Chasing Tranquility

By Marie Jem

Claire Morgan has had her share of heartbreak. From the moment she met dreamy Alex Blake, their relationship has been one big roller coaster ride. After discovering the dark secret he hid from her during the beginning stages of their blossoming love, she still found it in her heart to forgive him. But what she has trouble with is forgetting about his first love – Angela.

During a trip to New York, Claire discovers things about Alex’s family that she wishes she hadn’t. She brings back a secret with her that would tear Alex from someone very close to him. Although they had promised not to keep secrets from one another, Claire locks this one up and throws away the key.

Life has a way of taking Claire and Alex through its sweetest passages and darkest tunnels. Once they have this trust and honesty business down to a science, she knows they will forever be unbreakable. But for the time being, she holds on tight as she chases tranquility.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Jem
• Release date: Dec 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310514548

Marie Jem

Marie Jem was born in Yerevan, Armenia and migrated to the United States at the age of two. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California with her husband and two children. She enjoys writing romance with a twist of mystery and suspense. Marie also enjoys reading, yoga, and traveling. Marie is the author of the Crashing Waves series, which takes you on a journey through the life of a young woman with a dark past, who falls in love with a surgeon from the hospital in which she works. Although fiction, Marie's books are very much relatable to real life. Those who read Marie's books are taken on a roller coaster ride of every emotion possible by her characters.

Book preview

CHASING TRANQUILITY

By

Marie Jem

Smashwords Edition

Copyright© 2014 by Marie Jem

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 1

New York was our destination as I tried to make myself as comfortable as I could during the late night flight, which had already been delayed. I was always an anxious flyer and found it very difficult to sleep in airplanes. I looked over at Alex, who was sound asleep and wished I could do the same, but even our first class seats were not enough to override my anxiety. I fumbled through magazines, tried to watch a movie, and even worked on crossword puzzles. The mild turbulence began to worsen and the captain turned on the fasten seatbelt light. It was bumpy enough to awaken Alex from a deep sleep.

What time is it, baby? he asked, his eyes only half open.

Less than two hours to go, I replied. Alex opened his eyes wider, observing me closely.

Are you all right? You’re so pale. It’s only some turbulence, baby, he comforted me.

I know, Alex, but it’s making me nauseous, I replied.

Hey, I have an idea, he began with a sexy grin on his face. How about you and I sneak to the bathroom together and have a little fun. I’ve never done it in an airplane bathroom. I think it would be hot.

I began to laugh and gave him a nudge with my elbow. Alex, I don’t think that’s such a good idea right now, considering all the turbulence.

Yeah, but I got you to laugh, didn’t I? he winked.

Alex always knew how to calm me down when I was nervous. He was the only man I had trusted enough to let into my life after I was raped during my first year in college. He helped me through the endless nightmares I had almost nightly, which caused me to wake up screaming. He wanted the police to find the man who attacked me just as much as I did, if not more. I prayed that one day all of the pain from the past would vanish, so I could sleep comfortably every night without fear.

The captain announced that we would begin our descent, relieving me from some of my anxiety. The turbulence seemed to worsen as we were descending and approaching the airport. Just as the plane was going to land on the runway, it began ascending and took off again. I looked at Alex, puzzled, but he didn’t seem surprised.

I guess we weren’t cleared for landing just yet. It happens all the time due to weather conditions, he replied.

Alex wasn’t lying because the captain announced something similar to what he told me. We spent at least thirty minutes circling and circling around the airport waiting for landing clearance. My heart and stomach were almost in my mouth at that point. Alex didn’t seem bothered one bit.

It’s so obvious that you’re a surgeon. You are so calm at a time like this while I’m about to vomit from nausea and fear. It’s not fair. I said.

Opposites attract, baby. This is very common when flying to New York, he replied, taking my hand and kissing it in effort to calm me down. After what seemed like an eternity, the plane finally landed at JFK International Airport. My heart returned back to its original location along with my stomach. I let out a big sigh of relief, grateful to be on the ground in one piece.

It was past eight o’clock in the morning in New York. Alex had already booked a late flight, which was delayed two hours, resulting in a later arrival. We hurried to baggage claim for our luggage as Alex made a phone call.

George, it’s Alex. Are you here? Yes, we are headed to baggage claim, he said. George is my parents’ chauffer. He’s been with our family for years, he explained after hanging up the phone. Once we made it to baggage claim, a grey haired man with a mustache approached us.

