Six Months

By Cin Medley

What happens to your life in Six Months?Dr. Talloulah Harper has had one thing on her mind since she was 12 years old. To save her sister's life. On her journey to find the un-findable she finds something more than what she was looking for.Maximillion Garrett is in a loveless relationship that he wants out of. But his mother and his ex aren't letting it end.In the least expected place they happen upon each other and together they unlock the unthinkable.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cin Medley
• Release date: Mar 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9780997402186

Book preview

Chapter One

Six months earlier

I promise I will write at least once a week and call twice a week. She laughed.

You better. I was so hoping you would come home for a while after you graduated. Lou, you’ve been away from home for so long.

Jen, you know I am about to start the rest of my life.

I know, the prodigy. It just sucks being here alone.

I’m sorry. I don’t want to hang up, but I’ve got to get to class. It’s my last final. You are coming with Mom and Dad next week, right?

Of course, it will be the last time I get to see you before you start your big job.

I love you. I’ve gotta go. Tell Mom and Dad I love them. Hanging up, Lou grabbed her backpack and took off out the door. Running across campus was no little feat. She made it to class just as her professor was handing out the final exam.

Miss Harper, so nice of you to join us, he said as he laid her final on her desk.

Sorry, Professor Smith. She felt herself blush.

All right, let’s begin, he announced.

Three hours later, she sat going over her answers. This final wasn’t as hard as she thought it would be. She walked up to Professor Smith’s desk and handed him the paper.

First again, Miss Harper.

She smiled at him. Professor Smith, I want to thank you for recommending me for that fantastic internship with Garrett Pharmaceuticals.

Miss Harper, you are the brightest student I’ve had in all my years of teaching. I suppose your family lineage has played a part in that, not to mention your ability to retain information. You will definitely go far.

Thank you, Professor.

I understand you were offered a fellowship to further your research.

I was, but I’m still undecided. Garrett offered me a huge research grant as well as a full-time job, helping in the development of a new drug to help combat Ewing Sarcoma. The research they’ve done is far from being tested on humans. They believe that my research can be very valuable to their progress.

Yes, I know your sister has suffered her whole life with that terrible disease.

She nodded her head. Yes, with all the research and accomplishments of my grandfather and father, they’ve made historical discoveries. But I’m hoping that I can find an easier form of treatment if not a cure.

Well, Miss Harper, if anyone can do it, you can. I have faith in you. But keep in mind that you owe it to yourself to consider the fellowship.

I have. I haven’t made a decision yet. She hated lying.

Well, I’m sure I will be reading about your progress in some journal somewhere. You take care of yourself, and let me just say, Miss Harper, that it has been both an honor and a privilege to teach you and to learn from you.

She smiled. Thank you. A blush crept through her body. Turning, she looked out at her classmates, then smiled as she walked out and headed to the quad to meet up with her friends. She turned on her phone, dialing her sister.

So, how’d it go? Jen asked.

Fine. Hey, how are you feeling? I’ve been thinking about you.

I’m good. Lou, you don’t have to do this. You and I both know that this is going to eventually end my life. I’ve made my peace with it.

She reached up and wiped the tears from her cheeks. No, don’t say that. Don’t give up fighting. I will find a better treatment. I will develop it just for you. I’m going to find a way to stop the progression of this stupid disease until I can figure out a cure.

Lou, I love that you have dedicated your life to this, but you can’t give up living for me. You need to have a life as well. I can’t be the reason you keep yourself from finding happiness.

I am happy with my life. I am doing what I’m supposed to be doing.

You know that’s not true. Since you were in seventh grade, when I was first diagnosed, you’ve been on this mission. You advanced through school, and now at twenty-five, you have a double Doctorate. Have you ever even had a boyfriend?

She hmphed. No, but who needs one?

Jen laughed. I’ve even had a boyfriend. She whispered, I lost my virginity even. Have you?

Lou smirked. You are such a liar.

No, really. I’ve done it more than once with three different guys. So, come on, spill it. Have you?

