Life Renewed II: Love Renewed free porn video

Life Renewed II: Love Renewed By StefB Many thanks to LorasPa6 for everything you do. This story would not be what it is if you were not around to bounce ideas off of. Also thanks to you Kris. A third set of eyes is greatly appreciated and your input was perfect. Chapter One Once I was properly situated in my private room of the hospital, having been stabbed by my ex boyfriend Razor, Mom and Dad were the first to enter. "Darling, are you ok? I was so afraid we'd lost you too," Mom cried as she ran her hands through my hair. "I'm sore Mom but I'll be ok," I responded. "Liberty, I am so sorry for everything. All that ran through my mind as your father drove here was how you might die without knowing how much I love you, and how you make me proud every single day. I never let you know what a gift you truly are to me." My emotions went in overload as my mother said the very things I had wanted to hear from her my entire life. "I love you too Mama." As she leaned over to hug me, I knew I needed to tell them about what happened while I was unconscious. I took a deep breath. "Mom, Daddy, I saw Hunter." "What?" they shrieked in unison. "The doctor told me I died on the way here and Hunter was waiting for me. He said it wasn't my time and that I had to come back." They both started to cry again. "Daddy, he said to tell you it's not your fault. He doesn't want any of us crying for him anymore, he wants us to smile anytime we think of him." My father took my hand and I could feel his trembling. "Honey, it was just a dream." I looked up at him with a fierce determination. I had to make him believe me. "No Daddy, it wasn't. I know it wasn't. He is in a better place playing his guitar. He said he hears you when you talk to him down at the river where you took him fishing. He said it was a happy place for you two, and he doesn't want it ruined with tears." Daddy's face went blank with astonishment. "Nobody knows I go there to talk to him." I squeezed his hand. "Daddy, Hunter knows. He says it makes him sad when we cry for him. I can't make him sad Daddy. My boy wants to be happy, hell he deserves to be happy. We can't cry for him anymore. He wanted me to tell you and Mom both to stop." Mom walked around the bed and hugged Daddy as she wiped away his tears. "Rob, when did we ever not give that boy what he wanted?" Daddy shook his head "Never Carol. You know we'd do anything for that boy." I looked up at both of them. "Then we need to do this for him. From now on, no more tears when we talk about Hunter. Only smiles. Agreed?" Mom and Daddy both smiled down at me in my hospital bed. "Agreed." Mom lovingly moved some loose hair from my face. I could not remember the last time she had acted that way towards me but I liked it. "Honey, there is a room full of people waiting to see you and if that man of yours doesn't get in here soon I'm afraid he'll crack." She bent over to kiss my forehead, "we'll come back later to check on you. Call me if you need anything before I get back. We love you." "Love you too." Adam and Ellie came in next with each grabbing a hand. "I saved your shoes," Ellie said with a big smile. I tried to giggle but winced at the dulled pain. "Don't make me laugh please. I remember hearing you. I would've been pissed if they'd been ruined, I knew you were my best friend for a reason." Ellie laughed before her expression became serious. "You scared me to death. I thought you were going to die." She started crying again. "The doctor said I did die a couple of times." Adam gasped and clutched my hand so tight that it probably would have hurt more if I were not pumped up with pain killers. I solemnly looked up at Ellie and took a deep breath. "Hunter said to tell you 'hi,' and that he loves you." Ellie's complexion suddenly became as fair as mine. "What?" "I swear I saw him. He told me a lot of things. We can't cry for him anymore. He said it makes him sad when we do. He says he doesn't want me to visit his gravesite anymore, he says he's not there." I turned my head to the man I loved and continued. "Adam, he says he likes you and how you treat me. He said he wished you'd been his Dad." Both of them had disbelief written on their faces. "I know you both think I am crazy but I swear I saw him. He told me it wasn't my time and that I had to come back. He said I had a lot of life yet to live." Ellie leaned in to hug me. "I believe you girl. I'm glad to hear you have a lot of life left. I'd be lost without you. I love you so much." I did my best to hug her and still hold onto Adam's hand. "I love you too." Adam grabbed a chair to sit beside me. He looked terrible, he was wearing a tee shirt from the bar and his face still held my bloody handprint, his hands and pants also still bore evidence of Razor's attempt to take my life. I gently squeezed his hand. "Hey you." "Hey you. You scared me," he replied through a heavy breath. I pulled his hand to my lips and kissed it. "You saved me again." His gaze turns toward the floor. "I wouldn't have had to save you if I'd just kept hold of him instead of letting him go like Jesse asked. At least that son of a bitch won't be singing for awhile since his jaw is wired shut while he sits in a jail cell." I squeezed his hand tighter. "Look at me." He lifted his weary head until he met my eyes. "You saved me. I love you for that. I can add that to all the other reasons I love you. What happened was not your fault." Adam rolled his eyes and I sighed. "Honey, nobody knew he'd do what he did. It was you that saved me." I kissed his hand again since it was the only part of him I could reach. "You pulled him away so that it wasn't worse. It was you who covered my wound to slow the bleeding until the ambulance got there. Don't you dare feel guilty about this!" Adam started to cry and it broke my heart. "How can I not feel guilty? I was the one who booked that bastard! I was the one who insisted you come to the club! I was the one who brought him in the room! Me! I did all that! It was all my fault." I cringed at the knowledge that it was not going to be easy to relieve his guilt. "No honey, it wasn't. You were trying to give me closure and you did. I may be hurting physically but mentally I'm as good as I've ever been and I owe that to you," I stated emphatically. Adam dropped his head. My tough hero appeared so weak and broken. "I don't know." I tried to turn toward him and winced, as any movement my mid-section made was agonizing. Ellie released my hand so I could caress Adam's cheek. "I do, but if you feel so strongly about this I know how to set you mind at ease. You know the saying about the life you save?" Adam cautiously looked back up. "Yes?" I tried to coax him to lean to me. "Well." I kissed his trembling knuckles. "This life you saved just became yours to own so you'll have to take care of it." Adam adopted the first smile I'd seen cross his face since before Razor made his dedication. "I think I can live with that." I smiled in return and could feel Ellie's happiness at witnessing our exchange when she lovingly gripped my shoulder. Our moment was short-lived however because Gracie stuck her head in and smiled. "Okay you two, I think it's somebody else's turn. We have to get on the road soon and have to check on our girl." Adam tossed his hands up defensively. "Yes Ma'am, we were about to leave." He leaned in to kiss me. "I'll be right outside if you need me." I ran my hand through his hair. "I always need you but you need a shower, you look like shit. I think I'm covered here for awhile, go get some rest and I promise to call you when the herd thins out." Adam smiled and I melted. "You don't think this is a sexy look?" I rolled my eyes and he smirked. "Call me and I'll come running. I love you so much." Ellie leaned in and gave me another hug. "I'll be back after work to check on you. Call me if you need me before then. Love you." As they