Welcome back to New York, Alex. It’s so good to see you. It’s been a long time, he said with a heavy Middle Eastern accent.

It’s great seeing you again, George. This is my girlfriend, Claire, he introduced me.

Welcome, Miss Claire. Very nice to meet you, he greeted.

Nice to meet you as well, George, I replied.

George grabbed our baggage and situated everything in the trunk of a large black Mercedes Maybach sedan. He opened the door for Alex and I to take a seat before heading to the driver seat. It was so comfortable in that large sedan that I didn’t anticipate staying awake for long. George filled Alex in on all the latest gossip in New York since his last visit.

How long until we get there, Alex? I asked.

It may take up to an hour with traffic and all. Maybe you should take a little nap, baby. You didn’t sleep on the plane, he replied. I nodded with heavy eyelids. I was in and out of sleep, wanting desperately to keep my eyes open, so I could see New York, but was unsuccessful. Alex woke me up when we were already on Park Avenue, where his parent’s lived. There was quite a bit of snow covering the ground, enough to confirm it had been a very white Christmas.

There’s Central Park, baby. It’s right across the street from my parents’ place, he pointed out. If you like to ice skate, we will do that during our visit," he said.

I love to ice skate, I smiled.

George pulled in front of a beautiful tall beige building with an old, ancient, original charm. He opened the door for Alex and I to step out as he took our luggage out of the trunk. After we entered the building, a tall, pleasant man with grey hair and a matching beard greeted us. He bowed as he turned to us. His name was Hank and he worked as the doorman in the building.

We followed Hank to the elevators as he headed inside with us. After you, he bowed his head. I watched him press the P button. If I wasn’t mistaken, I believed that stood for penthouse. I didn’t want to sound dumb by asking if that was where we were headed. I would find out soon enough. The elevator doors opened right in front of a double door suite. Hank used a key to let us in to an extraordinarily custom decorated penthouse apartment with a grand foyer. Ivory marble covered the floors of the entrance with a large, round mosaic in the middle.

Our luggage was already inside the apartment waiting for us. A pretty woman in a maid’s uniform, no more than my mother’s age greeted us shortly after we entered. She introduced herself as Maria.

Nice to meet you as well, Maria, I said as she took my coat and scarf.

Have my parents left for work already? asked Alex.

Oh yes, they have, Alex. They are working today, but will be leaving within the next few days for their trip to Hawaii, she informed.

Oh, that’s right. I had almost forgotten about that, replied Alex. My parents usually take a trip to some place warm this time of year. I decided it would be best if we stayed here during our trip since they would be on vacation and we would have the whole place to ourselves, he informed me.

This is beautiful, Alex, I replied, admiring what I had seen so far.

You haven’t seen anything yet. Come, I will give you a tour, he said, taking my hand.

Alex gave me the grand tour of the huge penthouse apartment. The kitchen alone looked about the size of the entire first floor of my condominium. I couldn’t keep track of how many bedrooms and bathrooms there were. The outside included a wrap around terrace with skyline views of the city and Central Park, which was right across the street. I had lost count of the many fireplaces it included as well.

This was my room, Alex said as he pulled me into another large room with it’s own full bath and beautiful views. I noticed quite a few medals hanging on the wall. I got closer to see what they were for and was pleasantly surprised to find out that Alex was a black belt in karate. There were many pictures on the wall with him in uniform and many trophies from competitions.

Alex, I didn’t know you’re a black belt, I said.

Yeah, well, now you know, he laughed. That was back in the days before medical school, he replied.

This place is amazing, Alex, I said.

I’m glad you like it, baby. If you didn’t like it, I was going to find a hotel suite to your liking, he replied.

I highly doubt you could find anything like this, I said.

Good. We will stay here then, he smiled. Baby, I think you should take a little nap, he said, taking my face into his hands, caressing my cheeks. I want to take you out tonight and I don’t want you to be tired and sleepy, he said.

Only if you’ll join me, I grinned. Alex smiled and brought our luggage into the room, closed the shutters and curtains, and crawled into bed for that much needed nap. I closed my eyes and was asleep within seconds.