Lou was walking up to the coffee shop. No, and it’s not because guys didn’t want it. I’m just not ready. Listen, we will talk again later. I’ve got to go. I’m meeting everyone for coffee and then I need to get home and pack.

Okay, but we aren’t done with this conversation. I love you.

I love you, too. She hung up the phone and headed into the coffee shop. Her best friend, Andrea, was sitting at a table.

Hey, girl, grab a coffee. We need to chat, she yelled at her.

Laughing, Lou grabbed her favorite, a caramel mocha macchiato, and sat down across from Andrea. What’s up?

Well, I’m glad you asked. Now that finals are over and we graduate in a week, I thought I could convince you to go out with us.

Shaking her head, she said, Andy, you know I don’t drink. Besides, I need to pack if I’m going to be ready to leave on Monday.

So, then, you’ve decided? You’re taking the job in Chicago?

Nodding her head, she shared her plans with her friend. Yes, it’s the fastest track to finding a cure, or at least a new drug to stop the effects of Ewing. It’s what I’ve been working on my whole life. I can’t let anything get in my way.

Lou, you need time to decompress. You are working yourself to an early grave. I know how important it is for you to do this, but you need to let off some steam.

Smiling, she reached for her friend’s hand. Andy, I love you. I do. But I can’t let anything get in my way.

Smiling, Andy asked, Even a really cute guy who has been dying to hang out with you?

Even Alex. He is my friend and that is all he will ever be. I am moving nearly three thousand miles away. He isn’t an option for me. None of them are. I need to stay focused. I’m sorry, but no thank you. Listen, I need to run. I want to get to the bookstore before it closes, and I then I’m heading home. You have fun.

Fine, go be a fuddy-duddy.

Lou laughed. I love being a fuddy-duddy. She stood and hugged her friend. Don’t drink too much.

As she left and was walking across the parking lot to her car, she heard someone yell her name. Turning, she saw Alex Kennedy running up.

Hey, where you going? he asked.

I’m headed to the bookstore and then home to pack.

You’re not going out with us tonight?

She shook her head. No, I’ve got a lot to do between now and next Monday.

He cast his eyes downward and showed a small frown before looking back up to meet her eyes. Lou, I was wondering if you might want to get dinner or something with me.

Smiling, she said, Alex, we are friends, and that’s all we can ever be. I’m not interested in anything but being friends. I’m sorry.

He smiled at her. I know, but I had to ask. I’ll call you.

Nodding her head, she continued on through the parking lot. As she got in her car, her phone rang. She pulled it out, but it was a number she didn’t know. Hello?

I’m looking for Dr. Harper, the woman said.

This is Dr. Harper. May I ask who you are?

I’m sorry, my name is Judith Crane, head of Human Resources at Garrett Pharmaceuticals. I’m calling to confirm your flight and the pick-up of your personal items, along with your car. Your apartment is ready, and Mr. Garrett is looking forward to you joining our team.

Smiling, she said, Thank you. I don’t have any information with me. I’m actually sitting in my car. Can I call you back tomorrow to confirm everything?

That would be fine, Dr. Harper. We’ll talk then.

The phone went dead. Smiling, Lou headed to the bookstore and then home. Her new life was waiting for her. The research she had been doing would now become a reality. She hadn’t told anyone of the new compound she developed. If it wasn’t illegal to do so without proper testing, she would have tried it on her sister. It seemed to work in the lab rats. Having free reign at Garrett would only solidify her results.

Her time to find a way to save her sister was now.

Chapter Two

Present Day

Don’t be late, Katie insisted as they walked out of work.

I won’t be. Are you sure about this? I mean, I am just a lowly chemist. I shouldn’t be going to a grand ball.

Don’t be silly. I was invited, and I get to bring someone. You are my plus one. Giggling, Katie said, We can pretend we are gay lovers.

Lou laughed. Oh, sure. That will go over well.

Well, all the big wigs will be there. I can’t wait for you to see the young Mr. Garrett. He is a God. It’s a shame he’s engaged to Cruella De Vil. But he sure is nice to look at. It’ll be fun to get all dressed up and pretend we belong in high society for a night.

Smiling, Lou agreed. I’m actually a bit excited about it.

