CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

 

Jarrett had been sitting by Paige’s side for the last twenty-four hours. She hadn't moved. The doctors were concerned. Her vitals were good, but she just hadn't opened her eyes. Her parents left the hospital around midnight, but Jarrett didn't want to leave.

The media was wild with the stories of that night. Many were supportive of him and Paige, but somewhere along the way Suzette's involvement in the situation came to light. She took to the airwaves as a way to clear her good name, as she told the reporters. She told the media that Ophelia Hylton, Paige Cartwright's grandmother, is the majority owner of the Knights. When she discovered that the family was conspiring to make Jarrett a permanent part of the team by marrying her granddaughter, Ophelia threatened to trade Ron and force them out of New York. That generated a media frenzy for the front office. In a way he was glad Paige wasn't awake to have to deal with the negative press that was directed at her. The PR firm hired by the front office had dispensed of the conspiracy story fabricated by Suzette. Contrary to what Suzette thought would happen, the public began to turn on her, as did Ron. Last time he and Ron had talked, Ron was sleeping in the guest room.

There was a bright spot in all the drama from that night. Victoria had been given the lead in the European tour. Even if Paige opened her eyes today, the doctors would not release her to go back to work until well after the holidays. Jolene had been charged with the murder of Carin Tomey. It was funny how the two major events of that night had only one connection. Jealousy and a chance at the limelight were at the core of both. Everybody wants to shine, Jarrett thought, as he opened his eyes. He needed to get away from it all.

He checked his watch. It was almost three in the morning. He pushed the blanket aside and walked over to the bed. The area on her face where Paige had been hit, was now turning blue. It was not as red as it had been. She still looked pale, almost ghost like to him. He pushed her hair away from her face. His finger traced her profile. She wasn't cold, but the warm fuzzy feeling he always felt was missing. Thoughts of his conversation with Ophelia came to his mind. He pulled his hand away. She's making a fool out of you were Lacy's words. He closed his eyes willing the doubt that was seeping into his heart to go away. He opened his eyes, then looked out the window. He blinked. Yes, it was lightly snowing.

It's a spark of magic.

He jerked around thinking he would see her eyes open. They weren't, but he knew it was her voice he heard. The same thing happened the night he found her. He walked back over to the side of the bed. He took her hand.

"Paige, open your eyes for me."

Nothing.

He tried again. "Paige, you can hear me. Please open your eyes."

Her hands tightened around his. "Paige," he called her again.

Her eyes blinked.

He turned the bedside light on.

"No." She closed her eyes as if in pain.

"The light?" He turned it off. "I'm sorry. Paige, it’s off." He pushed the button for the nurse.

The pain shot through her like a knife to her eye. It was such a shock to her system she screamed out.

The nurse ran into the room.

Jarrett stepped aside. "She opened her eyes. I turned on the light, but she screamed out in pain. Is she okay?"

"Step outside. Let me look her over."

Jarrett reluctantly stepped outside. He pulled out his phone to call Horace. "Sorry to wake you. Paige is awake. She opened her eyes." He didn't know until the moment he said it, just how relieved he was. "Yes," he replied to something her father said as tears streamed down his face.

"Everything okay, Mr. Bryson?" Peace asked from the chair outside the door.

Jarrett quickly wiped his face. "Yes, Paige just opened her eyes.”

The elevator chimed. A few people stepped off. They all ran into Paige's room. "Something’s wrong.” He hung up the phone. He walked to the door and looked inside. They were leaning over her with a light. He heard her call his name.

He ran inside. "I'm right here Paige," he called out from behind the people around her.

"Jarrett," she cried out again. "I need to see Jarrett."

He ran to the bed and took her hand. "I'm right here."

She turned her head towards him. She blinked twice, then he came into view. She began to cry. He gathered her into his arms.

"I thought she shot you."

"No." He held her tight and rocked her until she settled down.

"We need to finish examining her."

"Please don't leave, please," she begged.

"I'm not leaving. I'm going to stay right here while they examine you."

 

*****

As it turned out Paige was sensitive to light. Later in the day she was able to tolerate it with dark sunshades.