I was running as fast as I could, as I was being chased and could only see the shadow of the one chasing me. My heart was beating so quickly and I was running out of breath, but I was determined to make it past the white van. As I approached the side of the van, the door slid open as a pair of dirty hands tried to grab me. The one chasing me also grabbed me as I collapsed and turned to see who it was. It was Alex. I woke up to find myself sitting on the bed, my throat sore, most likely from screaming.

Alex was sitting up as well next to me. He had awakened from my loud scream and was trying to calm me down. It’s okay, baby. It was just another nightmare, he assured, but I couldn’t go back to sleep. I got up quietly and headed to the bathroom to take a shower. The shower in his bathroom was very spacious and included one large rain shower from the top, and two from the sides of the walls.

I thought I heard something and turned to see Alex standing outside the shower door. He opened it and stepped inside to join me. His electric blue eyes penetrated into mine, as a dark strand of hair hung over his eyebrow.

Taking a shower without me? he whispered into my ear. He turned the knob to make the water hotter, since he loved hot showers and baths. It was too hot for me, but before I could complain, Alex said, It’s only hot because you’re in here, baby. The closer he moved toward me, the quicker my heart began to beat. The combination of the heat and steam in that shower made me want him more. His wet lips met mine as his tongue began to move against mine. His hands moved to my bottom as he grabbed hard, then released his grip and slowly moved them up towards my breasts. His lips parted from my lips as they headed for my breasts. He sucked on my nipples as his hands headed down, sliding his wet fingers inside me.

Ah! I yelled out.

You like that? he asked. I just nodded.

I noticed there was a large tile bench in the shower. I pushed Alex down and made him take a seat as I got down on my knees and slid his erection deep into my mouth. His response confirmed that I shouldn’t stop, but I wasn’t going to let him finish so quickly. I got up off my knees and sat on him, pushing him deep inside of me. I moved up and down so slowly, as I didn’t want him to come so fast. He grabbed me by the head and pulled me closer to him as he kissed me, pushing his tongue against mine with force. I began to move faster, up and down, in and out. My pulse quickened as my heart raced as never before. I could feel it up to the pit of my abdomen as I continued until Alex and I came together. I rested my head on his shoulder, as we just held onto one another, both of us listless.

Alex shampooed my hair and lathered my body as always. I love you, baby, he said, shutting off the very hot water.

I love you too, I replied with whatever energy I had left after our activities.

After I was dressed, Alex let me know that Maria had made lunch for us to enjoy in the dining room. I followed him to the large dining area, which included a beautiful crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

Maria had made salmon salad with spinach and walnuts. It was light and delicious and just what we needed for that afternoon.

She cooks almost as good as you do, Alex, I whispered.

Alex chuckled. I’ve learned a few things from her growing up. She’s a great cook, he replied.

Just as we were almost finished with our lunch, I heard a loud male voice coming from the other room.

I think my father is home, Alex said.

Where is that son of mine? his father asked as he came into the dining room. Alex’s father was very tall, lean, and had a full head of hair. His eyes were big and blue, just like Alex. When he smiled, I could see where Alex got his smile.

Hi dad, Alex said as they hugged tightly. This is Claire.

Lovely to meet you, Claire. We’ve heard great things about you, he said, making me blush.

Likewise, Dr. Blake. It’s nice to finally meet you, I replied.

Oh, just call me Richard, please, he said as he hugged me. He then turned to Alex and talked about his very early morning in the operating room. Alex’s father was a neurosurgeon, one of the best in the nation. He was able to perform procedures that other surgeons were not seasoned enough to do.

You know your mother and I are leaving for Hawaii in a few days? You guys can have the place all to yourselves. I’m sure you need a vacation as much as we do, he smiled. I’m going to take a quick shower, he added and headed toward the hallway.

He seems so sweet, Alex, I said.

He’s sweet at home. Don’t ask his colleagues how he is at the hospital, he replied, chuckling.

What time does your mother usually get home?

Her day starts off later than his, so she will be home in a few hours, he replied. Alex’s mother was a radiologist and owned her own imaging center. She sounded like a very successful and smart woman from what Alex told me about her. Why don’t you put your coat on, so I can take you out on the terrace for a few minutes and show you the city from there, said Alex.

I asked Maria for my coat and scarf and went out on the wrap around terrace with Alex as he showed me the beautiful skyline view and Central Park. It was very cold out there, but I wanted to stay for a few minutes and enjoy the view.

