Page 35 of Play of Love
I sat on the edge of my little bed staring at the flashing police lights outside. Earlier there were gun shots and screams, which enhanced the discomfort I felt in being here by tenfold. New York could be rough, and I’d lived in a lot of places where I had to continuously watch my back, but this place was by far the worst.
Focusing on Mom was giving me the distraction I needed and also the strength to be positive. Josh had made the miraculous turn around I was praying for and it looked like tomorrow was going to go really well. Today was great. The easiest day I’d had since working for him. It was like what I first imagined.
“I’ll get the money tomorrow, Mama. Make sure Tristan organizes everything from your end.” Tristan had a tendency to procrastinate.
“Amy, it still doesn’t sit well with me that you’re doing this. Maybe we should pray more and let the good Lord decide which path he’d like me to follow. It all costs so much.” Mom’s voice shook. “And you’re giving up a lot for me.”
“Don’t think about that, it’s no trouble.” There wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her. Even when it wasn’t in my power. “Just please make sure you guys get everything in order.”
“We will. Just be safe, and take care of yourself. I worry about you so much. And I miss you, sweet girl.”
“I love you, Mama.” I pulled in a breath against the tears that threatened to come.
I was the one who normally sorted everything out. Tristan was great, but his lazy ways could get the better of him sometimes. Add my niece to the mix and that would cause delays. With this deposit, Dr. Carson would start her on a treatment plan in preparation for the surgery. He’d explained that would mean running multiple tests over a course of a few weeks to evaluate and anticipate any special needs Mom might have. Mom was diabetic and took medication for that on a daily basis. Since she would have to stop her medication she’d need close monitoring, and since she was also what they deemed to be a high-risk patient she’d need extra care around that too.
Mom was in a very delicate position and any little thing could cause something to go wrong. That was what made everything even more worrying.
“I love you, too, baby girl.”
With that we said goodbye. I took several more breaths and steadied my wild-beating heart. I wished everything wasn’t so hard. I wished it was just a little easier. It didn’t help that I was shattered from tiredness. I might not have minded the early morning wake up so I could leave this place, but it had still taken its toll on me and I was tired.
I thought that since Josh had had a turn around and woke himself up this morning, I’d give myself an extra hour or two tomorrow. If I got to his place by eight we’d have plenty of time before they had to leave. I’d message him to let him know and give myself a chance to sleep.
I got up a little earlier than I had planned and took my time to get ready. I chose one of my business suits and had my hair back in a ponytail to look more professional. This would be my first public appearance as his PA and I had to admit that going to the ESPN’s studios was quite exciting.
My excitement, however, sank as I opened his door and the intense smell of rum hit me hard. So hard it burned my face from the harshness.
I nearly screamed when I saw Josh passed out drunk on the living room floor. At least ten wine bottles surrounded him, along with a mixture of rum and vodka.
“No!” I shrieked in fright, bringing my hands up to my mouth.
This wasn’t happening.
Just looking at him shattered my insides and tore at my already-weakened mind.
He couldn’t have been so cruel to have done this. Yesterday he’d progressed so much. Now look at him.
I kicked off my heels and rushed up to him.
“Josh.” I shook him hard but there was no movement. “Josh.”
Still nothing, and it was after eight. I thought I’d see him dressed and ready to go like yesterday. I thought today would be a breeze, but I was foolish to let my guard down.
I understood his bereavement and depression, but this was…
My heart clenched at the sight of a thong on the floor near the fireplace and I wondered if whoever left it there was still here. The sight of him anditangered me as I thought about our crazy encounter the other day. I’d dropped my guard then, too, and nearly became no better than his harem of women and admiring fans.
That was, however, nothing in comparison to my worries right now.
How was I going to get him to the studio?
And if I didn’t I could practically kiss that money goodbye and Mom wouldn’t be able to start treatment.
I shoved him hard and that was when he stirred.
“Baby, what are you doing?” He could hardly talk. He struggled to open his eyes.
“Wake up.”