left I suddenly remembered the message I was supposed to deliver, and called my love back to my side. "Baby, a lady named Zaria who looked amazingly like Polina and your friend Dani said to tell you that you can no longer delay what needs to be done if you wish to move forward. She said wealth is easily rebuilt but trust is not." Surprise laced with fear filled Adam's face as he nodded. "I am working on it, I swear to you I am." Before I had the chance to ask what he meant he kissed me again and rushed from the room while also reaching for his phone. Gracie and Liz followed and they were beside themselves with worry as I tried to encourage them that I was going to be fine. We agreed for them to visit after their tour ended. Tim and Jesse were next and they were wracked with almost as much guilt as Adam. I finally convinced them I would be okay, and we promised to stay in touch after they went home. Their anger was so intense I knew Razor would do well to never run into either of those two again. The last duo the nurses allowed to visit was Jill and Jane. They were understandably upset and both looked terrible, but Jane was by far the worst. She was nearly hysterical when she rushed to my side to grab my hand and bury her head in my shoulder as she wept. "I thought we lost you," she sobbed. I tried to soothe her. "You didn't though. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere." Jane continued to sob. "I couldn't bear the thought of losing another sister." I remembered what Hunter had told me. He must have been talking about Jane and Adam's sister. "Jane, Sarah said to tell you she loves you, she's happy, and it wasn't your fault." All color drained from Jane's face and she became unsteady. I motioned for Jill to move a chair so Jane could sit. "How, how, how can you, you possibly...." I became worried when she appeared to be in shock. "Are you going to be ok?" With bewildered eyes Jane stared at me. "Nobody knows. We don't talk about her, how'd you know about Sarah?" "They said I died. I saw my son. I saw Hunter and he told me lots of things but he said to tell you it's not your fault. Jane, who is Sarah?" Jane wept as she whispered, "She's our older sister. She died in the car wreck on the way home from that concert we saw you at. We were fighting about my attitude that night and she wasn't paying attention to the road. It's all my fault, if I hadn't been arguing with her she'd have seen the deer jump in the road." I gasped. Neither Jane nor Adam had mentioned an older sister. I remembered one other thing Hunter told me "She also said to tell you a sister's love is stronger than the hope tomorrow brings." Jane collapsed in her chair as her eyes flickered with thought. "How'd you know about that?" I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm relaying a message my boy made me promise to deliver. Do you know what it means?" Jane nodded her head. "Yeah, we always said no matter how bad things seemed there was the hope of a better day tomorrow. She always said her love was stronger than that." I gripped her hand. "She said you can't blame yourself and I think it must have been pretty important if she went through the trouble of having me deliver the message." She jumped up and grabbed her phone from her purse punching a number before placing it to her ear. "Will you excuse me Sara?" Jane said absent-mindedly and without saying goodbye she headed for the door. I heard her talking into her phone before she walked out. "Adam? You're not going to believe this." I turned my attention to Jill who seemed to have been rattled by everything. "Are you ok Jill?" Jill attempted to smile but the result was weak at best. "Yes I'm fine. Are you ok? I was so frightened when I saw you being wheeled out on that gurney." "I hurt, but the doctors say I'll only have a small scar by the time I heal. I guess I'll probably end up with a new tattoo to hide it." Jill released a long breath I never realized she was holding then smiled her cheerful smile. "That's great news. I'd hate to lose the coolest boss ever. Everyone at the office sends their best and said to make sure you know that they have everything under control until you get back." "What do you mean? How do they know already?" I asked. I found it hard to believe the people who worked for me would still be up at this hour. Jill looked at me puzzled. "You don't know? It's been almost eighteen hours and you've been all over the news. Not just local news either, you're worldwide." I'm sure my confusion showed. "Why would I be worldwide?" Jill chuckled. "It's kind of big news when the lead singer of one of the largest bands of the nineties stabs one of the biggest female singers from the same era. You were famous, like one name famous. You walked away at the height of your fame and was never heard from again until last night and that asshole that stabbed you was famous and your boyfriend is famous. Your secret is out. Everyone knows you're Belle." I rubbed my temples trying to purge the thought of my normality disappearing. "How's the office gossip?" "You mean after the shock wore off?" I laughed lightly and nodded my head. "Everyone's fine, great even. Mr. Moretti called, he wants you to call him as soon as you feel up to it." I caught Jill's expression and noticed there was something else she wanted to say but was possibly afraid. "What's that look for Jill?" Jill appeared confused. "Mr. Moretti is um, unusual isn't he?" I laughed so much it hurt thinking about my kind, eccentric boss. "Yeah Jill, you could say that but he's a really good man. What did he do to make you ask?" Jill's face was beginning to turn a nice shade of pink. "Nothing really, he was just really frantic when he called to check on you. He made me camp out in the waiting room and has called every fifteen minutes for updates. He said the hospital wouldn't tell him anything and he couldn't reach your parents. Then he said he was glad you're finally out about your past but it made him sick that he couldn't protect you. He also said sending you home was a bad idea. That's not something you expect to hear from the owner of the company. I'm not sure how to say this but he told me to tell you he loved you." I smiled fondly while thinking of the man who had become like a second father. "Like I said, he's a really good man. He and his wife have always looked out for me. What did the people at the office say?" Jill smirked. "The guys all say they remember you and everyone agrees with my coolest boss ever statement. Especially the women after they found out you and Zeus are dating. Margaret almost passed out when I told her." Jill giggled before continuing, "I think there must be a lot of your fans out there that need our services since our phones went crazy today with potential clients wanting to set up meetings with you after you get back. I am going to make sure the people are legitimate and not a crazed fan or a sleazy reporter before I call them back. I'll set up the appointments after we know when you are returning to work." A yawn escaped before I could contain it and Jill noticed. "I need to go, I can see how tired you are. I'll call or come by tomorrow if that's ok." "I'm sorry about that. Thanks for everything you do for me." I replied. "Before you go I wanted to ask you about what was bothering you last night. You want to talk about it?" Pain flashed in Jill's eyes briefly before she smiled graciously. "That's sweet of you but I'm good. You need to get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow." I knew it would take more effort than I had available to get Jill to talk. "I guess it's been a long day. Yes please, I'd like you to come by. We can talk about it then." Jill started toward the door but stopped suddenly and handed me her iPhone. "Oh, before I forget. You're on TMZ in their 'Who'd you rather' section. It's really a great picture of you with Liz and Gracie taken at the club. Right