Great, you have a dress, right?

I do, I bought it when you invited me. It’s very sexy, just like you said.

I rented a limo for the night, so I’ll send it to get you.

No, I will take a cab. I’m not driving in some giant car. You enjoy it. I will see you at seven.

Hugging her, Katie said, You better show up.

I will.

The girls parted company, and Lou headed home to get ready, excited about something other than her research for the first time in years. She was going to a gala. She giggled like a schoolgirl at herself as she blew her hair dry. Taking her time to tie it up and make it look spectacular, she put her grandmother’s clips in to give it a special bling. Then she moved on to her makeup. Her eyes were exceptionally large and green; even without her contacts, they were greener than green. When her makeup was perfect, she went to her closet and pulled out the dress she’d searched all over Chicago for. A very sexy, very long, red sequined gown.

With her sexy red lace panties on, she slipped the gown over her body. It felt silky as it slid along her flesh. Zipping it up, she turned to look in the mirror. Oh my, she uttered. Turning to look at the back of the dress, she shook her head as she took in her bare back. The slit up the side exposed her lean legs. All those years of running track sure did pay off. Looking at herself, she couldn’t help but be proud of the way her breasts looked. They were perfectly proportioned to her body. They weren’t floppy, but firm globes of perfection. Not being a fan of self-vanity, she still had to admit that she looked smoking hot. Now for the perfect necklace. Going to the jewelry box on her dresser, the one that held the things she never had a reason to wear, she pulled out the teardrop ruby that her parents gave her when she graduated. It was her grandmother’s, and it was the perfect accent to her dress.

Her phone rang, drawing her attention away from her reflection. Picking it up, she smiled at the picture of her sister that flashed across the screen.

Hi, she said.

Hi, whatcha doing? Jen laughed.

You know very well what I’m doing. I’m getting dressed.

Oh yeah, the big party for work. Send me a picture of you in your dress.

Hold on a sec. She took a picture and sent it to her sister.

Holy shit. What the hell, Tallulah? You look fucking sexy.

Lou felt her face turn red. You think? she giggle-whispered.

Oh, hell yeah. Who are you trying to impress?

That’s just it, no one. I’m the youngest in my department. I work with people that are like in their fifties and sixties. One guy, I swear, he is pushing eighty.

Jen was laughing. Grampa worked until he died, and he was like ninety.

I suppose. Listen, I love you but I need to go. I promised Katie I wouldn’t be late.

Go, but call me tomorrow. I want to hear everything. Hey, try to take some pictures.

Laughing, Lou said, Sure. I love you, Jen.

I love you, too, baby sis. Go have some fun.

I will. Thanks.

She hung up and picked up her tiny red purse, dropping her phone in it. On her way out the door, she grabbed her cape and headed down to hail a cab. It didn’t take long to reach the Four Seasons. When she walked in, she paused and took in a deep breath. She was understandably nervous, but she was excited to experience a world she always read about, even if it was just for one night. She felt like she belonged. People were looking at her and smiling. She moved to the elevator, where a lovely young man asked her what floor.

The eighth floor, please.

Smiling, he pushed the button for her and up she went. When the elevator doors opened, she was transported to another world, to a place she only ever saw on television or at the movies.

As she stepped off, a young woman asked for her cape and then welcomed her, handing her a little white coat check tab. Slipping it into her purse, she continued forward into the grand ballroom.

She stood taking it all in, her mouth slightly open, and her breath hitched in her lungs as she took in her surroundings. Turning in a complete circle, she gazed at the beautiful flowers, at the ceiling with its beautiful chandeliers. It was like nothing she had ever seen before. All eyes were on her as she took everything in with a huge smile on her face, turning in a circle. She had never seen anything more beautiful, until her eyes landed on a pair of honey chocolate brown eyes looking back at her.

.~*~.

Maximillian Garrett

Earlier that night.

What is the matter with you? he asked.

What’s the matter with me? You have been gone from this relationship for the past two months. We are supposed to be planning a wedding, Stephanie shouted.

Max shook his head. You know we have a huge drug trial in the works. This is my fucking job. If you can’t handle it, then maybe we shouldn’t get married.

