Donuts, Diamonds and Assorted Details, page 16
Setting her glass on the bar top, Andi shrugged. “It’s not like you aren’t doing that already.” Gwen offered a nasty glance, but Andi continued and lifted her left hand up. “I mean, you have this one guy, Devon, who is totally your type. Like he couldn’t be more wonderful if you created him in a lab.” She held her other hand up like a scale. “Then, you have a guy completely in a love-hate relationship with you right now.” She lifted her hands up, trying to equalize one over the other. “Which one is it, Gwen? You can’t have both.”
Knowing Andi was right made Gwen want to drink more. She bobbed her finger at the bartender and downed a shot of vodka before answering, “I don’t know, Andi. I feel a real connection with Devon one day, but then he goes and does something that makes me re-think us. He practically bought me an entire wardrobe this weekend.”
“What does he do?” Andi asked, scooting closer.
“I don’t know how to describe it,” Gwen began. “We will be talking about something then all of the sudden he acts weird. Like something I said wasn’t what he wanted to hear.”
“So, he’s kind of like Joel?” Andi quipped.
“In a way, I suppose, but I think I may be acting paranoid.” Gwen didn’t want to compare Devon to Joel, but she found herself doing it anyways. They were similar in a few aspects, but when it mattered, Devon seized the upper hand. The realization that both of them were so alike made her head ache. She glanced over and saw Andi throwing back another shot. She didn’t want to think about the men in her life right now. All she wanted to do was spend time with her bestie and get her drink on until they dropped. “Okay, I think we should get to our massages before you’re completely wasted. We still have a night of drinking to do.” She pulled Andi away from the bar and they headed to the spa next door.
After hour-long massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, and a small lunch, the two were ready to hit the bachelorette party. The spa sobered them up enough, but Gwen was more than ready to forget. Being the ever so prepared maid of honor, last month Gwen rented two rooms at the Marriott Downtown for the crew to crash at after a night of heavy drinking. They headed to the hotel to meet the ten other women invited.
Exchanges of hugs, a few kisses and several shots of tequila started the evening before they set off down the streets of Des Moines to hit up the bars. Since the bachelorette party also happened to be the same day as St. Patrick’s Day, they were far from alone as they wandered from bar to bar.
By the time they reached their eighth green beers, Gwen was three sheets to the wind as was Andi. She didn’t think about the after affects of the alcohol. She merely wanted to have another rowdy night with girlfriends and forget men, at least men who weren’t strippers. Had she been half as sober, Gwen would have seen the bar fight break out beside her and avoided one drunken man’s flying fists.
* * *
Jeremy wove through the horde of people with his car. His patience was wearing thin thanks to the green-clad crowds full of drunken fools out on St. Patrick’s Day. Fifteen minutes ago, his phone buzzed loudly and when he answered, he expected a drunk-dial phone call with Gwen and Andi, but instead it was the hospital. It took a minute for him to catch his breath as he listened to the nurse say, “You are listed as the emergency contact for Gwendolyn Smidt, Mr. Schroeder. We need you to come down to the hospital and sign a few things. Ms. Smidt has been in a bit of an accident.”
He kept replaying the haunting words the nurse told him. He knew Andi’s bachelorette party would be boisterous and wild to say the least, but he figured they would steer clear of St. Paddy’s Day partiers. “Obviously, not,” he mumbled and locked his car. Walking briskly, his gut pitched as he wondered what sight he would walk in on inside. Would she be covered in blood or have her arm in a sling? He didn’t know, so he picked up his pace and entered Mercy Hospital ER. The interior was thankfully quiet, but it was only eleven in the evening, leaving plenty of time for drinking accidents to manifest. Plenty of Irish shenanigans to go, he thought, checking room numbers.
Rounding the bend, he almost collided with a nurse. “Sorry,” he mumbled, steering clear of her. His feet refused to slow down and before he knew it, he was jogging down the hall looking for room 118. He spotted Andi and a group of scantily dressed leprechauns as he weaved through a leaving family.
“Oh, thank God you’re here, Jeremy,” Andi shouted down the hall when she recognized him.
