Judged By You (Judge Me Series) Page 10

  “Yes please.” I say shyly.

  He shows me to the ensuite and leaves me with a shirt and a pair of his sweatpants. The hot water is a welcome feeling. I stand for minutes, letting it cascade down my face, down my body, and to my feet. I wondered if I should go home, or if he wanted me to stay for the night? I decide I will ask him to take me home, I need to see Nicole. Oh shit! Nicole was off and marry Stan. Well that’s what I think she is going to do. I get out and dress. I walk into the bedroom, and there is no sign of Damon, so I head to where I left my purse on the kitchen bench. I can hear Damon on the phone on the balcony, he sounds angry.

  I get my phone and notice a message from Nicole.

  I need to talk to you. Please ring me.

  I dial Nicole number, and wait for her to pick up.

  “Hello,”

  “Nic, what’s wrong?”

  “Someone named Rob Thomas rang for you. He said it was important, but he was only going to be at the office until 10pm and well….. It’s past that. So you will have to ring him in the morning.” Nicole said in a business-like manner.

  “Oh, I wasn’t expecting a call from Rob…… but thanks.” Hmm wonder why he is calling me, I think to myself.

  “So….. How is your date going?” Nicole asks.

  “It’s fine. Are you home yet?” I ask her, hoping to god she is.

  “Yeah, I’m just about to go to bed, it's 3am Sav. I’m shattered.” She says with a yawn.

  “Ok, I will talk to you in the morning…… night Nic.” Damn, I will just have to wait until she wakes up.

  “Night.” Then she’s gone.

  I turn and find Damon staring at me. Oh crap. Those butterflies return and I feel like I’m blushing…. Again. I wondered if now was a good time to ask for a ride home or If I should call a cab.

  “Umm….. I was thinking I might go.” I stutter the words.

  “Oh, umm….. Don’t you want to stay?” He looks disappointed.

  “I was just thinking…. That I have a few things to do in the morning, and……well I can’t be late.” Prison visiting hours are short, if I don’t get there on time then I miss out on seeing Stephen.

  “Sure, let me get a shirt on.” Hmm, he has the most beautiful body, hard muscles. I can still feel them under my hands. I discontinue my thoughts and head to the room to gather my clothes. I consider putting my clothes back on, instead of his more than comfortable sweat pants and t-shirt, but decide to keep them, so I am forced to see him again. I just hope the feeling is mutual.

  “Ready?” Damon asks, standing in the doorway of the room.

  “Sure am.” I hope I don’t regret this in the daylight I think to myself.

  We get to the car in silence. I can tell he is pondering something, and I’m not sure if it’s me, or the phone call he took earlier. However, he held my hand from the moment we left his room, occasionally squeezing it, for reassurance maybe? I’m bone tired, and I just want to sleep, but I’m now thinking about why Rob would be calling me, it just doesn’t make sense. I shake the thought and come back to the here and now. Damon opens the passenger side door, and I slide in, I watch him walk around to the driver’s side because I could watch him all day. He has this aura, good or evil, I’m not sure. But it makes me feel safe, and quite frankly……..wet! This man does things to me that I just can’t explain. Damon gets in and turns on the ignition. He gives me a slight grin, and we pull out of the apartment building carpark.

  The night life is wide awake, and there are people everywhere, it’s astounding. There are buskers on every corner and crowds of people watching. The odd hooker is leaning into a car window trying to make a buck, and we can’t forget the party people. The people who have been drinking and dancing. My feet ache just thinking about the last time I went drinking and dancing. It was one hell of a good night, but my body and my stomach paid for it…… I remember the hangover lasting for 3 days.

  I felt a hand on my thigh. I looked down and Damon had his hand on it, rubbing. I placed my hand over his; I did hope I got to see him again.

  “I’m a little hurt you wouldn’t stay.” He said in a hushed tone.

  “I’m sorry as I said I’ve got something I have to do in the morning, and I can’t be late.” I said softly.

  “I understand.” He spoke, but that was obviously the end of the conversation.