now you're winning with 60 percent of the vote." I glanced at the screen. "Oh great," I said sarcastically as I handed her phone back. "At least it's a good picture." "It really is. Take care Sara, I'm glad to see you're doing so well." "Thanks Jill. See you tomorrow." With my room finally empty I needed to call my frantic friend. "Are you okay? You scared ten years off this old man's life," Gabriel said as soon as he answered. "Yes Gabe, I'm fine. Actually I'm better than I've been in ages." He sounded relieved. "You sound good. Anna and I have been worried to death about you. You need to come back home so I can keep a proper eye on you. You've non aveva niente ma il dolore since I sent you there." "No Gabe, I am home. This is where I need to be. Who's to say that I wouldn't have had sorrow in New York? None of this is your fault. Everything happens for a reason." Gabriel sighed. "I'm not so sure." "Mi creda per favore. I'm in a good place. I'm fine. I promise you." With a hint of disappointment in his voice Gabriel replied. "I don't believe you. You told me you were fine before but your parents told me otherwise so I know how well you can lie. We are flying down so I can judge for myself." "You don't have to do that but I'll be happy to see you both. I miss you." "We miss you too. Anna is making Florentines to bring." I smiled even though Gabriel couldn't see it. "Yum, I've missed those. What kind?" A yawn escaped and Gabriel heard it. "I have no idea. I stay out of the kitchen when she's stressed. You must be stancato so I'll let you go. So good to hear your voice and I'll see you soon." "Yeah, I'm a little tired. Thanks for caring and I'll see you when you get here." Gabriel paused. "Ti voglio bene." "I love you too Gabe. Send Anna my love." As soon as he hung up I called Jill so she could tell everyone to be aware that Gabriel might make a surprise visit to the office. After talking to Jill I was about to get some much-needed sleep until Adam's friends Cali and Dani walked in the room. I no longer felt the anger I once felt at seeing the tall brunette but her presence still made me nervous. "How are you feeling?" the petite red head with spectacular prism colored eyes said as she walked up and took my hand in hers. "As well as can be expected I guess. Luckily the hospital has provided something for the pain," I replied. Cali smiled warmly. "Adam called us and told us what happened, we wanted to come by and see if we could help." I started to feel a tingling sensation throughout my body and quickly jerked my hand away. "Stop whatever it is you are doing." Dani stepped forward and as I really looked at her I realized she wasn't as identical to her sister as I initially believed. The tall brunette's eyes were much kinder and a lighter shade of purple. "We only want to help you. Cali can heal your wounds. It is one of her many gifts." I shook my head. "Let me start off by apologizing to both of you for all my previous actions but I need to heal naturally." I lifted the hospital gown to show my taped wound. "I was given a choice before I came back and I chose to return to this life just as it is. I knew there would be pain when I made the decision. This will be a reminder of my choice and everything I wanted to live for. I have finally realized that it's not what you go through, it's how you choose to get through it that defines you." Cali smiled again. "I can definitely respect that. No wonder Adam loves you so much. I think you are the only person who can hold her own with him. He has always had an ego but it really became prominent after he adjusted to his new life." I laughed as I glanced at Dani before looking at Cali again. "Maybe I can have the same effect on him that your wife had on you. I bet Zack still has a scar from what you did to him." Cali laughed. "Well, he shouldn't have grabbed my ass like that." Dani's jealousy showed as her posture straightened. "Who grabbed your ass? When? Tell me who this person is!" I pulled my pillow down over my injured area hoping the pressure would quell the pain of laughing so hard. I spoke up to remind Cali that was not what set her off. "It wasn't his grabbing you that caused it. I distinctly remember it was a few minutes later, when he said it was a waste to put such hotness in scrawny male body." Cali's face turned about three shades redder as she nodded. "I was trying to block that part out." Dani's brows furrowed as she looked back and forth between us. "How can she remember Ty?" Cali smiled. "I let her. Since we share a common bond of forced sisterhood and we had met before, I wanted her to remember who I once was. It would be nice to have someone to talk to about it." Dani's pulled her wife into her arms and her voice was not much more than a whisper. "Am I taking you for granted again? I thought you were happy with how everything turned out. If I had known you still had issues I would have been happy to talk to you about everything." Any apprehension I had concerning Dani evaporated as I saw her genuine concern and love for her wife. Cali leaned on her toes to kiss Dani. "No honey, you let me know all the time how much you love me, and I am very happy, but it is still nice to talk to someone who has been through it." They ended up staying another hour and we discussed everything from the differences in Adam's personality compared to Ryan's, to how Cali's sister-in-law Renee was doing. I was glad to hear Renee seemed to be very happy. I smiled genuinely when Cali showed me the latest pictures of her and Dani with Cali's daughter/niece Kaley. The beautiful girl was the spitting image of her father/aunt. I thought of my Hunter and was thankful he always knew who I was in his life. By the time I closed my eyes after they left, I knew I had two new close friends. Chapter Two My eyes opened to a room full of flowers. There were so many of them! Some were over the top tacky while others happened to be rather beautiful. What stood out was how many of the arrangements were shaped like a bell or had tiny bells attached to the ribbons. I was so busy looking at all the flowers I failed to notice the doctor standing at my side. "Hi Sara, how are you feeling?" I jumped slightly. "I feel stoned actually but I'm ok I guess under the circumstances." He smiled at me. "That would be your pain medication. You appear to be progressing rather well. At this rate you can go home in a few days; with certain provisions of course." I nodded. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes, I just want to sleep in my own bed." He gently patted my arm. "just hang in there and you'll be able to." The doctor was leaving as Adam and Jane returned. They looked like hell. "Are you guys ok? You look terrible." Adam sighed. "It's been kind of a terrible day." Jane nodded in agreement. "Why are you still terrible? I'm ok, I told you not to worry about me." They both tried to adopt a smile but it was obvious they were faking it. I frowned. "Is this about your sister?" Jane became slightly emotional as Adam nodded sadly. "Jane you can't cry for her anymore. Hunter told me something and I think Sarah would probably feel the same way if she's anything like you." She looked up. "What's that?" "He said that anytime I think of him he wants me to smile because he smiles when he thinks of me. It hurts him to think of me being in pain at the mere thought of him. Do you think your sister feels any different?" Adam shook his head and pulled Jane into a hug. "The Sarah I remember was always laughing and putting everyone at ease." Jane started sobbing into his shoulder. "I've been a terrible sister. I don't talk about her and have never been to her gravesite since she was buried." I shook my head vigorously. "Jane, where you bury her is just a place. She's not there anyway. Those we love always stay in our heart. They know we love them. They carry that with them. We don't have to go to a special place