A Forever Family (Forever #6) (18 page)

Collin

Peyton had told me that Hailey was allowed to have visitors now at the Odyssey House since her detox was over. I thought that maybe it would be a good idea to go visit her and see how she was doing. I grabbed my phone from the desk and called Amelia.

“Hi, babe,” she answered cheerfully.

“Hi, good looking. Are you wearing something sexy right now?”

She giggled. “My sexy as fuck blue scrubs. I know how much they turn you on.”

She thought she was being funny, but in reality, seeing her in scrubs did turn me on. I liked when she played nurse with me.

“Okay, stop talking like that. I’m getting hard.”

She laughed. “You asked.”

“Listen, I think I’m going to visit Hailey over at Odyssey. Do you want to come with me?”

“No. I think it’s best that you go alone. I’m sure she has a lot to talk to you about. Give her my best, though.”

“I will, baby, and when I get home, you better still be in those scrubs. I think I’m coming down with something and I’ll need you to check me over, Nurse Amelia.”

“Fine. I’ll make sure I have all the tools necessary to fully examine you.”

“Fuck, Amelia. I better go or I’m going to have a bad situation over here.”

She laughed. “Goodbye, Mr. Black. I love you.”

“Goodbye, Mrs. Black. I love you more.”

I had Ethan call the Odyssey House. Visiting hours started in fifteen minutes. I hopped in the Range Rover and drove there, hoping that Hailey wouldn’t be mad at me for stopping by.

I stood in the lobby and waited for Hailey to come down. I was looking around when I heard her voice.

“Hey, Collin.”

I turned around and smiled when I saw her. For the first time in a long time, she looked good.

“Hey, Hailey. How are you?”

“I’m okay. Let’s go out to the courtyard.”

I followed her through the lobby and out the sliding doors that led to a beautiful courtyard made up of different types of flowers, small wrought-iron tables that sat four people, and a few wooden benches.

“Your mom said that you’re allowed to have visitors now. That’s good.”

She looked down at her hands. “Yeah.”

I really didn’t think this would be awkward, but it was. “You look good, Hailey.”

“Thanks. Collin, I’m sorry for everything.”

“Nah. Don’t be. Shit happens. You did the right thing. Have you heard anything about Marcus?”

“He got deported back to France and he’s not allowed back in the U.S. They found a shitload of coke on him when they arrested him. He’s France’s problem now.”

“That’s good. At least you won’t have to worry about him anymore. What’s going on with you, Hailey? Why the drugs?”

“It was only supposed to be a one-time thing. Then one time turned into two and two turned into three. Marcus didn’t always hit me. That just started a few months ago.”

“Why didn’t you break up with him?”

“Because no Marcus meant no more drugs. I’ve let everyone in my life who loves me down. I let myself down. Marcus stripped me of everything I ever believed about myself. He took away my self-esteem and my dignity. I’m not this person.”

Sadness consumed her. Not only in her face but also in her words. I reached over and placed my hand on hers.

“I know you’re not. You got lost in a big way, but now it’s up to you to find yourself again. You’re a strong woman, Hailey. You always have been and you need to find that inner strength again.”

“Thanks for believing in me, Collin. The first step in recovering is to be honest with myself and the people I love. The biggest mistake I ever made was breaking up with you, but I’m happy I did. You know why?”

I shook my head.

“Because our breakup led you to Amelia and she’s a great girl. You better not screw things up with her.” She smirked.

“I won’t. You’ll find someone too. You’re a good person, Hailey. You just need to be a little more careful with the guys you choose.” I gave her a wink.

She laughed. “I will. I promise. But to be honest, there won’t be any more guys for a long time. I need to focus on me getting better and getting my career on track. That’s my top priority. Everything else can wait.”

“I’m proud of you.”

“Friends?” she asked.

“Forever.” I smiled.

“I hope one day you can forgive me for everything that happened when I left for Italy.”

“You’re already forgiven.” I reached over and gave her a hug.

“Thanks, Collin. That means a lot to me.”

“I better get home. Amelia’s waiting for me. I asked her to come, but she thought that maybe we should talk alone.”

“Tell her I said thank you for everything.”

“You can tell her yourself when she comes to visit you. We’ll stop by this weekend if that’s okay with you?”

“I’d love that.”

