He smiled, finally some good news. With everything going on the last thing Valerie needed was the added stress of her dad in the hospital. “That’s good, sweetheart. I’m glad to hear it.” Almost afraid to ask but needing to, he took a deep breath. “So, you’ll be home tonight?”
“No,”
“What do you mean no?” He didn’t mean for it to come out so coarse but this was ridiculous. She couldn’t just run back to her apartment every time she got mad. He stood up unable to sit anymore. “You’re going back—”
“I wanna stay with my dad for a few days. The doctor said his lack of discipline when it comes to taking all his medication and his diet is what landed him in the hospital. It wasn’t a stroke this time, but the doctor said next time he might not be so lucky. If I have to stay there and help Norma baby him then that’s just what I’ll have to do. I don’t…” She paused for a moment Alex heard her take a trembling deep breath. “I won’t let this happen again.” Her voice broke along with Alex’s heart.
He gripped the phone. Damn he wanted to be there, to hold her, tell her everything was going to be okay. He heard her clear her voice. “I have to finish getting ready. I wanna get back to the hospital as soon as possible.”
“I’ll meet you there.”
“No, Alex. There’s no point. You’ll just be sitting in the waiting room the whole time. You should be at the restaurant or at least getting some rest.”
Alex couldn’t believe it. Her father was in the hospital, she had a crazed lunatic stalking her, and she was worried about him getting rest?
“When will I see you?”
There was a brief silence then she spoke. “If they release him today, I’ll call you from his house. If he’s up for visitors, you can come by.”
Alex took an extra long shower, contemplating everything that he’d taken in in the last twenty four hours. There was no way he was going to argue with Valerie about staying with her dad. If that’s what made her feel better, he wanted nothing more. But it still didn’t change the fact that Valerie chose to go back to her apartment to get ready rather than come back to their place. He still had so many unanswered questions about her and Luke. He was trying to keep his cool, but his irritation levels were already climbing, and this day was just getting started.
***
Sal seemed surprised to see Alex when he arrived at the restaurant. Since Romero jumped in with Alex yesterday on the way to the hospital, he had Sal come pick him up. Alex didn’t want to leave the hospital. He had told Sal he probably wouldn’t be in today.
“How’s her dad doing?”
“Better.” Alex walked to the back office, and Sal followed. “He’ll probably go home today.”
“Really? Romero said it was a stroke.”
“Nah, it wasn’t after all. Look’s like he’s gonna be fine.” Alex took a seat in front of the computer and moved the mouse around.
After filling Sal in on Valerie’s dad, Sal went back to more interviewing. Alex felt a little guilty about leaving all the hiring to Sal, but his mind was too crowded to concentrate on much else. Only consolation was that Sal was damn anal, he relished on making sure they only hired qualified candidates. He liked being the one in charge of hiring.
Alex’s dark mood lingered. Everything seemed to annoy him all day, from the computer not being quite up to speed, to the bus boys laughing a bit too loud out back on their break. By the end of the afternoon, he still hadn’t heard from Valerie. Not even a text to check in on how everything was going.
He was beyond irritated and ready to snap when his phone rang and it was finally Valerie’s name on the caller I.D. Just like that, his mood shifted and some of the tension seemed to drain. “Hey Val, is he out?”
“Yeah, he’s home now.” Hearing her voice was even more mollifying.
“Good, I was getting ready to leave.”
“Alex, I don’t think it’s a good idea. He just got home, and he seems a little worn out from this whole ordeal. Maybe tomorrow would be a better.”
Alex pinched the rim of his nose and closed his eyes. “Baby, we really need to talk.”
“I know, and we will… Tomorrow.” She added firmly.
He had no choice but to accept. Alex had already alerted Romero of the need to have someone outside Valerie’s dad’s house through the night.
He drove home slowly, thinking. Always thinking. The more he thought about going another day away from Valerie, the more he was tempted to turn the car around and head to her dad’s. His feelings wouldn’t be hurt if her dad didn’t come out to visit with him. Hell, he didn’t even have to go inside. All he needed was to see her. Hold her, even if only for a moment. Most importantly he needed to explain himself, damn it. He couldn’t have her thinking for even one more night that he’d been spying on her.