  I felt awkward and uneasy when we pulled up at my house. Maybe he thought I was just using him for sex? The silence was killing me, and I didn’t know what to say next, should I ask him for another date? Or wait for him? I decided to let him ask me. After my orgasms tonight I would be tired for a few days…….. I hoped. He came around to the passenger door and opened it; I got out with my belongings in my hands.

  “Thanks for tonight, I had a lovely time.” Oh, did I just say that?

  “So did I.” His mischievous grin returned. Oh my.

  “So…. I’ll talk to you later?” I said looking up through my lashes.

  “Sure….. I will ring you.” He gave me a kiss on the cheek.

  I start walking up the path. Did that just happen? My heart sunk, and I suddenly felt dirty, I felt like he was saying he wouldn’t see me again. This is not how I planned this going. I enjoyed his company and enjoyed him. Once I was inside I went straight to the shower. I needed to get out of these clothes and into my own. I could smell his scent on his shirt, and after tonight, I didn’t want that. I needed to be me. I scrubbed my body, and sat in the bottom of the tub, tears running down my cheeks, but I just couldn’t stop them, I needed to cry. The last few days have been so over whelming. I sat for a long time and cried. Once my last tear fell, I climbed out, dried and dressed. It was close to four thirty when I finally closed my eyes.

  ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

  “Savannah, you’re going to be late.” I woke to Nicole shaking me.

  “Piss off…….” Leave me…… I just wanted to be left alone.

  “GET UP.” She all but screamed at me.

  “Oh for heaven’s sake…… “I threw the covers off and opened my eyes. I reluctantly swung my feet over the edge of the bed to gather my bearings. Nicole was standing in front of my tapping her foot.

  “Don’t tap your foot at me.” I snapped at her.

  “Come on, you’re going to be late, and you don’t want to miss out on visiting hours.” I could see the questions on her face, she wanted to ask. I ached all over. I felt pain in my muscles, and felt muscles I never thought I had. I mockingly sobbed, and Nicole burst out laughing, which in turn made me laugh.

  “Shut up.” I said mockingly.

  “Get dressed, I will make coffee.” Nicole said walking out. I could still hear her laughing once she was downstairs.

  I got dressed much to my own disgust. I put on jeans and a peach sweater with my black boots. Quickly tied my hair up and applied enough makeup to make me look half awake. I was still so tired. The aches that I was feeling didn’t help either. Once I was ready I made my way down to the kitchen. Derek was standing in the kitchen with Nicole which surprised me.

  “Hey.” Derek said smiling.

  “Hi.” I replied.

  “I thought I would come with you this morning….. To see Stephen.” He handed me my cup of coffee. Hmmm coffee……..

  “That’s fine, I was going to ask you anyway…… but it kind of slipped my mind.” I replied sipping my coffee…. This coffee is quite good……

  “So how was your night?” Nicole said with a wink. Oh great. Interrogation time.

  “Good, I think…… about that… will you be home after lunch Nicole?” I needed to talk to her about it. She was the expert; I took my ques from her most days.

  “Sure will be.” She said matter-of-factly.

  Our conversation from last night popped into my head.

  “Your not going to Vegas either.” I inherently yelled at her.

  Derek shot a look from me to her and then back again. Nicole’s lips twitched, and a smile slowly spread across her face. She l
ifted her mug up to her lips and sipped. Never taking her eyes off mine.

  “Nicole.” I said more gently this time. She knew I wanted answers.

  “What is going on here ladies?” Derek interrupted.

  “Nothing is going on......and no savannah…. I’m not going to Vegas.” She said quietly.

  “Good,” I said looking at my watch. “Shit… we need to go Derek. You can drive.” I rush to the sink to dump the last of my coffee, and rinse my cup. I turned and kissed Nicole on the cheek. She returned a smile and mouthed the words “thank you”. I have no idea what she was thanking me for, but I was thanking her for not doing anything stupid.

  Derek held open the front door to indicate that I had to hurry because we were leaving now. I had to laugh when I saw his hot pink hummer parked out front. Derek bought a hot pink hummer to bag the chicks. It worked well, he picked up a hooker. At that thought, I burst out laughing. He just shook his head and opened the passenger door. What a gentleman I thought……..

