Nodding, I grabbed Rachael for a hug and thanked her. She was always one of the few nurses here that took their job seriously. She cared deeply for her patients and it was a joy to see her at work.
“Don’t worry,” Rachael smiled, patting my face. “Everything will be fine in the morning. He just needs to calm down a little.”
“Thank you,” I said, taking her hand. Rachael smiled and I knew that was my cue to leave. Jeremy needed some space and time to think things through. I didn’t know whether he would ever believe me, but it just didn’t make sense I would go to all this trouble setting up a home for us just to turn around and betray him.
Grabbing some tissues from my bag, I wandered to the lift aimlessly, then towards my car. The tears kept coming, but I didn’t care. People were probably so used to seeing people cry at hospitals anyway. What difference does it make to see one more poor, dejected soul.
As I fumbled with my keys, I opened the door, threw my bag in, and took a seat. All I could see was Jeremy’s face and how broken he looked. The pain in his eyes was unbearable.
It was then that the floodgates opened. It was then that the immeasurable pain of not knowing if we would get through this took over. Burying my head in my hands, I sobbed. By the time I was finished, night had fallen. Lights were twinkling overhead, and people were leaving to go to dinner or meet their friends and family. Music was playing in bars and clubs, girls were scantily dressed and ready for their night out of booze and dancing.
And I was left feeling completely and utterly heartbroken.
Chapter 36
Dean
Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot that it do singe yourself.
William Shakespeare
I was at the mansion waiting on a call from Jimmy. I couldn’t understand what was taking him so long. I was contemplating whether to call him when Humphrey walked in.
“Aidan Carmichael is waiting for you in the lounge, and he doesn’t look happy.”
Fuck, I didn’t need this shit. I had more important things to be worrying about right now. “Fine. I’ll be there in a minute.” Humphrey nodded and walked out the door. I was completely unsure of myself now. I have never felt that way in my entire life, but now? Now I was doubting every single fucking thing I said or did, and I put it all down to that witch in fucking sexy high heels.
Staring at my clock, I noticed it was after eight. Maybe Carmichael would be a good distraction to get me out of this funk. Once I’m done with him, I’ll give Jimmy a call.
Getting up from my seat, I went towards the lounge where Carmichael was waiting with a drink in his hand. He looked pissed off about something, but I’ll be damned if I’ll let him be pissed off with me. He’s caught me on a bad day.
“Scozzari, why is it I’m being told my wife is visiting you? What the fuck are you doing with her?”
Carmichael virtually catapulted towards me, but I was faster. Moving swiftly, I got behind him and gripped my arm around his neck. “First of all, don’t you ever fucking come into my house and shout at me like that again. Second of all, your wife visited me, not the other way around. And third of all, if you don’t get your shit together, you’re going to lose the most important thing in your life.”
Carmichael’s face turned red as he cowered beneath me. This was the first time he had ever seen me this angry and in control.
“I-I don’t know what you mean,” he spluttered.
I let him go.“Sit your ass down. I need to talk to you.” Remarkably, he did as he was told and sat down, a confused look on his face.
“Did Cynthia tell you she came to visit me?” I had to know. I was suddenly getting paranoid that he was having me tailed. I didn’t think I was being followed, but from now on, I would certainly be on higher alert than normal.
Carmichael shook his head. “No, it was one of her bitchy friends. She was coming back from playing tennis at the club and passed by your mansion. She was just fucking itching to tell me she saw her going in.” He had a look of disgust on his face and, for the first time, I could agree with him there. If that story’s true, Cynthia didn’t need friends like that.
“Cynthia loves you very much, although I can’t understand why.”
Carmichael’s posture straightened as he glared at me. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
I could almost feel myself rolling my eyes. “Oh, come on, Carmichael. For fuck’s sake, you have a beautiful wife and kids at home who adore you, but all you’re concerned about is screwing around.”
“Well, you were the one who introduced me to those girls.”
He had me there, but he didn’t need much encouragement. “Aidan, you’ve been screwing around long before Samantha and Katie. Don’t try and act like you’re innocent in all this. You’re far from it. Yes, I placed the temptation there, but you certainly didn’t need any persuading.”