She stood there in the bedroom looking at him. Are you kidding me right now?

He didn’t know what to say so he shook his head and walked out. They’d been together for eight months. He couldn’t even remember why he proposed. When he did, she changed. She became a high-society bitch who he couldn’t stand. He walked over to the window in their posh penthouse apartment and stood looking out. He could remember when they had fun, when they laughed, when they would lay in bed and giggle. The looks, the tender touches. But the minute he put the ring on her finger, it all changed. She changed. The expensive clothes he found in his closet. The shoes, Who the fuck wears that many shoes?, there were rows and rows of shoes in his closet. He saw her reflection in the window. I’m not sure we should do this, he said. Turning around, he hoped to see hurt and pain in her eyes, but he didn’t. He saw fury.

You want to break up with me right now? Right as we are getting ready to walk out the door to the biggest gala of the year for your company?

He chuckled, shaking his head. I’m telling you I think we have a problem, and you’re concerned about a fucking gala. Who are you? What happened to the woman I fell in love with?

I’m still in here. Putting this ring on my finger propelled me into the world of high society. I have a certain position to uphold being engaged to you. In this city, you’re fucking royalty. How is any woman supposed to maintain herself and not get lost?

We can talk about this later. We are going to be late. He walked to the door, dismissing her comment.

As they rode in silence to the Four Seasons, he thought about what she said. He didn’t like being chained to this family, to this position. But the research into this new drug was groundbreaking. He was never sure that his father should have hired that Dr. Harper, but the man came from a family of not one laureate but two. His formula is one that no one on their team had thought of. He was definitely the best choice. Now, he was into this company more than he ever wanted.

Max could feel Stephanie next to him. He knew she was pissed off at him and how embarrassed she was going to be if he really called this engagement off. He just wasn’t feeling it. His parents would be so upset; they claimed to love her. Hell, he claimed to love her. But did he? He wasn’t so sure of it anymore. Their life had become so routine, so mundane that it made him want to scream. Maybe he needed some time to himself. He couldn’t leave, though, not with the possibility of a drug trial in the immediate future.

The car slowed as they approached the hotel. Stephanie’s door opened, and she climbed out. Max didn’t move; he wasn’t sure he could do this. They needed to talk. He wasn’t happy anymore.

Max? she whispered.

He looked at her, the anger still brewing behind those baby blues. He didn’t see any sorrow; no fear, no love, just anger. Shaking his head, he made his decision right there in the back of the limo. Their relationship was over. He slid across the seat and got out. When this night was over, so was this relationship.

Together, they walked into the hotel while photographers snapped pictures left and right. He didn’t put his hand on her back like he normally would have. They got in the elevator, and together they walked into the grand ballroom. Max moved away from her to go to the bar. He needed some liquid courage for this night. He was going to have to pretend everything was all right. No need to air his dirty laundry in public. This was a huge event for Garrett Pharmaceuticals.

Max stood at the bar talking to a few of his colleagues while watching Stephanie flit around the room. She took to this social scene like lightning. Everyone seemed to adore her. She was fucking beautiful on the outside, and she used to be on the inside. That’s what made him fall in love with her. But now, they were lucky if they fucked once a week. Before the engagement, they would find any spare moment to fuck, sometimes two or three times a day. She made him crazy, but now, there was nothing.

Stephanie looked at him watching her. She didn’t smile, and he didn’t see that twinkle in her eyes like he did before. What he saw disturbed him. She looked away. Shaking his head, he turned to look for his parents. Probably a good idea to fill them in so it wasn’t a shock when the press caught wind of what he was going to do. He spotted his mother across the room talking to a young woman, and his feet were moving.

As he approached his mother, he heard the young woman say, Thank you, Mrs. Garrett. Turning, she smiled at Max and walked away.

Hello, darling. Where is Stephanie? his mother said as he kissed her on the cheek.

Well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Have you seen Dad?

Yes, darling, he is right there. She nodded to her right.

Could you please stay here? I need to talk to both of you. He smiled at her. Turning, he walked up to his father.