just to prove we love them, Hunter told me that himself." Jane smiled in understanding and leaned over to hug me. "You're a lot like her you know. She always knew what to say to make me feel better too." I kissed her cheek. "You'll have to tell me about her one day." Jane nodded her head. "I'd love to tell you all about her." I turned my attention back to Adam. "How's my sexy man holding up?" Adam was lost in thought before he focused his attention upon me and gave a real smile. "I'm good, better now that I'm here with you. What'd the doctor say?" "He said I should be able to go home in a few days." "Great. Jane and I were talking. We think you should stay with me while you recover. That way when we're at the club my staff can take care of you." I grimaced. Adam's penthouse was big and cold in an impersonal way. His place was identical to mine in layout but my place was home. Where he lived was beautiful but it felt more like a showcase, which was why we always spent the majority of our time together one floor below. "Honey, I appreciate the offer but I just want to go home. To my own bed, to where I'm comfortable." Jane nudged her brother. "Told ya so." Adam frowned. "I just want to make sure you're taken care of. You know I feel responsible." My brow furrowed. "I wish you'd stop feeling like that. We discussed it earlier. None of this was your fault. I want to go home. I want to sleep in my own bed. I want to lounge on my own couch where I'm comfortable. No offense, your place is lovely to look at but isn't very homey. I'm almost afraid I will break something in there." "I already told ya, you ain't gonna win this one baby bro," Jane said to Adam. Adam sighed in defeat rather easily, I think Jane had prepared him to lose this fight. "Fine but I'm staying with you and I'll have my people checking on you when we aren't there." Jane joined in. "I'm staying too, I can sleep on your couch. Just so you know, I'm as stubborn as a pissed off mule and I'm not taking no for an answer." I snickered because I knew she spoke the truth. "No need for the couch, sis. I have a spare bedroom." --- Mom wasn't happy when I told her I was going to my home instead of hers. I tried explaining that I didn't sleep well at her house because it was just too quiet. She finally relented when it was explained that Jane was staying with me and her look was comical when I let it slip Adam would be staying with me as well. I don't know why, but at thirty- seven years old and twenty-one years removed from living under the same roof, I was still afraid to let my mom know a man was sleeping over. Mom couldn't resist the temptation to tease me. "If I had him waiting I'd want to go home too." After receiving the doctor's instructions on proper wound care and dietary restrictions he dropped the bombshell of no sex or alcohol for at least six weeks. Jane laughed as both Adam and I looked at him incredulously when he mentioned no sex. I inquired when I could return to work and after I told him what I did for a living he said I could return in two weeks provided I did no lifting and went home if I started to feel drained. The trip from the hospital to home was eventful as we actually had paparazzi waiting for us as I exited the hospital. More paparazzi were waiting as we entered the parking garage. Thankfully Jane and Ellie ensured my hair and makeup were perfect before we left the hospital. --- I settled in on the couch as everyone fussed over me. It was starting to get frustrating; all I wanted to do was cuddle with the man I loved. Adam tried to put up a fuss at first when I asked him to sit down but relented when I told him I would rest better if my head was lying in his lap. Adam's fingers strummed through my hair as he looked down at me. "How are you holding up baby?" I looked up at my strong man lovingly. "I'm good... better now that I'm home and with you." I strained to tilt my head up and he met me halfway as we kissed. Adam's expression turned serious again. "I thought I lost you and it scared me. It's the most terrified I've been in my adult life." Pain be damned, I sat up and hugged him tightly allowing him to bury his head in my chest. "Baby, I'm ok and I'm here. I'm here with you and I'm not going anywhere." Adam looked up at me and I noticed tears starting to form. I placed my hand over his heart. "I give you my word. I have it on good authority that I have a long life ahead of me and I plan to spend it with you." I pulled him up and kissed his luscious lips. Adam pulled away and stood to fish a box from his pocket. Once he had the box firmly in his grasp he dropped down on one knee. I started to shake and felt a tear of joy trickle down my cheek. "Sara Liberty Collins, if you plan to spend the rest of your life with me, I would be honored if you'd do so as my wife." I smiled wildly at my gorgeous, muscled, tattooed hero as he opened a Cartier box to reveal an exquisite platinum ring adorned with 3 brilliant-cut diamonds. "Sara will you marry me?" I nodded vigorously as tears of pure bliss flowed freely down my face. Adam smiled. "Say it. I have to hear it cross your perfect lips." I lunged toward the man who had found me in pieces and through his love made me whole again. "Yes, Adam Shane Carson, I will marry you." I embraced the man I loved more than anything I had left on this earth with everything I had and we heard clapping around us. I was so lost in the moment that I had somehow forgotten that we had an apartment full of people to witness our joyous occasion. Everyone took turns walking up to congratulate us. Gabriel and Anna arrived shortly after Adam's proposal. They were slightly cold and distant toward him. So much so that Adam left with the excuse of needing to take care of some business and would return soon. I tried to talk him into staying but he was obviously uncomfortable. Even from a glance Gabriel was a very striking man, standing six foot two with a fit physique and head full of snow white hair that contrasted perfectly with his tan complexion. He carried an air of aloofness but his appearance in no way matched the personality I knew. His rivals often said he was a cold and vicious man who took no prisoners. To me he was a boisterous, honest, funny, caring friend and shrewd businessman. His wife Anna on the other hand appeared to outsiders as his trophy but I knew better. She was five foot three and so beautiful. She always dressed in the finest fashions; her lily white hair never had a strand out of place and her makeup was always impeccable. She was an excellent cook and the living definition of perfection. She carried herself with a quiet dignity that was hard to ignore but was always quick to let her husband know if he stepped out of line. Their marriage was an equal partnership, one I could only hope for Adam and I to achieve. The couple that made my son and I their family rushed to my side. Anna handed me one of her delicious Florentine cookies. "Santo cielo!! It's so good to see you sweet one. I was worried about you." I smiled as I embraced my dear friend. "Good to see you too caro amico." Anna looked concerned. "Did I hear correctly, stai impegnati?" I glowed as I responded. "Yes, Adam asked me to marry him." Gabe spoke up. "Are you sure about this? He looks like a vagabondo." I laughed lovingly at these wondrous people who would never consider anyone good enough for me. "He's not a bum at all. He's very successful. He used to be a musician like I was. He and his sister own one of the hottest bars in town. Lui ? l'amore di vita mia. He understands what I've been through better than any man could." It was obvious my words did little to belay Anna's concerns. "I don't know. You say he is the love of your life but he's non guardi il Suo tipo." I laughed again. "Oh caro amico, you're the only person to say that. Everyone else tells me he's exactly my type. You've never seen me with a boyfriend before but I promise