ve just blown the whole thing out of proportion and got the wrong thing out of it. I was a little miserable when I was pregnant. It could be nothing.”
“But I’m certain we didn’t,” Reese said. “Especially when she said, and I quote her, ‘I want her eliminated’.” Cheyenne looked at Nickolas.
“Want who eliminated?” Nickolas asked and looked at Cheyenne.
“My guess is Chey,” Bree replied and Reese nodded in agreement.
“Chey’s no threat to Keera,” Nickolas stated. “Our marriage is a lie and it’s only because of the baby.”
“Well she most likely thinks it’s more,” Bree stated.
“But it’s not,” Nickolas assured them. “We don’t even share the same bedroom and she sleeps down the hall. She has no reason to want Chey killed; we’re just friends.” Cheyenne looked at him again and he looked at her. “It’s crazy. The whole thought of Keera putting a hit on someone is crazy in so many ways.”
“But it is possible,” Bree said. “Just because you think you know someone might mean you don’t know them at all. Her father is Vinnie Delgado after all.”
“Well it’s just crazy,” Nickolas said and he walked away. He didn’t want to believe that someone he thought he got to know in the past few months could be capable of something so hideous. Keera might be a bitch in many ways, but he never thought for a moment she’d put a hit on someone’s life. Especially put a hit on the woman he’s come to love in the past few months. It was hard for him to take in that information and digest it. He didn’t want to digest it. He didn’t want to think about someone trying to hurt Cheyenne. She didn’t do anything to have a hit put out on her.
“Hey,” Cheyenne said putting her hand on Nickolas’ arm and he turned around. “You ok?” He nodded.
“Yeah.” He grinned.
“No you’re not. What’s wrong?”
“I’m just having a hard time believing Bree and Reese about Keera.”
“Bree’s never lied to me and Reese is an honest stand up guy and has never lied a day in his life…minus his sexual preference.” Nickolas grinned.
“So you believe them then?”
“I never had a reason not to and I hope you feel the same one day.” He sighed and hugged her. “If you can trust Vinnie then can you trust Bree and Reese?”
“It’s not that I don’t want to believe them, it’s just that I don’t want to think about someone trying to hurt you.” She grinned.
“That’s sweet…I think.”
“It’s just that I finally found something that makes me feel complete and I don’t want to lose you.”
“Are you trying to make me cry again?”
“Of course not. I just don’t know if I can deal with anymore shit in my life right now. I mean I’m going to be a father anytime now, I’m married because of it, I’m in love with a wonderful woman whom I can’t be with the right way, and my best friend is fighting for his life right now.”
“Yeah.” She thought about the whole love comment and sighed. “It is a lot to deal with.” Especially love, she thought.
“I don’t know how it’s going to turn out in the end.”
“We shouldn’t even think about that now. We should concentrate on Brent right now.”
“Yeah.”
“He’s the important thing right now and nothing else.”
“If someone’s trying to hurt you then that’s important also.” She looked at him.
“Ya know, after seeing Brent lying on that bed so helpless made me realize that whoever is, or might be, after me seem so small. I ain’t worried about that now, because Brent’s recovery is more important to me than my own life.”
“How can you say that?”
“Because I don’t want to lose anyone else that I hold dear to me and love more than anything. I just lost Devon a couple months ago and I don’t want to lose Brent. He was there for me when I lost my family and I just…I just can’t lose him.”
“And you’re not going to.” He hugged her again. “I know how much you two mean to each other.”
“You have no idea what we mean to each other, Nick.”
“From Brent’s impression I think I have a general idea.” Cheyenne started crying again and Nickolas just held onto her, as Keera watched them closely.
“Any change?” Nickolas asked getting a chair and sitting next to Cheyenne at Brent’s side.
“No,” Cheyenne said.
“You’ve been here for a week. I think it’s time you went home and got a shower and ate and got some sleep.”
“I have no reason to go back to that apartment. Brent’s right here and here is where I shall stay.”
“You have to get some sleep.”
“I do sleep.” He put his arms around her waist and put his chin on her shoulder.
“For, like, fifteen minutes every ten hours and then you’re awake and just sitting here watching Brent.”
“I need to be here when he wakes up.”
“And you need to sleep. You’re wearing yourself out and that’s not good. You’re going to end up in this place next and I’ll be worried about the both of you. I don’t want to have to do that. I am going to be a father soon, ya know. I don’t want to have two people to worry about while trying to take care of a newborn.”
“He needs me here. If he’s going to break his promise and leave me then I want to be here when he does.”
“He’s not going anywhere; he’s just resting.” Cheyenne looked at him and he kissed her.
“Could you not do that on my time?” Brent requested and they looked at him.
“Brent,” Cheyenne said smiling. “You’re awake.” She got up and leaned over him, as she took his face in her hands. “Nick, go get the doctor.”
“Sure thing,” Nickolas said getting up and walking out.
“I’m so glad you’re awake,” Cheyenne said.
“Are ya sure?” Brent asked. “You seemed pretty cozy with Nick.” They both chuckled. “Oh.”
“You ok?”
“For being shot, yeah.” She grinned and kissed him.
“I was so worried.”
“Over nothing.” He gave a little smile.
“Mr. Pongetti, I hear you’re awake,” Dr. Lopez said and they looked. “How are you feeling?”
“How do ya think?” Brent asked in return and they all smiled.
I’m glad to see you’re awake. I was quite worried actually.” He checked Brent’s eyes. “Do you feel dizzy at all?”