That was an easy fix. What wasn't easy was the uneasiness that had developed between her and Jarrett. Oh he said all the right things. Did the right things, sent flowers, visited each day, even stayed each night he was in town; made sure she had everything she needed. That was everything except him. While family and friends were around, he was perfect. Once they were alone, the conversations turned polite.

"Jarrett, tell me what happened?" she asked once.

"Not now, let's talk about it when you are better."

That was it. Paige received most of what happened that night from Sergio and Victoria when they visited. The piece she was missing was what actually happened inside that warehouse. The detective did not want to taint her memory in case there was a trial. The only other people who knew were Jarrett and Lacy. Neither of them was talking.

The nights he was at away games he would call and she would end each call the same way. "Enjoy the game." Afterward Paige would hang up the phone and cry. The only excitement was that the Knights were up in the series three games to one.

"Okay, enough is enough." Victoria threw the paper across the bed. "I knew he was going to eventually hurt you."

"What is it?"

"The general consensus on the internet is that you, like every other woman in the world, were attempting to trap Jarrett."

"It's not him, Vic."

"No, he's not saying it. In fact, he's not saying anything to the press. He’s not standing up for you."

"He has never been a press person, you know that," Paige defended him.

"Jarrett needs to step outside himself and think about how all of this is impacting you. I'm worried about you."

"What I'm going through is not his fault. It's everything that's happened in the last month. It's you leaving. It's my chance at proving I made the right decision to dance being taken away. It's Jolene, Carin and Suzette. It’s like my life is not my own," she cried. "I don't feel a song in my heart."

Victoria hugged her friend. "Look, I'm not leaving for a few days. Why don't I bust you out of here? We can go to the park and just sit if you like." Angry tears were filling her eyes. This just wasn't right. This gentle heart was hurting through no fault of her own. The only thing Paige had ever done was try to bring smiles and joy to every person she met. While people like Jolene and Suzette got away with murder.

Paige put a smile on her face as she wiped away the tears escaping from beneath the rim of her glasses. "My Grand’Mere wants me to recuperate at home.''

"Good heads up. I'll clean the place."

"I'm going to Virginia."

Victoria pulled away and assessed her friend. "Oh, have you told Jarrett?"

"No. Their plane is coming in tonight after the game. I'll stop by his place before I leave."

"You're going to tell him before the game tomorrow?"

She nodded. "We’re flying out before the game. I want to tell him in person."

"How long are you going to be gone?

"Until I feel a song in my heart again."

 

*****

The elevator to Jarrett's apartment opened. He stepped out, dropping his bag next to the door. It was well after midnight as he spoke on the phone with his mother.

"I can't. I want to go see Paige tonight. I'm going to grab a shower then go to the hospital."

"Jarrett, honey, you need to get some sleep. I'm sure Paige is fine. I spoke to her earlier today."

"I slept on the plane. Mother, stop worrying. I'll sleep once the series is over and I know Paige is okay."

"Have you told her about Florida?"

"No, I haven't told her yet," he said as he took a bottle of water out of the refrigerator, opened it then took a drink. He turned to see Paige standing in the hallway.

"Mother, let me call you back."

"Paige." He walked over and hugged her. "What are you doing here? Should you be up?"

"I'm fine." She forced a smile on her face. "How are you?"

He took a step back, somewhat confused by her question. "I'm good."

"Are you? What happened at the game last night?'

"We won." He glanced away from her. "Live to fight another day." He took her hand. "I'd feel better if you were sitting." He took her hand and guided her to the sofa.

"When was the last time you slept?"

He smiled. "My mother just asked me the same question. I slept on the plane."

Paige nodded. "Jarrett, tell me about that night. I know bits and pieces, but I don't know what happened inside the room."

He sighed, then stood. "It’s better to wait."

Paige turned away. "Do you feel it?"

"What?"

"The tension in the air. It’s all around us. You don't feel it?"

Jarrett knew, he’d been feeling it since that night.

"This isn't us, Jarrett." She inhaled. "You know my Grand’Mere..."

Jarrett turned away. "I don't want to hear what your Grand’Mere has to say right now, Paige."

Paige inhaled and stood. “All right.” She inhaled. "Then let's talk about Lacy."

"Paige, not now." His voice was a little rougher than he intended. "We shouldn't, not now. We'll talk after you are better."