you he's everything I could ask for in a man. If you don't believe me ask Mom and Dad." Gabe smiled. "If you love him and he loves you and treats you with the respect you deserve then that's all we could wish for." I sat up and opened my arms for him to hug me. "Thank you Gabe. I have never had a man, other than you, treat me better. I love him with all my heart." Anna smiled. "If you are happy bella mia then I am too. I only want what's best for you." After we talked, the couple who had taken my son and I into their heart warmed up to Adam and once they got to know him ended up really liking him. I had no idea til it happened, how much their approval meant to me. Chapter Three Even though my friends and family smothered me with attention I hated being stuck at home for two weeks. I was tempted to call Cali and accept her offer to heal me but resisted since my reasons had not changed since I rebuffed her. I used the time and Adam's undivided attention to find out more about his past. "Hey baby, why did Jane say I'd understand you better than anyone?" I asked one day when we were alone since Jane was out grocery shopping. Adam shrugged. "Because you understand the road and the temptations it provides plus the toll it takes on you. You also understand dealing with unjust jealousy." I frowned. "Yeah, those things I do know. Sadly I know them too well." Adam sat down beside me and I rose slightly so I could rest my head into his lap as he continued to talk. "Nikki, my ex, provided backup vocals on a few of our tracks. That's how I met her. It was like she was made for me. She was a tall blonde bombshell with crystal clear blue eyes and the voice of an angel." I smiled. "You found your Belle?" Adam nodded his head as he ran his fingers through my hair. "I fell hard and fast. I adored her. I thought she was the love of my life. In my mind no other woman compared to her but nothing I did was good enough. She was so jealous and always thought I was cheating on her. If a female fan came up to me and asked for a hug or just an autograph she'd accuse me of wanting to sleep with them." I nodded. "I've been there." Adam smiled. "I know you have baby. It was making my life miserable. I started ignoring our female fans but she'd flirt with the guys in the band and with the crew and I wasn't allowed to say anything. I'm not sure I would have said anything anyways because I trusted her completely." I looked up at him. "So you weren't always the jealous type?" Adam started to frown as his body tensed up. "No, not always. She made me that way and the way she got jealous took the fun out of performing. I was miserable and just wanted to go home to try and salvage what we had but she'd have none of it. She insisted we go on with the tour even if my heart wasn't in it. I don't think my friends were as loyal as yours because they convinced me it was the best for my marriage to stay on the road." I reached up and caressed his cheek. "I'm sorry." Adam sighed and slumped his shoulders. "Then one day the band was supposed to be at a studio recording shout outs to local radio stations and had a technical problem of some sort so it had to be rescheduled. I was walking back to the bus when I heard Nikki giggling." I could tell from the look on his face that this was a painful memory so I moved his large hand into both of mine as a small show of support. A tear formed in the corner of his eye. "I walked around a bus and found her and one of the sound guys in an embrace. I lost it and beat the guy within an inch of his life. I stormed back to the bus with Nikki chasing me telling me how sorry she was and how it was my fault because I didn't pay her enough attention." Adam removed his hand from mine and slammed his fist on my glass coffee table causing it to crack. "My life revolved around her! I was with her every chance I had and she wanted to blame me. I told her I was done with the road and the band and if she wanted to make it work between us then we needed to get away from it all." I noticed Adam's hand was bleeding but didn't want him to stop talking. I knew he needed to get it out of his system but I also knew that if I got up he'd quit talking and Lord knows when I'd be able to get him to open up like this again. I grabbed the tail of the oversized tee shirt I was wearing and wrapped it around his injury as I encouraged him to continue. Adam left his hand in mine. "She told me she'd do anything I wanted so long as I would forgive her so that night I informed the band I was leaving and the next day we were on a plane back here. The first month or so was wonderful and I honestly thought we'd gotten past it but then she started mentioning going back on the road. I told her I wasn't ready yet so she let it drop." "Then probably four months or so after I left the tour the guys came to town on a break to work in the studio on the To the Sixth Degree and wanted me to play on it. Of course I agreed but after we finished and they got ready to go back out on the road, Nikki told me she was going with them because she missed the excitement. I asked her how she was going without me and that's when I found out she had started seeing Ben, our lead singer, when the band got into town. I found out later she'd slept with almost any man willing while we were on tour. It devastated me to think that the woman I loved could do me that way." I sat up and hugged him as hard as I could. "I'm so sorry baby but you know I'd never be that way." Adam returned my embrace. "I know you wouldn't. You're not wired that way." He made me lie back down in his lap before he continued. "After she left I was in a daze. I drank all the time. I had no focus or drive til Jane slapped some sense into me and we started the club. I decided right then that I'd never let a woman get my heart again. I became cold and distant until one night when a certain someone knocked me for a loop." I smiled shyly. "I wonder who that could have been?" Adam laughed. "I think you know. It's so weird because these memories are mine but they aren't. I have yet to see Nikki with these eyes but the pain of what she did is so real. Thankfully meeting you has eased the pain to almost nothing." He lifted me up and kissed my forehead. "I'm going to go wash my hand. I'll be right back." While Adam was in the bathroom I tried to process everything he'd told me but the timelines weren't adding up. To The Sixth Degree was only released four months ago. "Hey baby?" I called out to him as he walked back into the living room. "Yes?" "You told me that night at the restaurant that you'd been divorced a year and half." Adam's face suddenly went pale. "Yeah, about that. I was trying to get you to go out with me and I knew if I told you I'd only been divorced three months you would have avoided me after you dropped me off." My look was stern. "Divorced three months or separated three months." My worst fears were realized when his head dropped. "Separated." I choked back tears, refusing to break before everything was out in the open. "So, are you still married right now?" Adam's eyes grew wide. "I filed that Monday after your birthday and she still refuses to settle. I have tried everything, I've even offered her more than what she deserves but she won't sign off." I slammed my fist into the coffee table, finishing the job Adam started and as glass shattered over the floor I screamed. "So you're still married and if it weren't for the fact you started a relationship with me you'd be hoping she'd come back?" Adam pulled me into his arms and held on as if his life depended on it. "No. I didn't file because of you but I did file in the hopes of you. I already had the appointment made before that night because just knowing there are women out there like you finally gave me the peace to move on. I prayed it would be you but even if it wasn't, I knew I didn't want a life with her. Please baby, all that's in our past. Our