It’s more beautiful at night because you can see all the lights, he said. I know you’re cold, baby. Let’s head back inside. He led me inside to the library and started the fire.

The library wasn’t as large as the other rooms in the apartment. It was smaller and very cozy with emerald green carpet and walnut wood bookcases from floor to ceiling. It was my favorite room because it gave me such a warm feeling when it was cold outside.

Maria made us hot tea to sip on while we sat in the library. I wasn’t used to someone waiting on me, hand and foot, but I thought I should enjoy it while it lasted. We were only in New York on vacation and would soon head home and do our own laundry, cooking, and cleaning.

Alex made some phone calls and texted his friends who lived in New York or were visiting to let them know he was in town. Just as he was about to sip on the tea, his phone rang, Hey, Phil, how’s it going? I’m so glad you’re in New York. I miss you, man. Let’s get together and catch up. I’m here with my girlfriend, Claire, he said.

As Alex was on the phone with his friend, I put my cup of tea on the table and walked over to the bookcase to see what kind of books they had. It was quite the collection including Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I could spend days in that library, reading for hours on end by the warm fire. I snapped out of the daydream when I heard Alex call my name.

Claire? Baby?

Oh, sorry, I apologized after I realized I hadn’t heard a word he said. I was so into the book collection that I forgot where I was, I replied.

Alex laughed, You can read as many as you want, he smiled. That was my best friend, Phil. He’s in town visiting friends and would like to have drinks with us tonight, he said. I will confirm a time with him and let you know. It probably won’t be until later tonight, anyway.

Yeah, sure, that sounds like fun. You could go have a drink with him without me if you want, Alex. I really don’t mind. I’m sure you two have a lot of catching up to do, I offered.

No, baby, we are going together. Besides, he would like to meet you. You’re going to love him. He’s really funny, he replied.

Okay, just wanted to give you some space and guy time with your friends, I said.

I don’t need space, baby, he said as he pulled me closer to him. Every inch counts, he whispered as his warm lips met mine and his hand met my thigh, working it’s way up. He was beginning to turn into an octopus when I thought I heard a woman’s voice.

Is someone here? I asked Alex.

I think I hear my mother, he nodded as his mother entered the library.

Darling, she said, her arms wide open to give Alex a hug. I’m so glad you’re here. Oh and you must be Claire, she turned to me, hugging me as well. You are so beautiful. I’m so glad to finally meet you, she smiled. Alex’s mother was a beautiful woman with medium brown hair and big green eyes. She was very well dressed with beautiful accessories. Her skin was flawless and her smile just as bright as Alex and Melissa’s. I took a liking to her right away.

I’m so glad to meet you too, Dr. Blake, I replied.

Oh dear, please call me Isabelle, she said. You must have dinner with us tonight. Please don’t tell me you’ve made plans already, she said, turning to Alex. We are leaving for Hawaii soon and won’t have much time together before we go, she said.

I’d love to have dinner here, I replied. Alex agreed that it was a great idea, since we wouldn’t be meeting his friend Phil until later in the evening, anyway.

Wonderful! I will ask Maria to prepare a feast, she said and left the library.

Your mom is so adorable, Alex, I said.

She’s a firecracker, that’s for sure, he replied, laughing.

<><><>

Maria had prepared a delicious dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes, and seasoned vegetables. Alex pulled the chair for me to take a seat next to him, as his parents sat across from one another, each at the head of the table. Alex’s father, Richard, asked quite a few questions about my background. He wanted to know where I had gone to college and what I intended to do with my future. His mother, Isabelle, was more concerned about my hobbies, likes, and dislikes. Her face lit up when I told her about my dancing history.

Oh, that’s wonderful. Our Alex isn’t such a bad dancer himself, she said, smiling at him.

He’s a much better dancer than I am, I replied.

Alex blushed, Okay, you two, let’s talk about something other than my dance skills, he said.

Richard, when is the gala event for Alzheimer’s? she asked.

I think it’s Saturday, the fifth. Will you two still be here then? he asked Alex.

Yeah, we’re not leaving until the seventh. Alex replied.

Isabelle turned to me to explain about the Alzheimer’s event they attended annually, which was a formal fundraising gala. Richard never missed it because it was important to his field of practice.