"Will we? If we don't air out what’s inside your soul, you will never be free. Which will impact my soul. Until we do, the healing process will not begin."

"Paige." He turned away in frustration.

"Jarrett, you are not responsible for her death and neither am I."

He jerked back around. "I don't blame you, Paige." He reached out to her, but she stepped back.

She shook her head. "You would never say it. But it's in the room, in every look, in the way you don't touch me. It's there in everything you do. Being here, at this moment, it feels like you’re talking to me out of guilt not love."

"What do you want from me, Paige? You weren't the only one impacted by that night. I'm still trying to work through all that happened. Lacy died trying to protect me in her own way."

Paige inhaled from the blow she’d just received. "From me?" She spoke softly. "Since I was the person she threatened to kill, I can only surmise, it was me she was trying to protect you from." She looked directly into his eyes. "Please tell me how I was a threat?"

"Paige, let's not."

She couldn't let it go. They had to have the conversation no matter how much it hurt. "How was I a threat? What did she say?”

Jarrett was tired. He hadn't been to sleep since she was taken from him. She was right and he couldn't deny Lacy was between them. It wasn't about her death, though he did feel guilty; but he held Suzette responsible for all that happened. What concerned him was exactly where Paige was heading in her sweet elegant way.

"Lacy believed you didn't love me. She was told you and I were setup by your Grand’Mere."

"And you, Jarrett. What do you think?"

"I don't know what to think." The anger was more apparent now. "Your Grand’Mere admitted she knew I was on that flight to Virginia. She insisted you catch that plane that day. You told me that yourself. All of it was her doing for whatever reason. It’s just like every other woman who put together schemes to be with me."

"God must hold you in high favor to be loved by so many."

"That’s not the point, Paige. You came into my life under false pretenses. I have to believe you weren’t a part of that. I have to believe that."

There it was. That’s what he was struggling with. She knew there was nothing she could do or say to get him to believe her love was real. All she could do was state her claim and let him come to his own conclusions.

"That is how we met." She nodded trying hard to keep the tears at bay. "What about the rest? The question you need to ask yourself is do you believe the love I shared with you was faked. That would make me a very good actress. I would say I went far and above the call of duty by sharing myself with you." She smiled as she removed her glasses to wipe the tears that were now flowing freely.

"As much as it breaks my heart that you would question that, I feel sadder for you for not being able to tell the difference."

"Paige, I just need time to work everything out in my mind." He exhaled.

She nodded her head as she put her glasses back on. "I understand. You are a very proud man, Jarrett. You think my Grand’Mere is manipulating you in some way. What a devil she must be to want you in the front office or to have put me in your life."

"That's not it, Paige."

"That's how I see it." She stepped closer to him. "Time is precious." Her lips trembled as she spoke, but she had to get it out. "You can savor it by forgiving quickly and loving longer. It gives you more time for nice slow kisses." She kissed him on the cheek. Then walked towards the elevator.

"Paige, it’s late. Where are you going?"

"I'm going home with my parents," she said as tears streamed down. "You're going to win tomorrow. It will be the last game of the season. Enjoy the game and stay off that first pitch." She pointed at him teasingly. She hit the down button, then looked up. "Goodbye, Jarrett."

He felt his heart breaking as the elevator doors closed. His heart wanted to go after her, but his feet wouldn't move.

 

*****

Paige's prediction was dead on. The next day the Knights won the World Series. The town and the team were celebrating the victory. The media was in full force. Champagne was overflowing around the locker room and Jarrett was doing one interview after another. Whenever the question of Paige and that night came up, he gave his patent answer, "We are blessed. She's healing." Then he would politely change the subject.

The celebration didn't end until the next morning. By the time he made it to his place, the sun was rising. He laid across the bed and slept.

 

*****

Who in the hell was at the door? The front desk hadn't called up. There was a knock again.

"I'm coming," Victoria yelled out. "It's eight in the morning, most people are asleep." She yanked the door open. "Serg. What are you doing here?" She pulled him inside. "Congratulations." She hugged him.

"It’s been crazy all night. I haven't been to sleep. Man, it's been wild." He was beaming.

"I bet. You want some coffee?"

"Yes," he declared in desperation. He followed her into the kitchen. "What time are you leaving for the airport?"