Excuse me, gentleman. Dad, can I have a few minutes?

Of course. Gentleman. He excused himself. What’s going on?

Can we go into one of the private rooms? I need to discuss something in private. Max nodded toward his mother.

Together, the three of them went into one of the staterooms. Max closed the door. Turning to face his parents, he blurted it out. Mom, Dad, I made a mistake. I’m calling off my engagement. I can’t marry Steph. I’m not in love with her anymore.

Oh, darling, his mother said as she rushed to him, pulling him into a hug.

His father stood there looking at him. Well, son, to be honest with you, I’m glad.

Oh, Jefferson, she is a lovely girl.

His father chuckled. That she is, but it just never felt right. I think that girl has an agenda. She always struck me as fake. What can we do for you, son?

I just didn’t want you to be blindsided. I’ve already tried to discuss this with her. When I mentioned it, I wanted, no, needed to see the pain in her eyes. But all I saw, all I felt was anger. I don’t think she loves me either. I’m going to end it tonight. I should get a room here. I know I can’t sleep in the same bed as her again.

Max, has something happened? his father asked.

No, Dad. It just all changed when I put that ring on her finger.

I’m glad I didn’t give you your grandmother’s ring, his mother said softly.

Max laughed. I wouldn’t have given it to her even if you had.

Well, you have our support. Come on, we’ve got a party to attend. If you need anything, son, you let me know. His father pulled him into a hug, patting him on the back.

His parents walked out of the room. Max stood there for a minute, grateful that his parents understood him. Shaking his head at how stupid he had been to believe that she actually loved him, he turned on his heels and walked out of the room, searching for her in the crowd. He noticed that everyone was looking toward the entrance. He followed their line of sight but couldn’t see anything. Must be another socialite making an entrance. God, he hated fake people. Steph had become one of them overnight.

He headed to the bar. As he walked through the crowd of people, a flash of light caught his eye, and he turned his head toward it. The sight before him played out in slow motion, stopping his heart in his chest. What the fuck? he heard himself say.

Taking in the gentle slope of her back, his eyes moved down to the perfect curve of her perfect ass that was clad in red sequins. She slowly turned, her eyes looking at the ceiling, her arms bare, and his eyes moved down her delicate arms to her hands gripping her purse. As she turned, his eyes moved up to the deep V in her dress between her perfect breasts. Her smile was huge, her nose perfect. When he reached her eyes, his breath caught in his chest. They were so green. When she lowered her head, their eyes locked, and her smile never left her absolutely angelic face.

He heard someone call out, Tallulah. Her eyes moved past him, her smile getting bigger if that was possible. He watched as the young woman his mother was talking to earlier moved past him to her. They embraced and started talking. Together, arm in arm, they moved through the ballroom. Max stood there watching her as she disappeared.

A slap on the back snapped him back to reality, Some kind of beautiful, the voice said.

Max turned to find his old friend Jasper standing next to him. Laughing he said, I have no idea what you mean.

Laughing, Jasper leaned in. Don’t worry, every man in this place is sporting wood. Come on, let’s get a drink, and keep in mind, you’re taken. So, give us all a chance to get to know her.

Max laughed. He knew he wasn’t taken anymore, but he didn’t say anything as he walked to the bar with his friend. As the night progressed, he caught glimpses of her red sequined dress, but not of her. He found himself trying to seek her out. Stephanie stayed away from him for most of the night, which was fine by him. He didn’t want to have the conversation with her here, and if he spent any real time with her, he knew it would blow up. He happened to see the red dress flash by the crowd, headed to the balcony, so he headed that way.

As he approached the doors, he saw her. She was standing with her back to him, looking out over the city. He leaned against the door frame and just looked at her. Her dress was cut so low, he could barely see the sweet dimples on her lower back. With her milky white skin, she was perfect. Her hair was a medium brown, and he wondered how long it was when not pinned up. The clips in it reflected off the light, and he thought they looked antique. He saw her shiver. Taking off his jacket, he walked up and gently laid it across her shoulders, whispering, It’s a bit chilly out here. His voice sounded different, causing him to smile.