Your father has purchased an entire table. You two should definitely come, said his mother. She turned to me, Claire, you would really enjoy it. There are singers, comedians, celebrities, and much more. It’s a great charity event for a good cause. It’s very formal so if you haven’t brought a glamorous gown with you from home, we could go shopping. What do you say? She asked, her smile beaming.

Sure, I’d love to, Mrs. Blake, I replied.

Please, call me Isabelle. It makes me feel young, she laughed.

I don’t feel like going into work tomorrow. Alex, please don’t make plans for tomorrow afternoon. I’m going to take Claire out on the town for a little shopping, she said. Alex didn’t look like he was going to change her plans since she was so excited. I was looking forward to spending time with Isabelle, because she reminded me of Alex’s sister, Melissa, whom I really enjoyed the company of.

Alex had made arrangements for us to meet his friend Phil at a lounge nearby. I put on a tight turtleneck sweater, boots and a warm coat. Alex said it was very close so we would be walking there. It was beautiful outside. It was cold with the right amount of winter freshness. We walked hand in hand until we reached a lounge called Verne. As we walked in, I noticed the multi color stone flooring and a bar area made of mostly glass. We took a seat at a round booth with black leather upholstery and multi colored stone table.

A tall, muscular man walked in with strawberry blond hair, fair skin, and light brown eyes. Alex stood up to greet him, Hey pal! How’s it going? he said as they hugged. Baby, I want you to meet Phil, my oldest and best friend. And by oldest, I don’t mean by age, he laughed.

This must be your beautiful girlfriend, Claire, he said, taking my hand and kissing it. If it were anybody else, Alex wouldn’t like that, I thought to myself, but Phil must have been like a brother to him.

It’s nice meeting you, Phil, I replied, slowly pulling my hand away.

We ordered drinks and a few appetizers as Phil and Alex talked and talked, catching up on things they had been up to since the last time they had seen one another. I was getting a little tired and the jet lag was kicking in, but I didn’t want to be the party pooper. Alex excused himself to use the restroom, leaving me in the company of Phil.

Why is it that Alex always gets the good ones? he asked, as he slid closer and closer to me on the leather seat. You seem like such a catch, he added, as I moved away from him. I felt a little uneasy around Phil. I didn’t like the way he looked at me, especially when Alex wasn’t around. His eyes seemed to linger more below my neck than above when Alex wasn’t looking. I would never disclose my feelings about Phil to Alex because I knew how much he cared about him. He felt the same way about him as I felt about my best friend, Katherine.

Alex returned from the restroom shortly and took a seat next to me and put his arm around me. How about one last drink for the walk home?

It’s on me, Phil replied.

So, who are you staying with, Phil? asked Alex.

I’m staying at Dave’s and Sara’s place. It’s a little tight, but it’s okay, he replied.

Listen, if that doesn’t work out for you, feel free to come stay at my parents’ place. They’re going to Hawaii for a few days, so it’s just going to be us. Let me know how it goes staying with Dave and Sara. If it gets too crammed, call me.

Will do, Al. Thanks bro, he replied and turned to me, giving me a wink. He really knew how to make a woman feel uneasy around him.

It was almost two o’clock in the morning when we decided to call it a night and walk back to the Blake’s penthouse apartment. Alex wasn’t sleepy at all so he wanted to have some hot tea with me in the library. He had to make the tea, since Maria didn’t work in the middle of the night. I was whispering, since I didn’t want to awaken his parents.

You don’t need to whisper, baby. They can’t hear you. Their bedroom is all the way on the other wing, he explained. You could scream. You could moan in ecstasy. They wouldn’t hear a thing, he said as he took the cup of tea from my hand and put it on the coffee table, his hand under my sweater and already on my breasts. I hadn’t even realized he had unclasped my bra. I could see fire in his blue eyes in that dimly lit room, as he pulled me closer to him. If we were any closer, we would become one. I hate turtlenecks, he said, almost tearing off my sweater while I unbuckled his belt.

Our clothes could not come off quickly enough as our lips met, causing the fire between us to ignite. He pushed his tongue against mine and he pressed his chest on my breasts as he lay on top of me on that emerald green library sofa. His lips left mine and headed for my neck and ear, where I felt his warm breath in my ear as he bit my ear lobe. He continued to my neck, shoulders, and down to my breasts. My heart was going to pound out of my chest at that point. One hand was on my breast, his tongue circling around my nipple and the other hand slid down between my legs as his wet fingers found their way inside of me. It was becoming more difficult to keep quiet. We had never made love in a place where others shared the same roof.