"The troupe is meeting at the theater at eleven," she said as she pulled cups out and turned the coffee machine on.

"Are you packed?"

"I've been packed for a week."

"Excited huh?" He smiled.

"Yes," she said with excitement. "The only thing that could have made this better is if Paige was still going."

"Yeah. That's a bummer. But if she was going, you wouldn't have the lead."

"You know, she is the one person I would have no problem giving it up for."

"What happened to her was just bad luck. Now, with Jarrett leaving, I'm afraid they won't work things out."

"Jarrett is leaving?"

"Yes, he's leaving for Florida today. And get this, Ron's going with him."

"What? He's leaving Suzette?"

"No. He will never do that. But he's going to give her something to think about for a few weeks."

"Well, I don't want to see anyone split up but all of this happened to Paige because of her. Lacy Dupree is dead because of her," she said as she put a cup of coffee in front of him "It would serve her right if he left her for good. Since he's not, it’s still going to sting, him leaving right at the holidays. Will he be back before Thanksgiving?"

"That's two weeks away. What can I say? He loves her and funny as it may sound I believe she loves him too. As for me, I will have the pleasure of being the wing man to the two brooding lovesick men while in Florida, the land of white beaches and women with too few clothes on."

"I'm sure you will find a way to enjoy yourself. In the meantime try to remind Jarrett what he has. Paige was the one who was kidnapped and almost killed, all because she fell in love with him. She can't help that her Grand’Mere owns the team. Like that's such a bad thing."

'To Jarrett it is. All through the series, players were calling him a bought man."

"Bought by who?" She sipped from her cup.

"The front office. Now that it’s out that Paige is an owner's granddaughter, he's being treated differently."

"That's just stupid."

"I agree, Jarrett is a good guy who is hurting. He loves Paige, I have no doubt about that. But his pride, and to some extent, he feels his integrity is in question."

"When your pride is bigger than your heart you are destined to live your life alone."

"You sound like Paige."

"Yeah, well I think some of her sweetness is rubbing off on me."

"It certainly rubbed off on Jarrett. You should have seen him with the ring."

"Ring?" Victoria sat up. "What ring?"

Sergio sat his cup down. "Holy crap, he never got a chance to give it to her. All hell broke out that night."

"Jarrett brought Paige a ring? Is it an engagement ring?"

"Seven figures. Had it specially made for her."

"Oh my God. How do we get them back to that point?"

 

*****

Ron walked back into the bedroom. "I told you, after my obligations to the team I was leaving. The parade was yesterday. You've had your fifteen minutes of fame."

"You can't do this, Ron. What am I supposed to tell everybody? How is this going to look to people?" Suzette screamed.

"That's the problem, Suzette. You are more concerned with people, not your family or me. You jeopardized my career, our livelihood, over a maybe reality show. You played with someone’s life. All so that you could be in the spotlight. Being my wife and a mother wasn't enough for you. You put a woman's life in jeopardy because she was blocking your way. Your friend, if that's what she ever was, you used her and she died." He picked up his packed bag. "I'm leaving before I get in the way of something you want and you have me killed."

"Ron, don't you walk out that door," Suzette screamed.

Sergio was waiting in the car when the door swung open. Ron came out, then Suzette ran out behind him. She didn't look happy.

"Where are you going?" she screamed.

"Away from you." Ron put his bag in the back.

"Ron, don't do this," she cried out.

"You didn't tell her where you were going?" Sergio asked as Ron climbed in.

"No, let her wonder for a while. She tore Jarrett's life apart. The least I can do is help him put it back together."

The driver pulled off.

Sergio nodded in agreement. "Did you know he got a ring for Paige?"

"No, when?"

"The same day she went missing. I don't think he ever had the chance to ask her."

"Damn, man, we got to make this right."

 

*****

Jarrett walked along the strip of private beach connected to his property. Ron and Sergio had made the trip with him. They were a week in and there were times when he wished the guys were gone, and others when he would have gone crazy without them. Not a day passed without Paige entering his mind. They hadn't talked much since the night she left his place. A text here and there, just to see how the other was doing. So many times when he heard her voice he could hear the hurt. Knowing he had caused it didn't help, so the calls turned into text messages.