Jeremy hustled to reach her and snickered when she teetered on her heels. She was dressed as a bridal leprechaun. “That’s quite fitting for you, Andi. Have ya had a wee bit too much to drink?” he joked in an Irish accent despite the dismal situation.
She bobbled her head and fixed the tiara and veil on her head. “Yup, but we’re not done yet.” She hiccupped then giggled and another one of her friends looped her arm over Andi’s shoulder and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Except Gwen. I think she may be done. She got hit hard. Nobody saw it coming either.”
Jeremy listened to the slowly slurred stories from the women about what had happened at the bar. The only reoccurring fact was that Gwen was at the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up getting slugged by a tattooed giant. He relaxed a bit with the knowledge that Gwen wasn’t in critical condition. By the end of the chattering women’s details, he wanted to send them all home, but instead he sent a text to Andi’s fiancé, Luke. Someone had to make sure they got back to the hotel safely and it was not going to be him. He was preoccupied with another person at the moment.
A white-coated doctor poked his nose out of the door and perused the large group outside Gwen’s door before he rested his eyes on Jeremy. “You must be Mr. Schroeder.”
Jeremy stepped out of the swarm of women. “Yes. Is she all right?” He moved closer to the room, but Andi was closely trailing him.
“Oh, she will recover. She’ll have a nice shiner, but she will heal just fine,” the doctor informed with a smile. “You can go in.” He looked at the animated bunch then added, “But maybe just a couple at a time. She’s still in a stupor. I’ll be back with test results shortly.”
The doctor disappeared and Jeremy nodded before turning to face the women. To his amusement, they were down the hall hoarding the vending machines. Knowing they wouldn’t be there long, he slipped into the room and adjusted to the muted lighting. He caught sight of Gwen in the hospital bed trying to escape from its confines. He stood in the shadows and watched her attempt to pull out her IV. She picked the tape off, but then winced when she tried pulling it out. She let out a frustrated huff, admitting defeat. He smirked when she reached for the nurse button. She wanted out of there and he didn’t blame her. She hates hospitals and must be going insane the longer she’s here. Gwen sighed loudly again and he figured she suffered alone enough for one night. “So, I hear you started a fight,” he began, stepping away from the shadows.
Gwen’s face scrunched up. “Jeremy?”
She looked confused and disoriented, so he took a step closer. “Yes, Gwen, I’m here,” he said softly.
She didn’t look convinced, but started speaking again, “I don’t even remember being hit. I was standing one minute and on a gurney the next.” She looked around the room anxiously. “It really wasn’t necessary to bring me to the hospital. I was fine. I am fine. Just a bunch of nonsense. I’m sure Andi is pissed at me for ruining her party.”
Jeremy sat on the chair near the bed, a smile playing on his lips. Of course she’s worried about Andi and not herself, he mused silently. He leaned forward and took a deep breath. She smelled like booze. Beer, if he wasn’t mistaken. Her green eyeliner and matching eye shadow was smudged and her mascara streaked down her face. A dark bruise lined her left jaw and he imagined it smarted even after the medicine they gave her. “Andi is much too far gone to be mad at you, and I’m not so sure skipping the hospital was the way to go.” She scowled at him, but he still continued, “If you pass out and are unresponsive to the world, they had better bring you to the hospital.”
“I guess, but I should’ve been out of here by now. They don’t need to run every freaking test out there,” she argued. “I’m totally fine. Just get this needle out of my arm and I’m out of here.”
He chuckled, but ignored her protesting and noticed the nurse’s failed attempt of putting a hospital gown on Gwen. It hung loosely over her shoulder with her fully clothed beneath. “I think you may start a new fashion trend,” he joked, tugging at the gown.
Gwen blushed, obviously embarrassed, and pushed back her long, straight hair that was glittered with green shamrocks. “Wearing some dress a random person may have died in is not on my list of things to do before I die.” She shrugged it off and tossed it to the floor.
“Don’t worry about it. You’ll be out of here before you know it. The doctor is checking on your tests now.” He boldly covered her fidgeting hand with his and changed the subject. Being so close to her unnerved him even now, but he needed to be close to her. “So, I’m guessing you guys hit up the strip club before your little accident?” he teased, pulling at the glittery confetti. Her spicy perfume hit his nose and he frowned, knowing that wasn’t her usual scent.