“Take care, Hailey,” I said as I kissed her head.

“You too, Collin, and thanks for coming.”

We walked back to the lobby, said goodbye, and she went back to her room. I climbed in the Range Rover and headed home to my wife. A feeling of contentment flowed through me knowing that Hailey was going to be all right.

Connor

After my dinner with Lou, I went home and found Ellery taking a bath. I walked into the bathroom and she looked at me and smiled.

“Did you have a nice dinner with Lou?”

“Yeah. May I join you?” I asked as I pulled my shirt over my head.

“Of course.”

She scooted up and I climbed in behind her, wrapping my arms around her silky smooth body as she rested her head against my chest.

“I need to talk to you about something.”

“It’s about Lucas, isn’t it?”

“How did you know?”

“I’m your wife. I know you, Connor, and that dinner with Lou was about him, wasn’t it?”

“Yes. His blood type is the same as Julia’s. He lives in Vegas and I’m flying there tomorrow. Do you want to go with me?”

She softly kissed my arm. “I would love to go, but I think this is something you need to do on your own.”

“Are you sure, baby?”

“I’m positive. You’re not telling Julia, are you?”

“No. I’m not telling anyone. Not until I get some answers.”

“Good.”

“There’s another thing I found out. Charlotte gave him our last name.”

“Really? I’m surprised your father allowed that.”

“I am too. I have a feeling there’s a whole lot we don’t know.”

****

I opened the door to the Presidential Suite at the Bellagio Hotel and the bellhop brought my luggage in.

“Enjoy your stay, Mr. Black, and it’s nice to see you again.” He smiled.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out a twenty-dollar bill. “Thank you, Ed. I intend to.”

I unpacked my suitcase and pulled out the file folder that held the information about Lucas Black. I sighed as I stared at the address of his residence. I thought about calling him first, but I was sure he’d just hang up on me. So instead, I hired the same car service and driver I had for years drive me to his apartment. I made my way up to the second floor and found apartment 2D. Lightly knocking on the door, my nerves were running wild throughout my body. I stood there for a moment and waited for him to answer. But there was no answer. It was obvious he wasn’t home. I turned around and headed down the hallway to the stairs. As I turned the corner, and pulled my phone from my pocket, I ran into someone. When I looked up, it was him. The six foot tall, sandy blonde, blue-eyed man that was the same person I spoke to at my father’s funeral. His eyes widened when he saw me and he gulped. We both stood there for a moment in silence, neither one of us knowing what to say.

“Lucas?”

He began to walk away.

“I’m—”

“I know who you are, Connor. I don’t know what you’re doing here, but you need to leave and leave me alone.” He headed down the hallway and I followed.

“Wait. Please. I know you’re my brother.”

He stopped but didn’t turn around. “Just because we have the same blood running through us doesn’t make us family.” He walked to his apartment and inserted the key.

“I know he was an asshole. Believe me. But you were at his funeral. Why?”

“Because it’s what my mother would have wanted. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” He opened the door.

“Lucas, I need to talk to you. Please. Will you just give me a chance? I’m sure it’s what your mother would have wanted. For you to get to know your family.”

The anger in his eyes erupted as he stood there and stared at me. “You have no right talking about my mother and I don’t want to get to know any of you, especially if you’re just like him.” He walked in his apartment and shut the door.

Shit
. I placed my hand on the back of my neck and sighed. How was I going to get him to talk to me and hear me out? I needed to devise a plan. A plan that would get his attention. I went back to the hotel and opened up the file on Lucas to see if there was anything else about him I could use to my advantage. Something interesting caught my attention. I pulled out my phone and dialed Ellery.

“Hello,” she answered.

“Hi, baby.”

“Did you talk to him?”

“Kind of. He pretty much slammed the door in my face. I need you to do me a favor.”

“Anything, Connor.”

“Apparently, he offers private cooking lessons on his nights off from the restaurant. I want you to call him and arrange a lesson. Tell him you’re staying in the Presidential Suite at the Bellagio and give him your maiden name. Tell him he was recommended to you by a friend and you’re only in Vegas for a short time.”

I rattled off his phone number that was listed in the file and told her to call me back. About ten minutes later, my phone rang, and it was Ellery.

“Hey, baby.”