This was the time for all of the Knights to bask in the media celebration of their accomplishment, but for him, that was difficult. They had won the World Series, yet with every mention of his name, Lacy Dupree and Paige Cartwright were mentioned. The fact that Paige's grandmother owned the Knights, raised questions as to whether or not Jarrett had been receiving preferential treatment during contract negotiations in the past. The commentators were speculating whether all the publicity had been sent in his direction to help build his off field endorsements. It was as if everyone had forgotten about his ten years of living right, staying clear of controversy and negativity. Now, for all of that to be in question, was more than he could take.

He reached inside his pocket and pulled out the small object he had been fumbling around with each time he took a walk. The diamond sparkled at him even in the daylight. It was a symbol of all that had happened because he opened his heart. It was time for him to close it out. This chapter had to end. He threw the ring into the ocean then walked back into his house.

 

*****

The morning started with a phone call from Nick. "The front office is ready to talk. Are you ready?"

"You're the agent. Are we?"

"As your agent, I think we should have a sit down before we set a date with them. I'm at the airport. Ask Sergio to stick around, I have a few things to discuss with him."

"Will do," Jarrett replied as he disconnected the call. He looked around the multi-million dollar home that he’d built planning to fill it with a family. He walked to the media room to find Sergio.

"Hey," he called out.

They turned to him and quickly turned the newscast off.

"Hey, what's up? Sergio replied.

"Nick is on his way here. We're going to start negotiations with the front office and he wants to talk to you too."

"Did he mention me?" Ron asked.

"No." Jarrett walked into the room taking one of the seats and putting his feet up. "He's not your agent.” Jarrett grabbed the remote. “Why would he want to talk to you?"

Serg and Ron glanced at each other, then back to Jarrett.

"Give." Jarrett looked at the two suspiciously.

"There are rumors of a trade involving Ron."

Jarrett sat up. "You're joking?"

"Afraid not." Ron walked over to the bar and fixed himself a drink. "Looks like old lady Hylton is sticking to her word."

"What are you talking about?"

"Ron didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

Sergio laughed. "You're going to love this." He shrugged at Ron. "Tell him."

"Tell me what?"

Ron chuckled. "Another disaster of my wife’s making." He sat with his drink. "According to Suzette, Ophelia Hylton threatened to trade me if she did one more thing to interfere with you and Paige. That's when she decided to use Lacy to get back at Paige."

Jarrett sat there just staring at him in disbelief. If either of them knew the telltale signs, they wouldn't have said what came out next, not even in joking.

"Since you have a connection to the front office, you think you can work something out for him," Sergio laughed.

A second later, Ron and Sergio were jumping out of their seats. The table their feet had been resting on, went flying across the room, crashing into the television they had just been admiring. The screen shattered as did the table.

"Jarrett!" Ron yelled. "What the hell?"

"Will that damn night never end?" All the anger Jarrett had been keeping inside suddenly exploded. "She's dead. Lacy is dead. Paige is lost to me forever, and you're telling me now the Knights are impacted too. What in the hell is wrong with your wife? Why didn't she just leave Paige alone? Why?"

Nick walked in. "Your front door was open. What do we have here?" He looked around at the damage to the room.

"Jarrett had a human moment," Ron replied as he fixed a drink.

Nick had seen worse from clients. Frankly he was happy to see Jarrett releasing some of that pent up anger he’d been carrying since that night. Only a few people knew he’d planned to win the playoff game, propose to Paige and marry her on Christmas Eve. The night was supposed to be special and it ended up being the night from hell.

"Gentlemen, will you give Jarrett and me the room?"

"Sure," Sergio replied for both of them.

Jarrett held up his hand, as he shook his head. "I'm okay. Just another blow from that night."

Nick went behind the bar, poured Jarrett a drink and one for himself.

"It’s the gift that keeps on giving." He smiled.

"Humph, that’s one way to look at it."

"What bombshell brought this on?" Nick pointed around the room. They took a seat at the bar.

"Ophelia Hylton threatened to have Ron traded if his wife interfered in her plans for me and Paige."

Nick shrugged. "Does he have a ‘do not trade’ clause in his contract?"

Jarrett glared at him. "I don't know."