Her eyes widened at the glitter she was covered with and she laughed. “Well, it might have been Andi’s idea. She gets a little handsy when she’s drunk. Even if it was in a gay club.” She flicked the confetti from her hair the best she could and Jeremy could tell she was uncomfortable. Before he could retort, she asked, “Why did they call you?”
Jeremy chewed at his bottom lip at the question he really didn’t want to answer. That phone call was the last one he expected. Since their meeting at the party on Friday, he hadn’t seen much of her at home or work. He did that on purpose, though. He couldn’t watch her with Devon. His brow furrowed, remembering the man who so eloquently advised him that he was Gwen’s boyfriend not Jeremy. Gwen hadn’t been in the hall when Devon first met Jeremy at the party. The rich oaf purposely spilled his beer on Jeremy leading to their conversation. Jeremy didn’t mind the guy until he told Jeremy to stay out of Gwen’s life, especially the romantic part of her life. He still wasn’t sure how Devon found out about their unexpected rendezvous. It took all his brains to keep him from slugging the rich boy. Jeremy tried to focus back on Gwen instead of the horrible interaction with Devon.
He rubbed his thumb across her knuckles. “I’m still your emergency contact. I guess they didn’t get the update that you have a new guy to take care of you,” he replied quietly.
“Oh, right. It wouldn’t matter. Devon is in Nebraska for the weekend. Something about his dad, I think. I don’t remember. I didn’t pay much attention, honestly. For some reason, the details are always lost when he says things.” She paused and cautiously laced her fingers through his and met his gaze with her sapphire one.
His breath hitched momentarily then returned when he remembered she was drunk. She was being the silly, horny, lonely girl he knew loved to drink the night away. It amazed him that nothing ever happened between the two of them before their night a month ago. They spent years drinking together, but she usually found a guy to keep her company afterward.
“Plus, I didn’t change my emergency contact because you are the only person I trust with my life. Sure, Andi is my best friend, but she can’t make tough decisions for my best interests.” She dropped her gaze. “And, I would never replace you. There’s so much between us that is unsaid and I’m afraid it’s going to go away all of a sudden.”
Tears trickled down her face and Jeremy watched tentative of what to do. Of course, he wanted to wrap her in his arms and tell her everything in his heart, but he wouldn’t let himself do that. Not again. He tried to tell her so many times, but she never listened. She always shut him down. “She has a big mouth when she’s drunk,” he recalled. “She won’t remember any of this tomorrow.” Despite his apprehensions, he moved from the chair and sat on the bed. He pulled her tight against him, trying to console her. What he didn’t expect was the wave of nostalgia to hit him once she was securely in his arms. The sweet coconut smell of her hair took him back to high school. The ideal way she fit against him flashed tidbits of their liaison. She was still Gwen. More importantly, she was still his Gwen no matter what happened. “It’s going to be okay, Gwen,” he murmured softly against her hair.
Gwen fought back a sob. “What would’ve happened if Devon wasn’t in the picture? What would have happened between us?” She stared up at him through teary eyes and Jeremy attempted to keep himself together. These questions, among countless others, plagued him since he learned about Devon’s involvement in Gwen’s life.
“I don’t know,” he finally admitted. “I wish I had a better answer for you, but I don’t.” He maintained their gaze and saw the wheels turning in that beautiful head of hers.
“What if…” she started then looked away.
Jeremy’s heart thudded against his chest. The glimmer of hope in her eyes threw him off kilter. He was waiting for her to pursue something between them every time he initiated their interactions, but nothing ever evolved. Not accepting her derailed question, he brought her eyes back to his. “What if what? You’re not getting away with that cliffhanger.”
Gwen took a breath and swallowed. She didn’t reply, so Jeremy pushed back the hair over her brow and pressed his lips against her forehead. Her eyes fluttered and she met his again. “What if we tried? Like you and me?”