His body felt so warm on top of mine that I forgot how cold it was out there. His lips met mine once again as I felt his hardness enter me, his pelvis pushing against mine. I began to perspire as his thrust quickened and he pushed himself deeper into me, his lips glued to mine.

Tell me how you want it, he commanded.

I want it faster, I replied.

How’s that? he asked as he quickened his pace and pushed himself deeper inside of me. I could hear my heart beating into my ears at that point as I lost control and began to convulse, not realizing how loud I yelled.

Ahhhh! I couldn’t help myself or keep quiet any longer. Alex came shortly after I did and was just as loud as I had been, if not louder.

He rested his head next to mine, That was such a fucking turn on. I love it when you’re loud, especially when we’re not alone, he said.

Alex gathered our clothes from the library as we quickly headed to his bedroom, which wasn’t very far from the library. We took a shower together before crawling into bed, my head on his chest. My eyelids were so heavy that I didn’t anticipate it would take too long for me to fall asleep.

I love you, baby, he said, kissing my forehead.

Love you too, Alex, I replied and emerged into the land of sleep.

<><><>

I awaked just a few hours later, unable to go back to sleep. Alex was in a deep sleep and I didn’t want to wake him up by tossing and turning. I walked over to the big window and stared out into the beautiful city. I recalled a letter I had received in the mail just before leaving my condominium. There was no return address on the envelope.

Dear Claire,

This message is from someone who dearly cares about you. The man who you are in love with and who claims to be madly in love with you is not the perfect man you think he is. Run while you can. Run before it is too late. Don’t go to New York with him. Look what happened to Angela and know that you will be just like her if you stay with him. This is your chance to back out. Find a man who doesn’t have any skeletons in his closet.

Anonymous

It was very difficult to get that letter out of my mind. I wanted to know who sent it to me and what they were trying to tell me. Alex had promised me that he had no secrets or anything undisclosed from me after I discovered he was still married to Angela. I knew I had knowledge of everything that I needed to know about Alex. I knew about his rough past with Angela, her infidelity, her addiction to plastic surgery, and her drug addiction. I knew he had difficult time trusting women after discovering his wife was having an affair with her colleague. I couldn’t think of any skeletons that Alex could possibly have in his closet. What I did know was that I loved him more than anything and knew that he loved me just the same.

Claire? I heard Alex call my name. I turned around to find him sitting up in his bed.

Sorry if I awakened you. I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I would just admire the view, I smiled.

Come here, baby, he said, his arms open and ready to embrace me. I rested my head on his chest as he combed his fingers through my hair.

Alex, can I ask you something? I asked.

You can ask me anything, baby. You should know that by now, he replied.

Is there anything you’re not telling me about yourself? Anything from the past or present, aside from Angela, of course. I asked.

No, baby. You know everything there is to know about me. Where is all this coming from all of a sudden? he asked.

Nowhere, Alex. I just wanted to make sure there were no more secrets - that’s all. Maybe it’s the jetlag causing all these thoughts and questions in my mind, I joked.

I felt a little better after talking to Alex and getting my thoughts and questions off of my chest. I had a feeling the one who sent that letter to me was only trying to play with my mind and ruin my trip to New York. I decided I wasn’t going to let it get in the way of having the time of my life with Alex in his hometown. We already had our share of heartbreak with my miscarriage and fall down a flight of stairs, which landed me in the hospital for a few days. I wasn’t going to let anyone or anything get in the way of Alex and I.

Remember what I promised you, baby? No secrets. No lies, he reminded.

I know, Alex. Just ignore what I said, I replied.

Let me ask you something, Claire, he said.

Ask me anything, I replied.

Why is it that I can’t get enough of you? he asked, pulling me closer to him.

Hmm, I may be addictive. You might need to go to rehab for a while, I replied.

You’re the one drug I could never give up, he said as he turned on top of me and removed my bra and panties. Alex always knew how to cure my insomnia by making love to me. I slept like a baby until very late in the morning.