Without giving it another thought, he turned the car around. She might be upset that he just showed up, might even ask him to leave. He would if that’s what she wanted, but not before she heard him out. Tonight. Not tomorrow.
***
Her dad was being stubborn again. Valerie and Norma wanted to settle him in his room and wait on him. The doctors had said he needed rest. But her dad wasn’t going down without a fight. Norma welcomed Valerie’s help. Over the years, they’d developed a buddy system. Valerie played the bad cop while Norma played good cop to try to appease her father when they ganged up on him. They had to. The man was impossible at times. Like tonight—they were in the living room because he refused to stay put in his bed.
“Look,” he said, lifting the handle on the side of his lazy-boy. His feet went up and he clicked the television on with the remote. “I did it all by myself. Now go get me a beer.”
Valerie crossed her arms in front of her and glared at him. “You’re not funny.”
Her dad chuckled. “Alright, make it coffee.”
“I’ll go brew some,” Norma said, motioning for Valerie to have a seat.
Valerie took a seat on the sofa closest to her dad’s chair. “Don’t make any for me and make sure it’s decaf, Norma.”
“Fun police,” her dad muttered.
“You better believe it. And the badge is staying on from here on.” She reached over and squeezed her dad’s hand. “I mean it, Mister. You’re in big trouble.”
He waved his other hand in the air. “You can’t stay here and bully me forever. That boy is probably going nuts already, with you not around.”
He must’ve seen it in her face, because he immediately brought his hand down and squeezed hers. “Things not going so well?”
She shook her head. “Everything’s fine.”
In an instant, the television was off. “I don’t know why you still think you can fool me. What’s troubling you, pumpkin?”
The last thing she needed was to burden her dad with her issues. She was staying with him to make sure he got better, not make things worse. “Nothing daddy, really. Everything’s okay.”
“What did he do?” Her dad dropped the remote on the table next to his chair with a frown.
“You see, you’re already getting upset.” She rubbed his hand.
“Is he still doing the same bullshit as before?”
“No.” She squeezed his hand.
“Don’t think I didn’t notice he hasn’t been around at all these last couple of days. I haven’t seen you on your phone much either.” He pushed the recliner down and sat up straight. “Did he disappear again?”
“No, no.” She patted his hand. “It’s nothing like that. Sit back, you’re getting yourself all worked up.”
Norma walked into the room. “Everything okay?”
“No.”
“Yes.” Valerie gave him a look. He knew she didn’t like to talk about Alex in front of Norma. “He’s just being stubborn again. I can handle him.”
Norma smiled and shook her head. “Alfred, you best behave yourself.”
“I’m behaving just fine. She’s the one-”
The doorbell rang, int
errupting them all. Norma walked to the door and opened it. “Alex, come on in.”
Alex said something Valerie couldn’t quite hear. “Don’t be silly. You’re not disturbing anyone. Please come in.”
“Yeah,” her dad agreed. “Get your ass in here.”
Valerie shot her dad another look—this time a dagger. “Dad!”
“Well, if you’re not gonna tell me what’s going on, he better.”
Alex nearly took up the entire doorframe. “How you doing Mr. Zuniga?”
“Boy, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Alfred?”
Alex smiled at her then at her dad. “How’s it going, Alfred? You feeling better?”
Valerie shifted in her seat. Somehow, she thought she’d be more annoyed seeing him here after she’d made it clear she didn’t want to see him tonight. Instead, her heart sped up at the sight of him. How was it possible that she’d been so irritated and hurt with him all day, then he waltzes in here and with one smile weakens her resolve so easily?
“I’m fine. I keep telling these two Florence Nightingales here that, but neither one seems to listen.” Her dad sat up at the edge of his seat. “Listen here, what’s going on with you two? You playing with my little girl again?”