  “Don’t bag the hummer, Savannah.” He looked at me smiling.

  “I didn’t say anything.” But I sure as hell was thinking it, and he knew it.

  “I don’t know why you didn’t buy a Dodge Ram like Stephen told you to.” I said giggling. We test drove every car we could think of, and for some reason he still brought the hummer. He loved the RAM, and so did I. The power was unbelievable. Those V10 engines are hot.

  “This car bags the chicks Sav.” He said with a satisfied tone. I just laughed and shook my head. Men.

  We engaged in various conversations on the way to the jail. I talked about my various dates with Damon, and how confused I was about everything. Derek gave no advice but listened, nodded, smiled and frowned every now and then, so I knew he was listening to me.

  It was my turn to frown when Derek told me he was looking at buying a house with Angel, and looking at settling down with her.

  “You’re doing what?” I choked out.

  “Hey, everyone else is doing it, and I think it’s time…. You know I like her.” He said brushing his knuckles down my cheek with a smile.

  “I don’t give a shit what everyone else is doing Derek……no…. you can’t.” What was he thinking? Hang on….. What was I thinking telling him what to do?

  “Why can’t I?” He said wanting answers.

  I didn’t answer. I’ve known Derek an awful long time, and I didn’t want to upset him. He obviously has feelings for Angel and who am I too question those. It’s something I always did, I tried to play the responsible adult while Derek and Stephen always acted like children.

  “Come on….. Answer me.” He demanded. I turned and noticed that his eyes were pleading. But he looked pissed that I was telling him what to do.

  “I just…. I don’t know Derek. I’ve known you forever, and she just doesn’t seem your type…. I don’t want you to end up hurt….. That’s all.” I didn’t want to argue with him.

  “But if that’s what you want Derek, than I’m happy for you.” I choked out. Just support him, that’s all I can do.

  “I’ve known you along time Savannah….. You’re my family…… that will never change If that’s what you’re worried about.” He said grabbing my hand and squeezing it tight.

  I placed my other hand on his and rubbed his knuckles.

  “I know you’ll always be there Thank you Derek. I’m happy for you…… truly, was just a shock.” I turned as I said those words and looked out the window. The trees were flashing by as we drove along. Derek let my hand go, and I felt lost. I was so confused about so many things in my life right now. Why was my life so complicated? I can’t remember a time when it wasn’t. I felt my pocket vibrate. I reached in, and when I pulled it out an unknown number was displayed.

  “Hello,”

  “Miss James… Rob Thomas.”

  “Hello Rob, how are you today?” I said politely

  “Good….. Listen I tried to call you last night….. I’m leaving to go overseas for twelve months……so I won’t be able to be there for you and your brother.”

  At that moment, my life was fucked. He had been our families’ lawyer since forever. He knew my family so well. And he knew my brothers case inside and out.

  “Oh.” I tried to hide my anger. Cause quite frankly I was angry. How could he?

  “Look… I’ve passed your files onto a highly trusted friend. He’s just as good as I am Savannah. You just have to trust him…… please, don’t be mad.” Rob said.

  “I’m sorry Rob. I just…. You know us all so well…. And Stephen needs you.” I had one hell of a headache. Between lack of sleep and everyone's confessions, it was too much.

  “Please Savannah, have faith He is exceptionally good. Carter Graham is his name… now that I’ve passed on your information, you will need to meet with him as soon as possible, so you get to know him …….. And trust him Savannah……. Please.” He begged.

  “Okay…. I will try. Thank you Rob….. Enjoy your time away.” I looked at the massive structure of the prison as we pulled in to the car park.

  “Take care Miss James.” He said formally, than hung up.

  I put my head back against the head rest and closed my eyes. Just breathe….. Breathe…… don’t cry…… hold back….. I repeated to myself.

  “Hey, who was that?” Derek asked, taking my hand in his.

  “Rob, he’s going away, and we have a new lawyer to take his place.” I said not opening my eyes to look at Derek’s expression.

  “Fuck…… what if they don’t know the history and all that Savannah…..” Derek trailed off.