future is together. I love you and can't imagine a single day without you in my life." I wrapped my bloody hand in my shirttail. "You could have told me I was just a rebound." "You are not now, nor have you even been a rebound. For the record there was no way I could tell you anything about this. Baby, from the second you laid your beautiful eyes on me, you ran from the idea of a relationship. You told me point blank that I represented everything bad that's ever happened in your life. Would you have even been friends, much less agree to be in a relationship, with me if you'd known?" I sobbed into the shoulder of the man I loved. He was right. If I had known all this beforehand we would have never been together and if we had not gotten together, Lord knows where I would have ended up. "So let me get this straight. You are still married? How am I supposed to react to that knowing I'm wearing your engagement ring?" Adam looked worried. "Like you always have with me baby. Nothing in the last five minutes has changed how I feel about you. Has it changed how you feel about me?" My mind was swimming and waves of despair were crashing down around me. I had no idea which way was up. My life went from as perfect as I could ask for to a complete mess in a matter of minutes. I needed three things in that moment...one, more answers. Two, time to think and three, a stiff drink. I knew I probably would not get the last two because there was no way anyone would allow me to be alone and because of this stupid injury I was not allowed to drink. I sighed and dropped my head in my hands. "Do you still love her?" "Not like I love you." Not the answer I wanted. A small tear started to form in the corner of my eye. "So you do love her?" His arm wrapped around me and instead of the protection I normally felt at this gesture, I felt scared. Scared of losing him, scared of staying with him. His beautiful dark brown eyes were filled with panic. "No Baby. I love you." I didn't know what to say or how to feel so I pulled away from him and stood to go to my room. I need to be alone so I could put things in perspective. Adam grabbed my uninjured hand in a panic. His crushing force made me wince from the pain, he released it quickly. "Please say something, what are you thinking?" I was afraid to talk. I knew if I said something in that moment it would be words I would regret later. I inhaled deeply to gather some courage. "Adam, I need time. I'm going to my room. I'll call you later." Adam shook his head. "No, you are not going to run from me. We need to fix this. You can't leave me wondering and worried." Despair was quickly replaced by a burning anger and sense of betrayal. "Trust me. You want me to think this through because you DO NOT want me to speak my mind in this moment." He grabbed my shoulders. "Yes, yes I do. Please tell me what's in that pretty head so we can get it out and work through it." Since he wanted to open the gates, my mouth released the flood of my mind. "What's in my head? Okay, here it is. You're a selfish bastard to make me fall in love with you. You found me broken and rebuilt me so I could not live without you. You make me question everything between us. Our entire relationship was built on a lie. How can you possibly love me when you still love her? You are a cruel selfish man Adam Carson and I never, NEVER thought you had it in you to be that way." Adam tensed and I saw so much pain quickly followed by a flash of anger as his brown eyes suddenly darkened. "I'm not the only one who lied you know." I didn't know my anger could rise any higher until it did. "I never lied Adam. I only omitted the truth of my past." He rolled his eyes. "Same difference." I grabbed the vase on the end table and sent it flying. He easily ducked it while I glared at him. "No it's not. Not even close. I think I deserve to know my fianc? is actually a married man." His eyes tightened as he stared at me. He almost frightened me as his eyes had turned into black pits devoid of the kindness I had grown so accustomed to seeing there. "And I deserved to know MY fianc? used to be a man." His despicable shot was like another knife ripping me in half. I gasped for breath as I took the ring that only thirty minutes ago symbolized our unending love and threw it at his chest. "If you remember correctly I could not tell ANYONE but as soon as I could talk about it, you did know. You knew because I felt complete honesty was important to our relationship. I could have kept my mouth shut and you never would have suspected but I told you. I told you because I love you enough to want you to know everything about me. I never imagined you would resort to using the trust I placed in you to hurt me. Get out of my house." He visibly winced at the pain my words caused him and started to move towards me as he shook his head and his eyes returned to their normal color. In my pain and rage I started beating him in his massive chest while screaming at him. "Get out. You let me know how you really feel. Get the fuck out and never come back." I turned and ran up the stairs to my bedroom as fast as my weak legs would allow. Once in my room I finally released the tears that had been threatening to pour from the moment Adam told me everything. I hurt immensely from Adam's lies and him lashing out at me but I loved him. I loved him more than I have ever loved another man. I knew in my heart that he did not mean a single thing he said. He only voiced those hurtful things to combat what I had said to him. Could I deal with this? Would I have run if he had told me? Damned right I would have. I had - no I still have - trust issues. I guess I understood why he did it. When we met, neither of us knew it would grow into the love we shared. That night, both of us were just after a pleasant distraction and by the time we knew what we had, he was scared to lose me. Did I love him any less than I did when I woke up this morning? No, he was still my everything. Was I hurt by his actions? Absolutely, but could I get over them? Jane interrupted my thoughts when she walked in. "You okay sis? Adam just called and said I needed to drop everything to check on you." I didn't say anything because I furious with her for not me telling about Nikki. Even if Adam was her brother it was wrong of her not to tell me. She placed my engagement ring in my hand. "I found this on the floor in the living room." I stared at it realizing how much I really loved him but I wondered if love was enough. She released a sigh of worry as she sat beside me. "He really has been trying to get his divorce. He loves you more than anything." I still did not acknowledge what she said because I was hurting and angry. I was not ready to see things from his point of view yet. Jane ran a supportive hand over my shoulder. "He told me he said some awful things to you that he regrets. You know he was just lashing out don't you? He has a habit of saying things he doesn't mean when he feels he is in the wrong." I pulled away from her touch and still did not speak. I knew Adam didn't mean what he said. If he had issues with my past then he would also have issues with Renee and his best friend Cali and I knew in my heart that who I used to be did not bother him in the least. She playfully shoved me. "Are you going to talk to me?" Again, I only shook my head. A troubled expression crossed her face. "Are you mad at me?" I jumped up and shoved my table lamp, sending it across the room and spun around to face her. "I thought we were friends? Why didn't you tell me?" Jane flinched and fell off the bed on to the floor. "Because I hate that bitch and the hold she had on him. I knew you were perfect for him." I glared at her. "It wasn't fair to me." She pulled herself up to face me. "I know sis but at first I didn't know you well enough and I just wanted what was best for him and anyone that didn't look like that damn Belle fit my criteria. Shit, I'm