“No.”
“Any headaches?”
“Nope.”
Can you move your toes for me?” Brent did as Dr. Lopez requested and they all smiled. “Good.” He wrote in his chart.
Is that a good sign?” Cheyenne asked.
“A very good sign,” Dr. Lopez replied, as he finished up his exam.
“How does it look?” Nickolas asked.
“I’ll say 50/50,” Dr. Lopez replied. “Just because he’s awake his condition can always reverse.”
“But that doesn’t happen a lot,” Cheyenne said. “Does it?”
“It depends on how serious the condition is,” Dr. Lopez answered. “Brent’s condition was very serious, but his vitals are remarkable. I want to tell you that you’ll make a full recovery, but I don’t want to jinx ya.”
“Can I go home now?” Brent asked and Dr. Lopez chuckled.
“Not any time soon,” Dr. Lopez said. “I still have a series of tests to do and there is a risk of paralysis.” Brent just looked at him and then at Cheyenne. “The bullet nicked a nerve in your neck. I’ve been keeping an eye on it the past week and it’s been fine, but since you’re awake now ya have to be careful with your movements. We have to keep ya here for a few more weeks for observation.”
“I understand,” Brent assured him.
“Then I’m staying here with him,” Cheyenne said.
“Not you’re not,” Brent said. “You’re going to go home.”
“And get some sleep,” Nickolas added. “And something to eat.” Brent looked at her and she shrugged.
“I want you to get some rest,” Dr. Lopez stated, as his pager went off and he looked at it. “I’m going to start running some tests in about an hour or so. The sooner we get started the sooner they get done. In the meantime though, Cheyenne, I want to see you in my office in ten minutes.”
“What for?” Cheyenne asked.
“I just want to give you a check-up,” Dr. Lopez replied. “I’ve been monitoring you the past week and you’re lacking nutrition.”
“I’m perfectly fine,” Cheyenne said. “I went a few days before without eating or drinking.”
“Was it ever a week?” Dr. Lopez questioned and Cheyenne just looked at him. “My office in ten minutes.” He started to leave the room.
“Whatever,” Cheyenne said, as she turned back to Brent and got a dizzy spell. “Whoa!”
“You ok?” Nickolas asked standing behind her and Dr. Lopez looked.
“Yeah,” Cheyenne said. “I just got a little dizzy.”
“Why don’t you sit down?” Nickolas suggested.
“Yeah,” Cheyenne agreed, as she walked towards the chair. “That’d be a good idea.”
“See what happens when you don’t eat,” Nickolas said, as she sat down.
“I’m fine,” Cheyenne said.
“I’ll decide that,” Dr. Lopez said beginning to examine her. “It’s not good for your body if you don’t get the proper nutrients.”
“Are you a nutrionist too?” Cheyenne asked.
“My mother is,” Dr. Lopez replied. “She made sure we ate properly. You could never starve yourself with her around.”
“We could’ve used her this past week,” Nickolas stated.
“I’m fine,” Cheyenne repeated. “I don’t need a nutrionist or check-up.”
“Let’s remember who the doctor is,” Dr. Lopez said. “Shall we.” He grinned.
“Dr. Lopez, they need you in ER4,” the nurse said.
“I’ll be right there,” Dr. Lopez said.
“I’m fine, Doctor,” Cheyenne said.
“Be in my office in ten minutes,” Dr. Lopez stated. “And no arguing either.” She sighed and he walked out.
“I don’t need a check-up,” Cheyenne said.
“I don’t think he wants to give ya a check-up anyway,” Brent said and they looked at him. “I think he wants to give you a cure for your disease.” He laughed, but winced in pain. “Oh.”
“You picked up on that too, huh?” Nickolas said.
“Picked up on what?” Cheyenne questioned.
“The good doctor’s smitten with you,” Nickolas answered and he and Brent smiled. “Not that I blame him.” Cheyenne shook her head. “Dr. Love is in.”
“Whatever,” Cheyenne said.
“You’re telling us you didn’t notice the way he was looking at you?” Brent said.
“And how was that exactly?” Cheyenne asked.
“Like he was ready to jump ya,” Brent replied and Cheyenne rolled her eyes. “I would know the look, because I use that look on you all the time.”
“That’s nice to know,” Cheyenne said. “It’s nice to know that I am wanted and needed sexually.”
“Ya know ya can’t resist me,” Brent said.
“Shouldn’t you be getting some rest,” Cheyenne said.
“I’m fine,” Brent said.
“That’s the same thing Chey said,” Nickolas stated. “And she almost passed out.”
“I’ll get some rest if Chey promises to go get something to eat and get some sleep,” Brent said.
“After you get some sleep,” Cheyenne rebutted.
“Now,” Brent said. “Nick can take you home and I’ll tell the doctor you’ll be back later for that check-up.” Cheyenne looked at them both.
“Do I have to carry you?” Nickolas questioned.
I ain’t going anywhere,” Cheyenne said.
“Get her out of here,” Brent said. “I’ll still be here when you get back.” Cheyenne shook her head and Nickolas picked her up, putting her over his shoulder. “Make sure she eats, sleeps, and the usual.”
“That won’t be a problem,” Nickolas said. “Say ‘buh-bye’ Chey.”
“Buh-bye, Chey,” Cheyenne said and Brent tried not to laugh.
“C’mon,” Nickolas said going towards the door.
“I’ll call and make sure you’re ok,” Cheyenne said. Brent just threw her a kiss and watched Nickolas carry her out.
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