“I think you’ve downed one too many beers,” he retorted without thinking and cursed silently, turning his face away. Of course he wanted that, but he didn’t want her committing while she was under the influence of alcohol. It would be his luck that she wanted to try them being a couple then two days later decide she was better off with Devon.
She pulled him back to her. “No. I’m serious, Jeremy. What if we were a couple? I know that’s what you’ve wanted for so long and so have I. I just could never accept it.”
Jeremy searched her face for a hint of hesitation, a hint of apprehension, a hint of anything that made her question ill-fated and coerced by liquor. He saw none. In fact, her questions seemed to sober her. Did he really want to answer her? His mind screamed ‘yes’, but his heart cautioned against it. Though briefly, they traveled that path. But it wasn’t real, he reminded himself. That was a one-night stand between friends, and then a couple times when we kissed. The low beeping of the heart monitor distracted him while his brain nearly exploded with possibilities. “What about Devon?” he finally asked the question that nagged at him. He couldn’t live in Devon’s shadow. He couldn’t be the safe option for Gwen. He wanted, no, needed, to be her number one, only choice.
Gwen’s demeanor changed at the mention of the man. The criminal attorney seemed to have an unnatural hold on her even when he wasn’t present. Jeremy couldn’t share Gwen. Not now, not ever. She took a breath and twisted her fingers between his. “He isn’t the man I think about every night when I go to bed. Or who I wish was with me to keep me from devouring every pizza I come in contact with at night, or the man who kisses every argument out of me before I have a chance to think.” She ran her hand through his short locks. “Or the man who purposely cut his hair to piss me off.” Jeremy chuckled. She caught him there. “But most importantly, he isn’t the man who never left my side no matter how much of a bitch I am or the amount of gossip he heard about me.” Her fingers grazed his shadowy day’s growth on his jaw. “He isn’t you, Jeremy.”
Jeremy let a slow smile creep on his face. She hadn’t told him she loved him, but she was close. He leaned down and tenderly kissed the corner of her lips. Gwen clung to his head desperately, but he merely kissed her lower lip, then her top lip, never letting their lips fully connect. She wasn’t getting his full devotion, not quite yet.
“I can come back,” a voice stated, clearing his throat.
Jeremy whipped his head up and saw a nurse alongside the doctor from earlier. Jeremy stood and dared not look them in the eyes. “No. It’s fine. Do what you need.” He moved to the farthest wall away from them.
The nurse moved into place to check Gwen’s vitals. “It’s sweet to see a couple like the two of you. So tender and loving isn’t very common these days. How long have you been together?”
Jeremy felt the eyes of the nurse, doctor and most importantly Gwen on him. He looked up and caught Gwen’s vulnerable gaze. “We’ve known each other for over fifteen years,” he replied. The nurse frowned and an indiscernible expression crossed Gwen’s face. Seeing the doctor had everything under control, he moved for the door. “I’ll let you finish up.”
“No need. We’re done. The tests were normal. No concussion, but I would suggest someone stay up the rest of the night with her just in case.” The doctor patted Gwen’s shoulder. “A couple aspirin with water and you will be fine. Maybe stay away from swinging fists from now on, though,” he joked.
“Just sign here and I’ll get her discharge paperwork,” the nurse added, handing him a clipboard.
Jeremy scanned the document and scribbled his signature, then watched Gwen carefully. Since she refused the hospital gown, she was ready to go once the nurse handed him the paperwork. He thanked the doctor and nurse and opened the door to her waiting entourage.
Andi immediately hugged Gwen, followed by every other woman waiting. It was like a giant hug with only beautiful women. Jeremy smirked. He could get used to that. “I’m just so glad you’re okay. We were so worried. It’s a good thing Jeremy came to save the day,” Andi announced loudly. “Now that Gwen’s better, who’s ready to get back to my St. Paddy’s Day bachelorette party?” The girls whooped and hooted loudly and Jeremy hoped they weren’t escorted from the building.
“I’m gonna have to pass for the remainder of the party,” Gwen informed, pulling Andi from the group. “I should go home and get some sleep, or lack of sleep like they want. I don’t feel the best, so I’m going to watch some crappy movies on TV.”