sorry. I hate to admit this but that was my nickname for her cause she really does look just like you at that age. It's uncanny." I stared at her blankly before she continued. "Anyways, anyone he was interested in who didn't look or act like her I was going to push for. You are just as wild and crazy as he is but you found a balance that he needs. By the time I got to know you it was too late. All I could do by then was hope and pray that everything worked out. I'm so sorry sis." Her words were doing nothing to calm my fury. "You tried to talk me into a relationship with a married man. We were good friends when you did that." Jane began to cry. "Look, I'm sorry. I knew how he felt about you. I knew he loved you then and I could tell you had feelings for him too, but by that point it was too late. I was afraid of not only how you'd react, but selfishly I was worried about losing you as a friend. You're my best friend sis. I know it doesn't excuse what I did and I know I'm wrong. All I can say is I'm so very sorry." I jumped up still full of anger. I knew if I didn't do something I'd end up hitting Jane so I walked over to the corner and picked up a small cabinet with the intentions of throwing it across the room. As soon as I lifted it I knew I had made a big mistake because the pain in my abdomen was intense. I screamed before falling to the floor and passing out. When I came too Jane was in the floor with me and had my head in her lap rocking back forth while keeping a cold rag pressed against my forehead. She was near hysterics as she kept saying. "I'm sorry sis. I'm so sorry. I'll never keep his secrets for him again I swear. Just wake up. Don't be mad at me. Please don't be mad at me. I almost lost you once, you can't go because of me. I won't do it again. I promise. Wake up sis. Please wake up." Pain replaced anger as I saw Jane breaking down. I no longer hurt from her betrayal, nor did the pain in my midsection bother me. Instead I hurt for my friend who I'd always pictured as so strong. "I'm not going anywhere." Jane hugged me close. "Oh thank God. You scared me. I swear to you that from now on I'll never keep anything from you." "Please don't, and I swear I'll never try to throw a piece of furniture when I'm mad again." Jane laughed as she helped me from the floor. "Can I ask you something about all this?" I nodded as I made my way back to the bed to lie down. "Why did you forgive Adam so easily, but not me?" "Who said I have forgiven him? But if I did it would be because Adam's a man and you're not." Jane looked confused. "What's that supposed to mean?" I laughed. "Have you not seen a guy hit on a girl in a bar and tell her whatever he thought she wanted to hear? Sometimes he leaves out parts he thinks she might not like." Jane nodded. "Yeah, so what? Men lie to get some." I gave Jane a 'duh' look. "Ahh," Jane said. "You expected lies from Adam back then?" I smiled. "Yeah, and by the time we realized what we had his bed had already been made, but with you it's different. We're supposed to best friends, and not telling your best friend that her boyfriend is married is kind of a big deal. That was a true bitch move, even if it is your brother. You know... the whole 'chicks before dicks' thing." Jane frowned again. "You're right. It won't happen again, I swear." I opened my arms wide. "I think we need to hug it out." Jane walked over and returned my embrace. "So, do you forgive me?" I grimaced because the pain in my abdomen was excruciating. "Yeah, I do. Can you do me a favor and get me a pain pill please?" Jane smirked. "Okay but only on one condition." I pursed my lips. "What condition?" "That you admit that you have forgiven him." I shook my head. "Not yet, what he said was awful and he needs to suffer so he knows to never say anything like that again even if he doesn't mean it." Jane laughed. "That's close enough for me. I'll be right back." I settled under my comforter and noticed a wry smile on Jane's face as she approached with my medicine. "What?" "Nothing, just thinking how ironic it is that I was trying to push him away from girls trying to be a certain type and he ran into the one person who was doing everything in her power to keep from being exactly who he was looking for." Chapter Four I had no clue how long I had been asleep when I was awakened by soft kisses on my forehead, nose, cheek and finally my lips. As soon as his lips met mine I returned his affection ten-fold. I started to cry with joy that he was with me. "I'm sorry Baby, don't cry. Please forgive me. I'm as wrong as a man can be. Please, please forgive me. I didn't mean what I said. I was lashing out and it was wrong. Ever since I changed it has been my go-to reaction when confronted with a situation I can't use my fists to get out of and I hate that part of me. I can't live without you. Our past is behind us and my future is with you. You are the only woman I could ever want. I love you with everything I have." I smiled as I wiped away my tears. "I love you too, I can't imagine a day without you. You're right, our future is together but no more secrets." Adam smiled back as his body relaxed. "Agreed. No more secrets. I'm so sorry Baby," He retrieved my engagement ring from the nightstand. "Here, put this back on." I frowned slightly. "I can't wear that." My poor man appeared to lose all the breath in his beautiful body. "You don't want to marry me?" I reached up and gently caressed the scruff growing on his cheek. "Of course I do, more than anything but I don't feel right wearing a ring from a man who is still married." Tears started to fall from his gorgeous brown eyes. "I'm working on it but she's being difficult. It's you I want, not her. Physically I have never met the woman, I have seen pictures and talked to her on the phone but my eyes have never seen her in the flesh. I think it's cruel for Zaria to have saddled me with this baggage." "I understand that, believe me I do, but I refuse to wear it until our pasts are behind us," I said sadly. Adam nodded reluctantly. "I guess I can't blame you for that." I wrapped my hand around his neck and pulled him down. "I still love you and I still plan on marrying you one day but until everything becomes final it's a reminder she's putting our future on hold." Adam's eyes remained glued to mine. "I swear, you'll be able to wear it again soon. I'm ready for the rest of our lives to start." I smiled and kissed him deeply. "Me too Baby, me too." --- Even though time crept by I was kept busy by the phone ringing off the hook. I believe every friend I ever had called to check on me. While I was in physical pain, I had never felt better emotionally. Adam seemed to feel better after our heart to heart talk as well. I don't think either of us realized the burden our secrets caused. I made Jill call or come by a few times a day to keep me updated on everything happening at work. Neither Jane nor Adam was thrilled with my attempts to work but they relented when they realized I could do the majority of my job while still in bed with my laptop. I'd never imagined so many people thought so much of me. Gracie and Liz would put me on speakerphone when they called from the road so I could talk with both of them at the same time. I couldn't bring myself to share the story of Adam's proposal. They made subtle and not so subtle suggestions that Adam and I should get married. It was almost painful when Gracie said we should just hop a flight to Vegas as soon as I healed enough to have a proper honeymoon. Tim and Jesse were both religious in keeping check on me. I told them Razor had been granted bail but couldn't come with a thousand feet of me and I did not yet know when the trial would be. I also told them to expect a call from the district attorney because they would be called up as witnesses. Both were still feeling tremendous guilt over everything that occurred. I explained over and over that