<><><>

When I opened my eyes, I wasn’t sure where I was. It took a moment or so for me to realize I was in New York with Alex. I had slept so deep and couldn’t have been happier about it, as it was a nightmare free night. I looked at my phone and noticed it was almost eleven. I jumped out of bed as I recalled that Isabelle and I were going to go shopping together to find a formal gown for me to wear to the Alzheimer’s gala event.

I brushed my teeth, applied some makeup, and dressed very warm since the weather report stated it was going to be in the forties all day. I was pulling my boots on when Alex woke up.

Where are you going, baby? he asked, as confused as I had been when I first woke up.

I have a shopping date with your mom, remember? I asked.

Oh, that’s right. I had almost forgotten about that, he replied.

He hopped out of bed and put on a pair of sweats and a sweatshirt and followed me into the kitchen, which smelled of delicious foods Maria had prepared.

Good morning, lovebirds, Isabelle smiled when she saw us. She was almost finished with her eggs and fruit and asked us to have a seat next to her.

Maria, could you put something together for Alex and Claire, please? she asked.

Is dad working today? asked Alex.

Oh, of course, dear. He left very early this morning, she replied. Maria made omelets and pancakes for Alex and I to have before Isabelle and I went out to shop.

You’re going to have a great shopping experience with my mother today, Claire. She loves to shop more than I do, if that’s even possible, he laughed.

Aha, now I know who you take after, I smiled.

Will we be walking there? I asked.

How would we walk back with bags full of all the fabulous things we will be purchasing? It looks very cold out today. I don’t want you to freeze on your first visit here. George is going to drive us there and he will pick us up, she smiled.

But, I only need one dress, I said.

Alex and his mother both laughed at my comment. I figured they had never been out shopping for only one item. I knew to expect a major shopping spree in New York City that day. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be a good thing or a bad thing, considering my salary and the expensive taste I imagined Isabelle had.

Maria handed me my coat, scarf, and gloves as Alex gave me a kiss goodbye. I miss you already, he said.

I was excited to go shopping in New York because of all the wonderful things I had heard about it.

Chapter 2

Hank was waiting for us downstairs to escort us to the car, which George had already warmed up. I felt the brutal cold as I stepped outside the building. Isabelle had been right about how cold it was going to be. I couldn’t imagine walking a long distance in that weather. Isabelle and I took a seat as George closed the doors and headed to the driver’s seat.

Where would you like to go, Mrs. Blake? asked George.

Why don’t you take us to Madison Avenue, please, Isabelle replied. She turned to me, I told you it’s too cold to walk anywhere, didn’t I? I used to be fine with this weather in my younger days, but my joints don’t agree with it now that I am maturing, she chuckled.

I don’t blame you, Isabelle. I’m a bit younger than you and I find it difficult to tolerate for more than a few minutes, I smiled.

I was curious about how the day was going to be - shopping with Alex’s mother, whom I had only met less than twenty-four hours before our outing. As George turned onto Madison Avenue, I noticed the extravagant boutiques side by side. There were crowds of people walking, dressed in their warm coats, scarves, hats, gloves and boots. Their hands were filled with shopping bags from those exclusive designer boutiques. I presumed they were doing some after Christmas shopping and returning or exchanging items.

Public transportation was the best way to get about in New York. I noticed yellow taxi cabs and buses everywhere. The buildings were so tall that I felt as though I was getting a kink in my neck from looking up so high. It was definitely a different world from where I grew up in California.

Everyone seemed to know Isabelle when we walked into the boutiques, validating that she did do quite a bit of shopping. I so much as looked at something I liked and Isabelle insisted on purchasing it for me. I declined and told her that I already had enough coats and boots to last me several winter seasons.

Shopping for the perfect dress for the gala event was a success. Isabelle found the perfect dress at Barney’s New York and shoes to go with it. She insisted that it was the dress I must wear to the gala. I was skeptical about making the purchase, as both items had a very high price tag. When I pulled out my credit card to hand it to the saleswoman, she said it had already been taken care of by Isabelle.

I-I can’t let you pay for this, Isabelle. Please allow me to pay you back, I pleaded.

Don’t worry about it, dear. I invited you to the gala as a guest and would like to treat you by getting you a little something to wear. Make an old woman happy by accepting it with a simple thank you, she replied.

Thank you, Isabelle. I really appreciate it. You didn’t have to do this, I said.

"It’s my pleasure. Alex would be really upset if I had allowed you to pay. Boy is he going to love this dress on you.