“I haven’t dated a man besides my husband for twenty years. Today – November 15 – would have been sixteen years of marriage.” I shook my head in disbelief. “But instead, he’s with someone else. He’s not even concerned about me or the effect bringing new people around our son would have.”
“And I’m here ruining this evening and crying in front of you,” I sobbed. “I’m sorry for being a terrible date. I should leave before I make even more of a scene than I already have. I’m sorry.”
Chapter 24: Natalia
Pushing myself away from the booth, and out of my seat, I hustled to the doorway as fast as I could. The lights became a blurry mess through my tears as I pushed past crowds of happy couples and BFFs waiting to be seated. I couldn’t stomach pretending to be ready for this – any of this – anymore.
“Natalia!” I heard Desmond’s voice calling from behind. Not wanting to face him, I picked up my speed walking, and suddenly tumbled over. Pain shot up my ankle. I screamed in agony. Why the hell was life always kicking me in the ass?
I burst into sobs. What a way to ruin a night. I felt like Cinderella. Except Cinderella didn’t have a gay ex-husband who beat on her, a son who’s exposed to his father’s new “best friend” or the ability to bust her ass when running away from Prince Charming in her glass slippers. Or, in my case, wedges. Who trips on wedges!?
“Natalia, are you okay?” I could feel Desmond squatting down. I refused to uncover my face. I didn’t want to see him looking at me, taking in how much of an emotional clumsy wreck of a basket case I was.
“I’m good…” I sobbed. I tried to lift myself off the ground, but my ankle was in way too much pain. I yelped when the discomfort shot through my leg, pinning me to the ground.
“Shhh…” Desmond said. “Let me help. Push up on your good leg and I’ll pull you up.”
Defeated by my helplessness, I acquiesced and placed my hand in his. He gently lifted me from the ground, and then scooped my body in his arms. I wanted to protest, but without a proper leg to stand on – because I only had one leg left to abide by tonight – what could I do?
“Where’s your car?”
“It’s that Kia Soul to the left.”
“Cute,” he said. “My sister has one of these.” But instead of bringing me to the car, he carried me further back.
“Where are you taking me?”
“My car’s right here,” he said, walking towards a black Range Rover. Without missing a beat, he managed to grab his key fob and place me in on the passenger side. Getting into his side of the car, he started the vehicle, adjusted the heat, and drove up to my car, blocking it in. Unbuckling his seatbelt, he tapped me on the hand. “Hang tight.”
He disappeared around the corner, returning moments later with a takeout bag. My face burned with embarrassment for the umpteenth time that night when he handed me my clutch, and then reached in his pocket for my car keys. “I was calling you because you left these at the table.”
“Thank you.” I felt so small deep inside.
“Do you have a preferred hospital?” he said, pulling out of the parking lot. “If not, I know a doctor who could take a quick look at your ankle.”
“I’m fine. I just had a little fall that’s all.” I looked at my car as we drove off the lot and into the street. “You don’t have to take me anywhere.”
“Actually, I do, because you’re not leaving my sight until I know you’re okay.” What?
“Desmond, I appreciate your concern, but I’m okay. Can you please just take me back to my car?”
“Here,” he dug into his wallet and handed me his identification. “Call your sister, and send her a picture of my ID. I’m not going to harm you, but as a man, I cannot let you go home, until I’ve made sure you’re physically checked out and okay. We’re going to get your ankle checked out before anything else.”
His voice was firm and final. I didn’t have any choice in the matter. I was going to the hospital, whether I wanted to or not.
“Okay,” I said quietly. I sent his information to Rose, and she called me immediately.
“Why are you sending me his information? Natalia, you’re not –”
“Relax,” I said. “I twisted my foot on the curb, and he’s taking me to the hospital. He just wanted me to send you his information out of respect.”
“How did that happen?” I could hear panic rip through her voice. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” I nodded, wearily. “I’m fine but my ankle’s swelling pretty badly. I’ll tell you about it later.”