nothing was their fault, but my words did little to ease their remorse. Many of my coworkers and clients would call or stop by to see me. They all said how much they missed me and that they couldn't wait for me to return. I truly felt blessed. One of the biggest surprises came five days after I was released from the hospital when Jane came up to my bedroom to tell me I had visitors. I walked out into my living room to see Matt and another man. Matt had been my first roommate in Los Angeles and also the bassist for Annihilation. He didn't join them for the reunion because of personality conflicts and to be able to live the life he deserved. I squealed and ran to Matt as he embraced me. I gasped at the pain and he quickly released me. He looked great and introduced me to his partner James who, with his jet-black hair, dark complexion and deep brown eyes, looked as hot as Matt. Both were fine physical specimens. They worked out often and it showed. After our introductions, James excused himself to visit some local friends allowing Matt and I time to catch up in private. I huddled up next to Matt on the couch and we spent the largest part of the afternoon talking. He admired all the pictures of Hunter hanging on the walls. True to my promise I did not shed a single tear and smiled often as I remembered all the great times we had. Matt looked at me with a tear in his eye. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when he died. James and I just spent a year in Europe traveling. I should have been there, but I was so wrapped up in my little world that I didn't check in with anybody. I let you down." I wiped the building moisture with my thumb and kissed his cheek. "No you didn't. I'm just glad you're finally happy. I doubt I would have remembered you being there anyway. I kinda shut down during that time and it would have only made you worry. I'm good now, no I'm great actually. I have found peace with everything." I asked about his family whom I'd met a few times when our tour would land close to his hometown. He had a baby sister I was especially fond of. Anytime his family was around 'Pickles', as she was always called, would hardly leave my side. I taught her to play guitar after she kept playing with mine and I was afraid she'd break it. I also got roped into "babysitting" duties when Matt couldn't take having a hyper moody teenager around when she'd visit. He told me she was in the business, whatever that meant. He wouldn't elaborate. Matt informed me he had seen a video of my performance with Liz and Gracie. "You looked great up there," he proclaimed as he retrieved my laptop to show me the website my footage was on. "I have to agree. I didn't believe Matt when he told me you hadn't performed in over ten years," James added as he walked back into the room. I jumped up to give him a hug. "Thanks, I was amazed at how easily it all came back." James grinned as he sat in the chair across from the couch so I took it as a sign that it was okay to settle back in next to Matt. Matt looked at me with a wistful expression. "Do you ever miss it? You know, not the road necessarily but being on the stage." I pondered his question. It looked as if he missed it. "Sometimes I do, but not that often. As you know, I feel like nothing good comes from me singing. There are times when I'm at Adam and Jane's club and see a shitty female singer covering one of my songs that I want to yank her off the stage and take her place. " Matt and James started laughing before Matt added, "I could so see you doing that. You were quite a scrapper back in the day. I remember in the early days you would kick a girl's ass just for looking at Razor." "Who was a scrapper? Oh never mind you have to be talking about Sara. I've seen her in action." I looked up to see Adam laughing as he walked in the room. Even though he was laughing his eyes looked troubled. I jumped up and ran to kiss him. "Are you okay?" Adam nodded half-heartedly. "I'm fine. Who are your friends?" I smiled even though his attitude worried me. "I'd like you to meet Matt and his partner James." Adam looked slightly confused so I clarified, "Matt was the bass player for Annihilation." Adam nodded in understanding and his smile grew wide as he extended his hand to Matt. "It is so great to finally meet you. Sara's told me so much that I feel as if I already know you." Adam then turned to James. "Have we met before? You look so familiar." James smiled knowingly at Adam. "Yes, a few years ago when you were touring with the Xenolith. I used to play for Disintegration." Adam's eyes widened in realization. "JP?" James nodded his head. "What a small world. It's great to see you again man," Adam said as he and James moved into the kitchen to discuss music. At that very moment, any worry I had concerning how Adam would treat Matt and James evaporated. Adam just gave me another reason to love him. I thought back to the conversation before we were interrupted and turned to Matt. "Do you miss performing?" Matt sighed. "Sometimes I do but not enough to give up the life I have now. We both have done pretty well you know," He looked around my expansive condo before he smiled again. "This is a far cry from that small shit hole we had in LA." I nodded. "Yeah it is and I know what you mean, I think I feel the same way. Maybe someday you and I can do a gig or two together just to get it out of our systems." Matt smiled wistfully. "That would be fun." We heard Adam and James laughing in the kitchen and Matt gazed at me sweetly. "Looks like you finally landed a good man Belle." I nodded in agreement and draped my arm over Matt's shoulder. "Looks like we both did." My phone buzzed and I quickly grabbed it to see a text from Jane. I thought it was odd since she was still in the apartment. I promised no secrets. The bitch is back. I tossed the phone back on table behind the couch and sighed. Matt looked concerned. "Is everything okay?" I painted on a smile as I rested my head on his shoulder. "I hope so." He hugged me tightly. "It is so great to see you again. Only one thing could make it better." I looked at him questionably. "And what is that?" His smiled brightened and his beautiful eyes quickly resembled a puppy's. "That Oreo dessert thing you make." I laughed. "I'll see what I can do." --- I stopped and stared when I walked through the revolving doors of the Hunture. At the far end of the expansive marble floored entrance hall I was welcomed back with another banner. This one was larger than the one given to me on my birthday. I stepped closer and saw that it had been signed by not just the local office, but by everyone in New York. Everyone gathered around for an informal gathering to welcome me back. Thankfully the initial shock of finding out about my past had died down but the two weeks spent at home did little to quell the amount of questions they had. I felt no hesitation to answer any query after my wonderful boyfriend and fantastic friends helped me come to terms with my past. The women gathered around insisting to know how Adam and I met and not hesitating to let me know how lucky I was, as if I needed any reminders of that. Adam's demeanor troubled me for a couple days but thankfully, he was soon back to normal and in much better spirits so I decided it was best not to ask about his not-quite-ex-wife Nikki being back in town since nothing in his actions made me worry. I just hoped that while she was in town she had signed the damned divorce papers. After finally making it into the office, I easily dived back into the flow of things as I'd already been working from home since the hospital released me. I was worried about how my boss and mentor, Gabriel Moretti, would react to the additional attention I'd been receiving but he was very supportive. He even suggested using it to the company's advantage and really start going after the record labels for business by using my past as a selling p