Her head went down as she turned to face him, and she began taking the jacket off. Thank you, but I’m leaving. I just wanted to get a look at the view before I left. She handed him his jacket.

It’s early yet, he said softly. He couldn’t figure out where the hell this voice was coming from.

She lifted her head, and Max felt his mouth go dry when their eyes met. I have to get to work early tomorrow. Thank you for your kindness.

She turned to walk away, but Max reached out to touch her arm. When he made contact with her soft skin, his heart nearly stopped. "Tomorrow’s Sunday. No one works on Sunday.

She smiled at him, and his heart slammed hard in his chest. I work on Sunday.

Won’t you at least tell me your name?

Looking at his hand, she smiled, tilting her head up. Tallulah.

He smiled, releasing her. Hi, I’m Max.

She nodded. Goodnight, Max, she said and turned, walking away from him.

He watched as she disappeared into the crowd. Fuck, he whispered to himself. There was no way he was going to pursue this. He needed to end his relationship. Walking back into the party, he found Stephanie. It’s time to go, he said as casually as he could.

All right.

While they were walking out, he saw Tallulah getting into a cab. She turned her head and smiled at him as she drove away. Max helped Steph into the car and then walked around to the other side, his eyes looking up wanting to see her again, but the cab had disappeared into the night.

The drive to their apartment was silent. They didn’t talk on the way up to the penthouse. Once they were inside, Stephanie disappeared into the bedroom and Max headed to the bar to get a much-needed drink. A few minutes later, Steph came out in a sexy nightgown.

We need to talk, Max said.

Is this where you tell me we are over? She snapped.

Steph, you don’t love me. I can see it in your eyes. There is no reason for us to continue with this relationship.

How can you say I don’t love you? We are getting married.

No, Steph, we’re not. I can’t marry you. I’m not in love with you. Hell, I’m not even sure I like you very much anymore. Something changed when we got engaged. You changed. I don’t believe we want the same things out of this relationship anymore.

What the hell are you talking about? Is there someone else, Max?

He chuckled, thinking about Tallulah. No, Steph, there is no one else. I just don’t think this is what it was before we got engaged. I can’t marry you.

He watched as she forced the tears out. What am I supposed to do? I’ll be a laughing stock. How could you do this to me?

He just stood there, knowing he was doing the right thing. She was only concerned about herself. There was nothing about them as a couple, only about her.

You turned into a selfish, self-centered person. Someone I don’t even know. Steph, we used to be happy. We used to make time for one another. But since I gave you that ring, you’ve turned away from me. No naughty texts, no more interrupting my day for a quickie. Nothing. If we have sex once a week, I’m lucky, and that isn’t even loving. It’s just sex. Remember when we used to lay in each other’s arms and talk, touching each other? Steph, when was the last time you showed me any kind of tenderness? Months. I just don’t feel it anymore. I can’t do this. I am calling off the engagement. I’ll get a room somewhere, but you need to find a place to live. I’m selling this place. I don’t want to live here anymore. You’ve got a month.

So, that’s it? I’ve got no say in this? she sputtered out.

You’ve got a right to say your peace. But I’m not going to change my mind. I’ve felt like this for a while now. I was wrong to let it continue on, I was hoping I was wrong. But I’m not. You just keep moving further and further away from me, from us. I’m going to go. I’ll send for my clothes. He set his glass down. It’s time for us to move on. I’m sorry, Steph. And he headed for the door.

Max, she called out. He paused, his hand on the handle. He felt her walk up, placing her hand on his back. Can’t we fix this?

He turned and looked into her eyes, but he didn’t see it. He didn’t see the love he hoped he would see. It just isn’t there anymore. The love is gone, if it was ever there to begin with. He opened the door and walked out. A month, Steph. I’m putting this place on the market.

The door shut and he walked to the elevator. Somehow, he felt lighter. He felt the weight lift as he pushed the button to go down. His life was his own again.

Chapter Three

Lou couldn’t stop smiling on her way home. The cab dropped her off, and she rushed into her apartment. Leaning against the door, she said to the room, Oh my God, he was so beautiful. Laughing,