Breakaway - A Contemporary Romance Drama Story (6 page)

"Not if I can help it," Kate declared. "What did Nathan do when he found out this Jeff person abused you?"

"He doesn't know," Jill confessed. "I swore mom and dad to secrecy. I was afraid if I told Nathan he would've beaten up Jeff."

"That's why I can't tell him about Edward," Kate said. "Nathan is a good man and excellent doctor. I grew up in this town. I know that you're only as good as your reputation. If he found out he would go after Edward and try to hurt him. Nathan is no match for my husband. Edward is ruthless. He has money and power to back him up. He would ruin Nathan's good name." She paused. "I care too much about Nathan to let that happen."

"I won't tell anyone," Jill promised.

Kate rubbed her forehead as she gathered her thoughts. She had kept it all buried inside for so long she didn't know where to start. "You know how I met Edward."

Jill nodded. "It was eight years ago. At an art museum I think."

"That's right," Kate said. "If I had only known then what I know now I would've walked away from him when he came up to me and said hello. He was the perfect gentleman when we were dating. Everything I was looking for in a man I found in him, or I thought I found in him."

"When did that change?" Jill asked.

"Two months after we married," Kate answered. "It's like he became a different person. He became...his father. Martin Lewis is a bastard. He's cold, manipulative, controlling. Everything Edward is. The abuse started with a little slap and then a shove. The first time he hit me I left him. I swore I would never stay and let a man beat on me. He found me and begged me to come back."

"Let me guess," Jill said. "He told you he loved you and he promised it would never happen again."

"Isn't that what they all say?" Kate said.

"It's what Jeff said to me."

"Deep down I knew it wouldn't be the last time he hit me." Kate shifted in her chair and crossed her legs. "But like a fool I took him back and for awhile things were fine. Then the abuse started
again and it was worse than before. It wasn't only physical anymore it was sexual and verbal. I was relieved when he would go to work and leave me alone. It was the only time I felt safe."

"Did you not have a job?" Jill asked.

Kate shook her head. "I wasn't allowed to work. He wanted me completely dependant on him and I am. I don't have any money. All of this belongs to Edward."

Jill leaned forward and stared intently at Lori. "You've been married to him for six years. How have you survived all the abuse?"

"I don't know," Kate said. "There were times when I wished I were dead. One of those times was after I had a miscarriage. I was three months along when I lost the baby. It was a boy. Edward was furious when it happened. He wanted a son to carry on the family name and to take his place someday at the company."

"How does he feel about Gaby?"

"He doesn't give a damn about her," Kate said angrily. "He wasn't there when she was born. He doesn't hold her, doesn't tell her he loves her."

"Bastard," Jill muttered. "Why haven't you left him? I'll help you. You're not alone anymore."

Kate got to her feet and moved to the window. Looking out, she said, "I can't leave, Jill. The last time I tried to leave he beat me and then told me if I ever tried to leave him again he would kill me. With me gone Gaby would be stuck with him, a monster. I can't bear to think of what would happen to her at his hands. She needs me. I'll do anything to stay with her and keep her safe."

Jill rose from her chair and joined Kate at the window. "I understand. I would do anything for my little boy."

"Gaby is the only thing that makes this bearable," Kate whispered. "She's my world."

Jill slipped an arm around Kate's shoulder. "And she's a lucky baby to have you for a mama. Now we need to come up with a story to tell Nathan about your eye."

Kate sighed. "I don't like the idea of you lying to your brother. It's bad enough I'm lying to him."

"It can't be helped," Jill said.

"I uh- was forced to call Nathan last night and cancel our dinner date. I lied and told him I had food poisoning. I thought I should tell you in case he mentions it."

Jill nibbled on her lower lip for a moment. "Okay, here's what we tell him. You had just thrown up and were feeling weak. You were getting up from the floor to rinse your mouth out and your legs gave out on you and you fell, hitting your eye on the bathroom counter."

"Do you think he'll buy it?" Kate said.

"I don't see why he wouldn't," Jill said. She checked her watch. "I need to go." She looked at Kate. "Now that I know the truth I don't want to leave you here with him."

"You don't have a choice," Kate said.

"I guess not. Call me if you need me. I don't care what time it is. I'll come."

"Thank you," Kate said, feeling a rush of affection for the younger woman.