"Ask him. If not, it’s an easy fix. As for Mrs. Hylton, she didn't have plans for you and Paige. She had plans for you." He took a drink. "Speaking of that, I've been thinking on this since you told me. From what I gather, she admires your integrity for the game so much so that she wants to entrust you with her team. Explain to me what is so wrong with that?"

"She tried to manipulate me."

"I see." He cleared his throat. "Have I ever told you how I met my wife?"

Jarrett shook his head. "Ericka? No."

"It’s actually a funny story if you were on the outside looking in."

"Nick, I don't mean any disrespect but listening to a love story is not what I need right now."

"Would it change your mind to know I was a mark?"

"A what?"

"Ericka was a con artist who was hired to con me out of a good deal of money."

Jarrett raised an eyebrow. "Ericka is a con artist?"

"Was," Nick corrected.

"Did she succeed?"

"Yes, in fact, she did."

"Why did you marry her?"

"I fell in love with her. You see, I believe when you are blessed with the gift of love, and believe me it is a blessing, you get down on your knees and thank God every minute of the day. It doesn't matter how that love comes into your life. If you are one of the lucky ones, you grab it and hold on to it for dear life."

"It’s not that simple."

"Do you love her? Wait, don't answer that. Answer this for yourself." He turned to look at his friend. "Have you ever heard her voice in your mind so clearly that you turn to see if she's in the room? If your answer is yes, you are wasting time. If that night did not teach you anything, it should have taught you that life is short. Paige could have been the one who did not open her eyes."

 

*****

That night Jarrett called Ophelia Hylton. "Mrs. Hylton, it's Jarrett Bryson."

"How are you, son?"

"I've had better days." There was silence. "I miss her."

Ophelia exhaled. "She misses you."

"I'm angry at you for putting us in this situation."

"I'll take the blame for putting you and Paige on that plane, son. However, my responsibility ends there."

"Did you threaten to trade Ron Mackenzie?"

"I did and would have, to get his wife out of the Knights’ organization. You don't keep a rat once you trap it."

Jarrett smiled. "You sound like Paige."

"No, darling, Paige sounds like me." Silence again. "You're young and have so much ahead of you. What I did wasn't done to harm you or manipulate you as the news reports indicate. I gave you two of my most valued gifts, my husband's team and the love of my granddaughter. It was done because I believe you are a good man. One who will keep the team honest and love Paige like my Edward loved me. Take my advice. Live this life with as much laughter as possible and find a love that lasts for an eternity. Jarrett, you love Paige. Paige loves you. Everything else is noise."

"I do love her, but, there is a lot of noise."

"Well, darling, put on some earplugs and tell the world to go to hell."

Jarrett laughed. It seemed like it had been ages since he laughed. It felt good.

"There's something I need you to answer for me." He sobered. "The night Paige and I made love, how did you know?"

Ophelia laughed. "Victoria told me you had spent the night. What? Do you think I can read minds?"

The two laughed.

"You get one spark of magic. Paige is yours. Now let's talk baseball.”

 

*****

The next morning, after talking with Ophelia most of the night, there were a number of decisions Jarrett had to make. Taking his morning walk on the beach, Paige filled his mind. He wanted her in his life. Not partially, or as a girlfriend, he wanted her as his wife. He didn't care about the talk on the internet or talk shows. He was in love with Paige. Part of the reason for the negative vibe she was getting was because he did not stand by her when the story broke about the ownership of the Knights. He allowed his pride to interfere with their lives. It was time to change that. It was time to go get his woman. The decision made him feel free. He had no idea why, but he took off his flip flops and threw them in the air to celebrate. A wave came in and took them away. He laughed.

"That was stupid." He stepped back to avoid the next wave and stepped on something hard in the sand.

"Ouch, damn it."

He picked up the item with the intention of throwing it all the way to Cuba if he could. But, he stopped. He could not believe what was in his hand. He blinked again, then chuckled. He dropped to the sand and laughed. It was the only thing he could do.

He walked back into the house.

"Where is Ron?" he asked Sergio who was sitting at the kitchen table eating.

"He's in his room still moping about Suzette. We have to fix that. "

"We are going to take him home."

"When?"

"Now. I'm taking Ron back to his wife, then I'm going to get Paige."

"Well it’s about damn time."