7. Julia
Chapter Seven
JULIA
My eyes are heavy.
I’m in a dream where I’m under water, with flashing lights and sirens, then in a white room. Roman is there, and then he’s not. My Dad is there, and then he’s not. I can hear my Mom crying from far away and then, nothing.
I blink my eyes open slowly. My Mom is sitting by my bed.
“Mom, where am I?” I’m confused.
“Hey sweetie. You’re in the emergency room.
There was a fire at the apartment. Ty should have fixed those damn wires when he said he would.
You’re okay, you have some minor smoke inhalation.
The doctor’s going to come and check on your oxygen levels in a minute.
If they’re okay then you can come home with me. ” She strokes my hair gently.
“Roman - where’s Roman? He saved me.” I just want to see his face again.
“I know. He was amazing. He and Ty put out the fire even before the fire department got there. It stopped it spreading to the shop. He saved our business. Your Dad’s gone to see him.” She looks surprised.
“Wait - Dad’s gone to see a Montag?” I must be dreaming.
“Your Dad stepped on a lot of toes to become Mayor. Maybe he’s realized it’s not the most important thing in the world. Family is.” She looks at me and smiles.
“And love.” I smile back at her.
Four hours later, I’m back at the family house tucked up on the sofa eating homemade soup. My head still feels slightly strange but I think that’s the after effects of the traumatic night I’ve had. All I can think about is seeing Roman again.
My cell phone beeps. It’s an unfamiliar number.
I had to work hard to get this number.
My heart leaps. I text back.
Roman?
I hope it’s him. It better not be Mr. Paris.
Yes, my lady. How are you doing?
I smile.
Doing good now. Thank you for rescuing me. Where are you?
I stare at my cell, willing him to respond instantly. He’s typing.
I’m with your Dad. He’s driving us back to your house.
That takes a minute to sink in. I just want to text back ‘what?’ I see he’s typing again.
Kind of a shock eh? Brace yourself. Your Dad came over and had a big discussion with my Dad. They’ve put the past behind them. I guess we aren’t at war any more.
I can’t resist. I insert a string of emojis and type back:
What??!?!
I stare in disbelief at the screen again as Roman is typing.
Incredible huh? Time for us to kiss and make up.
It hits me that Roman is on his way over.
I head to the shower and get rid of the smoky smell on my hair and body with a strawberry-scented shampoo and body wash.
I put on some clean sweats and head into my bedroom.
Although I live in the apartment above the shop - well I used to live there - my Mom has kept my little bedroom just the way I left it for when I come home.
There’s a soft knock on the door. I turn around from rubbing some moisturizer into my face and Roman is peeking his head around the door. I drop the bottle on my dressing table, spin around on the seat and run to the door.
I throw my arms around him, so glad to see him again.
“I can’t believe you’re in my house!” I can’t resist kissing him. Instantly we’re back in our own private world as his tongue explores my mouth. My knees give way underneath me.
He stops and holds me up. “Hey Julia. Too much, too soon. You’re still recovering.” He carries me over to the bed.
“I’m fine. I’m just overwhelmed by your presence.” I smile at him. As I lean into Roman’s arms, I’m perfectly content.
I never imagined the Caputo and Montag feud could be resolved.
I never thought I’d find passionate, heart-warming love with the guy next door.
Things have turned around and tragedy has been averted.
Love finds a way.