Jill gave Kate a hug. "Thank you for the flowers. They were lovely."

"You're welcome," Kate said.

Jill left and once again Kate was alone. She returned to her chair by the window and thought about Nathan.
Please, God,
she prayed.
Don't let him find out.

Chapter 5

It was the end of the day and Nathan was sitting in his office returning phone calls from patient's who had called earlier in the day with questions. Once he was done he turned his attention to a pile of paperwork that was on the corner of his desk. Nathan was in the middle of reading a patient's file when there was a knock on the door. He called out for the person to enter. The door opened and a middle-aged man walked into the room. He was a tall man with graying hair and hazel eyes behind a pair of glasses. Nathan smiled up at his mentor and colleague, Dr. Henry Paulson.

"You're still here, Henry?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing," Dr. Paulson said. He glanced at his watch. "It's six-thirty. Shouldn't you be going home?"

"I should, but this paperwork needs to be done," Nathan said. "Why haven't you?"

"I was on my way out when I saw light spilling out from under your door."

Nathan set his pen down and leaned back in his chair. "Are you taking new patient's or are you full?"

Dr. Paulson sat down in one of the chairs in front of Nathan's desk. "I have room for a few. Why do you ask?"

"Because my friend, Katie is looking for a doctor."

"Are we talking about
the
Katie?" Dr. Paulson asked. "The one you think hung the moon and stars."

Nathan grinned. "That's the one."

"I'll take her on as a patient," Dr. Paulson said. "I'm looking forward to meeting her."

"I'll let her know," Nathan said. "Now I just need to see if Dr. Brewer is taking new patient's. Katie has a baby girl that's going to need a Pediatrician soon."

"Stephanie has more patient's than she knows what to do with," Dr. Paulson said. "Rick is taking new patient's. Children adore him."

"All right," Nathan said. "I'll be sure to pass the information on to Katie."

"Well I should be going." Dr. Paulson got to his feet. "Mary Ann will start worrying if I'm not home soon."

"Tell her I said hello."

"I will," Dr. Paulson said, heading for the door. "Don't work too late."

"I won't," Nathan said. "Have a nice night, Henry."

"You too, Nathan," Dr. Paulson said. "I'll see you tomorrow."

A minute later Nathan's phone rang. He reached over and picked up the receiver. "Hello?"

"Hi," Connie said. "What are you doing?"

"Paperwork," Nathan said. "And you?"

"Oh I'm on my way home," Connie said. "Have you had dinner yet?"

"No."

"Would you like to come to my house for dinner?" Connie said. "I could toss a few steaks on the grill."

"Sounds great," Nathan said. "I'll be there in an hour."

"I'll be waiting."

Nathan ended the call and then dialed Kate's number. She answered on the fourth ring.

"Hello?"

"How are you feeling?" Nathan asked.

"I'm fine," Kate said.

"No more throwing up?"

"No," Kate muttered.

"Good," Nathan said, grabbing his pen. "I'm sorry I haven't called until now. It's been a busy day."

"Don't worry about it," Kate told him. "I understand."

"I'd like to see you tomorrow," Nathan said. "The problem is I have another busy day."

"How long is your lunch break?"

"An hour," Nathan said. "I go to lunch at noon and I'm back in the office at one."

"Why don't I bring lunch to your office?" Kate suggested.

"You've already made lunch for me once this week," Nathan pointed out.

"I enjoy cooking," Kate said. "I don't get to do it as often as I'd like to. So I'll be at your office shortly after twelve."

"My office is on the third floor. When you step off the elevator turn left. It's the fifth door on your right."

"Thank you for the directions," Kate said. "I'd hate for me and Gaby to get lost in that big hospital."

"If you didn't show up after a certain amount of time I'd send out a search party."

"Good night, Nathan."

"Good night, Katie." Nathan hung up the phone and went back to work.

Kate shut her cell phone and rose from the rocker. She moved toward the crib and leaned over it, gazing down at Gaby, who was lying on her back looking at the Winnie the Pooh musical mobile above her. "Mommy is going to go downstairs and eat dinner. If you need me just cry out and I'll come running." She touched Gaby's cheek with her fingers and smiled at her.

"Kate," Clara said from the doorway. "Mr. Lewis wishes to see you in his office."