Chapter 2
Chapter Two
Grace
I left his hotel room, stepped into the elevator, and let out a breath as the doors closed.
What the hell just happened? Craziness, that’s what.
Sexy, hot craziness all rolled into one.
I could still feel the vibrations down below.
Literally, my old life went out with a bang!
I shook my head to snap back to reality and hailed a cab to my apartment.
Opening the door, I flipped on the lights and stared at the empty space before me except for two suitcases, a carry-on bag, a pillow, and a blanket.
Grabbing the blanket, I sat on the floor and brought my knees to my chest. Thoughts about the memories here filled my head and broke my heart.
I took in a deep breath as I fought back the tears and swallowed the lump in my throat.
Betrayal took place here—the ultimate betrayal.
Getting out of this city was the only option I had.
I needed to start new and rebuild my life one day at a time.
I landed in Los Angeles and took an Uber to the car dealership to pick up the new car that I had purchased. I did everything online and had the salesman, Howard, Facetime me and show me the vehicle.
“It’s nice to meet you in person, Miss Harper.” He smiled as he shook my hand.
“Please, call me Grace.”
“So, a big change from New York to Los Angeles. Two totally different worlds as far as I’m concerned.”
“I’ve lived here before,” I spoke. “Many years ago.”
“Oh. Well then, welcome home.” A grin crossed his face.
I gave him a small smile and signed the paperwork that sat in front of me.
“Excellent. Follow me, and I’ll take you to your car.”
I got up from my seat and followed him out to the lot, where I saw my white Volkswagen Beetle convertible.
“Here she is.” He opened the door.
I climbed inside with a smile on my face. This was the kind of car I’d always wanted.
“It’s perfect.” I gripped the steering wheel. “My two suitcases should fit, right?” I asked with concern.
“I’m sure they will. Let’s find out.”
Howard picked up my suitcases and stacked them in the backseat.
“Just keep the top up until you unload them,” he spoke as he handed me my carry-on.
Taking it from him, I put it in the front seat next to me and thanked him.
“Thank you for your patience with me, Howard.” I smiled.
“You were a pleasure to work with, Grace. Good luck here in Los Angeles.”
“Thanks,” I spoke as I waved goodbye and pulled out of the lot.
I pulled into the parking garage of my new apartment building, found my designated spot, and went to the leasing office.
“Can I help you?” A tall redhead smiled.
“Hi. I’m Grace Harper, and I’m moving into apartment 3C.”
“Ah, yes. Welcome. I have your keys right here.” She dangled them in front of me.
“Did my furniture arrive?” I asked.
“Yes. The truck was here this morning. Everything is in your apartment.”
“Thank you.” I smiled.
“You’re welcome. Call me if you need anything or have any questions or concerns.”
I returned to my car, grabbed my suitcases and carry-on, and took the elevator up to the third floor.
Inserting the key into the lock, I pushed open the door and took in a long, deep breath as I stepped inside.
Boxes were everywhere, and I couldn’t wait to start unpacking and put everything in its place.
I needed to do this today because I started my new job tomorrow, and once that started, I’d have zero time.
As I was unpacking all my kitchen gear, my phone rang, and it was my Aunt Cora calling.
“Hello,” I answered.
“Hello, it’s your favorite aunt, darling.”
“You’re my only aunt.” I laughed.
“Just checking in to make sure you made it to Los Angeles safely.”
“I did. I’m just unpacking.”
“Are you okay?” she asked with concern.
“Yes. Of course, I am.”
“I’m not talking about him, Grace. I’m talking about being in Los Angeles.”
“I know, Aunt Cora. It’s all good. It’s been twenty years.”
“Okay. I expect to hear from you every other day,” she spoke. “If you need anything, I can be there in a flash at any time.”
“Thanks, Aunt Cora. I’ll do my best to call you every other day, but you know, with my work schedule.”
“I know, Grace. I love you.”
“I love you too. Talk to you soon.”
I ended the call, unpacked, and headed to Trader Joe’s around the corner to buy some food.
My alarm went off, and after shutting it down, I sighed as I rolled over and hugged my pillow for a few moments before climbing out of bed and getting in the shower.
Today was the first day of my new job, and I’d admit I was pretty nervous.
Not about the job but where it was. I took a deep breath as I grabbed my coffee and purse and headed out the door.
As soon as the elevator door to the parking garage opened, I heard people screaming.
I knew those screams, so I ran out of the parking garage and across the street, where a group of people was gathered around a young woman lying on the cement.
“I’m a doctor. What happened?” I shouted as I knelt down.
“She was shot,” a bystander spoke. “I called 911. They’re on their way.”
“What’s your name?” I asked the victim as I lifted her shirt and examined her gunshot wound.
“Carla,” she barely spoke.
“You’re going to be okay. Stay with me, Carla. How old are you?”
“Thirty-five.” She struggled to say the words.
“Do you know who did this to you?”
“My husband,” she whispered.
“You, come here.” I pointed to the bystander who called 911. I need you to put pressure on the wound. Push down as hard as you can. We have to control the bleeding.”
He knelt down beside me and did as I asked while I grabbed my stethoscope from my purse and listened to her heart and lungs. I heard the ambulance coming and took over applying pressure on her abdomen.
“Please don’t let me die,” Carla cried.
“You’re not going to die. Not today and not on my watch.” I smiled.
“What do we have?” one of the paramedics asked.
“Gunshot wound to the abdomen. Her pulse is weak, and she’s lost a lot of blood. We need to get her to the ER now.”
The paramedics loaded Carla into the ambulance, hooked her up to an IV, and gave her oxygen while I continued to apply pressure to control the bleeding.