  I opened my eyes and looked at him. He looked as broken as I felt, hearing the news. “Let’s go”. I opened the door and jumped out leaving Derek ponder for a moment. Derek got out after a few minutes, and we walked into the facility. It always smelt of disinfectant, well I thought it did anyway. I signed in, and started the process of being a family member visiting an inmate; the pat downs were the worst.

  Derek and I walked over to the table and sat waiting to see Stephen. I looked over and saw the same women I saw last week, crying. She held her sons hand and wept. I turned my attention to the front and saw Stephen approaching. Derek stood and hugged him, I followed. Stephen smelt like sweat and dirt.

  “Been gardening again.” I asked with a smile.

  “Fucking over it.” He said with a nod.

  Stephen seemed relaxed this week. Derek and he spoke about “old friends” and who was in what trouble these days, and of course Stephen asked Derek about my Dodge.

  “Are you sure it’s not scratched.” Stephen asked.

  “Buddy, your sister isn’t that terrible of a driver. Remember she beat your arse a few times,” Derek said with a smile. “Sav let the tar have it the other day too…..” Derek said looking at me.

  We all started laughing. Carefree. The only thing was Stephen was in here, and he wasn’t coming home with us today. I wanted to ask what was up with him other night but fought against it, he was in such a good mood.

  “Hey Sav, Rob came to visit me last night, said something about leaving for a while.” Stephen said without concern.

  I looked at Derek, who looked at me with a concerned look.

  “Yeah, he rang me this morning. I’m hoping to meet up with the new lawyer this week. I will let you know how it goes.” I said watching his face. He looked like nothing was wrong.

  “Good.” Stephen replied.

  “You’re not concerned?” Derek asked Stephen

  “Why should I be, nothing to worry about right?” Stephen said with confidence.

  “So who’s this man your seeing Sav?” Stephen changed the subject.

  I thought about not answering, I don’t want to spend my short amount of time with Stephen talking about my relationship status!

  “He’s got his head straight Steph.” Derek cut in.

  “Good, I want to meet him….. Do you think he will come visit sometime?” Stephen said with a straight face. Wha
t the hell is going on here……..

  “Umm…. Stephen…I’m not sure……” I started to explain, but Stephen burst out laughing, obviously he was joking.

  “You’re an ass.” I said in a serious tone. How dare he do that to me?

  I looked at my watch and noted it was time to go. We all said our good byes and I assured Stephen I would see him same time next week. Derek told Stephen he would also visit next week. I watched Stephen walk away with the guards and felt that sinking feeling. It was the hardest part, watching him walk one direction and us walking the other. Derek grabs my arm and we walked out of the facility and head home.

  Derek dropped me straight home as he had things to take care of. I don’t even want to know what that was code for. Nicole came into the kitchen wearing a tank top and her famous mini shorts. She looked so at ease and happy for a change.

  “Well, what’s gotten into you?” I just had to ask.

  “I’ve had a workout this morning, so I’m feeling good.” She said with a massive grin.

  “That’s good……wish I had the energy to workout.” I said taking 2 cups out of the cupboard and putting them under the machine.

  There was a brief knock at the door, and Nicole wandered over to answer it. Automatically I presumed it would be Stan. Within a few minutes, Nicole came in holding a whopping basket of red, white and pink roses.

  “Wow you’re so lucky.” I said with a smile. They smelt divine.

  “Hey, they’re not for me.” Nicole said handing me a card.

  Dear Savannah

  Thank you for last night

  Thinking of you

  D

  “Looks like you impressed last night.” Nicole said with a smirk.

  “I must have.” I said with an all teeth smile. They were beautiful. I grabbed my phone out of my purse and quickly typed a message.

  Thanks for the beautiful flowers. Xo Sav

  I hit send and put my phone I’m my pocket.

  “Want to hit the swing?” Nicole asked, carrying two cups of coffee.

  “Sure.” I walked to the door and held it open so Nicole could walk through. We sat on the porch swing, and both of us let out a breath. Knowing that we did it at the same time made us both started giggling.