“Your private cooking lesson is set for tomorrow night at six o’clock. It’s a two-hour session and it’s costing you $2,000. So pay attention because I want you to show me what you learned to prepare when you come home.” She laughed.

“Thank you, Elle.”

“You’re welcome, darling. I miss you already.”

“I miss you too, baby. I’ll talk to you soon.”

****

It was morning and I headed downstairs to the Café Bellagio for breakfast. As I was sipping my coffee and reading the
New York Times
, someone spoke to me.

“Excuse me, but you’re one hell of a sexy man, and I’d love to have breakfast with you.”

I looked up and a wide grin graced my face as I saw Ellery standing there.

“Baby, what are you doing here?” I got up from my seat, gave her a kiss, and pulled out the chair for her.

“I got to thinking last night that when you open the door to let Lucas in, he’s might just bolt and that would be the end of that. So I decided to fly out here and give you a little help.”

“You’re amazing. I didn’t even think of that.”

“I figured that I would answer the door, let him get all set up, and then you could walk in, and I’d leave the two of you alone. I brought Peyton with me, so while you’re getting to know your brother, we’re going to do some gambling.”

I sat there and shook my head at her. “I love you. Where is Peyton?”

“She’s in her room lying down. She had one too many mimosas on the way here.” She laughed. “I went up to the penthouse and, when there was no answer, I figured you’d be here eating breakfast. Now let me see that menu. I’m starving.”

After enjoying a wonderful breakfast with my wife, we went up to the suite, made love, and then the three of us spent the day shopping and hanging out by the pool.

****

Ellery

We were sitting by the pool sipping margaritas when Peyton had a thought.

“You know, Elle. What if Lucas recognizes you from the funeral? In fact, if he already knew who Connor was, who’s to say he doesn’t know you.”

“Shit, Peyton. I didn’t think about that.” I looked over at Connor and he sighed.

“No worries. I’ll just pretend to be you. He wouldn’t have clue who I am. You can wait for me down at the casino and when Connor makes his grand entrance, I’ll meet you down there.”

“Good idea, Peyton. I’m glad I brought you.” I winked as I held up my glass to hers.

After enjoying the poolside, we headed upstairs to get ready for the evening.

“I’ll be up to your suite around 5:30,” Peyton said as she got off the elevator.

****

Connor

Ellery left the suite and Peyton and I waited for Lucas to show up. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. After our encounter yesterday, I was sure once he showed up, things were only going to get worse. There was a knock at the door and Peyton pushed me into the bedroom. Once she let him in, talked his ear off, and he got settled, I walked out of the room. He looked at me and slowly shook his head.

“What the fuck is going on here?” he asked in irritation.

I stood a few feet away from him with my hands in my pockets, studying his reaction.

“This was the only way to get you to meet me.”

“No way, man.” He began to pack up his things.

“Hold it right there, mister,” Peyton said as she placed her hand up. “You aren’t going anywhere. You’re going to provide Connor with the service that he’s paying you for. You’re going to sit down and the two of you are going to talk whether you like it or not. You may not like each other, but you’re going to hear one another out. You both share the same father and, from what I can tell, you are just as stubborn as he is.” She pointed at me. “Now, I’m sorry, Lucas, that we had to trick you into coming here, but if you would have put your big boy pants on yesterday and just listened to Connor, we wouldn’t be doing this right now. In fact, I’d be home cuddled up with my sexy husband, sipping champagne and eating chocolate-covered strawberries while he tells me about his long day at the hospital.”

“Wait a minute. Aren’t you his wife?” Lucas asked.

“No. I’m the best friend, Peyton. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She held out her hand and he hesitantly shook it. “Now pop open a beer or have a scotch, in Connor’s case, and talk like men do. If you’ll excuse me, there’s money to be won downstairs.” She turned on her heels and walked out the door.

Lucas looked at me with a small smile. “I have to say, I’m kind of glad she’s not your wife. She seems like a handful.”

“You have no idea.”

“Okay, Connor. You want to talk? So talk. But I’ll warn you right now that I have nothing to say. I don’t want to get to know the family that my father abandoned me and my mother for. Can you understand that?”

“I can, Lucas. I fully understand it. What is your preferred drink of choice?” I asked as I walked over to the bar.

“That Peyton chick said something about scotch. I like scotch.”

“Me too. There’s two things we have in common.”