Alex glanced at her. Norma seemed to sense the need to leave them alone. “I’ll go get the coffee.” She started toward the kitchen. “Would you like a cup of coffee or anything to drink Alex?”
“No, ma’am. Thank you.”
Alex waited until Norma left the room to respond to her dad. Before he could, Valerie spoke up. “Dad, I told you. Everything’s fine.” Valerie stood up. She took a few steps toward Alex with pleading eyes. He had to know she wouldn’t want her dad worrying about them right now. But she especially didn’t want Alex trying to explain his reason for snooping. That’s the last thing she wanted her dad to have to think about right now.
Alex reached for Valerie’s hand pulling her gently to him. “Things couldn’t be better. In fact,” he placed her in front of him placing his arms around her waist. “I’m not sure if she’s told you yet, but I have every intention of marrying her.” He kissed her lightly on her temple. “Just as soon as she says yes.”
Valerie felt her insides warm. Alex was manipulating the situation. He knew she’d have no choice but to play along with the happy little couple act.
Her dad eyed Alex suspiciously. “Is that so?”
“Absolutely.” Alex hugged her a little tighter, pressing his hard body against hers. Her body reacted as it always did to him, trembling ever so slightly.
Alfred sat back in his seat, but he didn’t seem quite satisfied. “She told me you asked her to marry her. But are you sure nothing else is going on? She’s been moping around all day.” His eyes went from Valerie to Alex. “I know when something is bothering my daughter.”
Valerie stroked Alex’s forearm just so. Willing him to understand he shouldn’t give in no matter how much her dad probed.
“Probably just worried about you, sir. She was pretty shaken up.”
Norma walked in with her father’s cup of coffee. The moment her dad’s attention was averted from them, she loosened Alex’s hold on her.
“Well, she can stop worrying. I’m just fine.” Her dad reached for the cup of coffee and asked Alex to take a seat. He sat down on the sofa, bringing Valerie with him. Alex had always been comfortable around her dad. Even when she first met him, and her dad made Alex come in and talk before leaving with Valerie on a date. Alex seemed to enjoy her father’s spunk.
Norma’s phone rang, and she excused herself to take the call.
Once seated, Alex took her hand in his, resting them both on his thick thigh.
“So, you think you’re good enough to marry my little girl, uh?”
“I’m not sure anyone will ever be good enough for Valerie.” Alex smiled. “But I’ll certainly do my best to try and make her happy.”
This was the last conversation Valerie thought she’d be having today. Thankfully, her dad asked Alex about how the restaurant was doing. Alex filled him in on it and told him about Sal’s plans to turn it into a franchise just as soon as he finished school.
“What about you? Do you plan on finishing school?”
Valerie felt Alex tense up. She knew what a chip on his shoulder he had about not having finished college.
“The restaurant is doing so good, Dad. Alex barely gets any time off as it is.”
Alex squeezed her hand. “I’m hiring more help. As soon as we get them all trained and we have enough staff to handle the restaurant a few days out of the week without me, I plan on going back.”
Her dad seemed pleased. That was news to Valerie. She wondered how much else he hadn’t been sharing with her lately. Thoughts of him spying on her and snooping into her past with Luke rang in her head like a clamoring bell. She tried unclasping her hand from his but he only held it tighter.
After a half hour more of talking, Norma came back. “I’m sorry about that. My sister keeps me on the phone so long.” She turned to Alfred, phone still in her hand. “Luna wanted me to wish you a speedy recovery.”
“Speaking of…” Valerie stood up and Alex stood with her. “You need to get to bed, dad. No late nights for you, doctor’s orders.”
Both she and Norma tried to help him up. He waved them both away. “I got this.”
Her father excused himself, insisting he didn’t need either of them fussing over him. He could get himself in bed just fine. But Valerie insisted on walking with him to his room.
“I’ll be back, Alex.”
She turned to her father who was still shaking his head at her and held his elbow. “Let’s go, Mister.”
CHAPTER 28
Alex watched amused at the way Valerie bossed her dad. They disappeared into the hallway, but he could still hear the stubborn man’s protests. He ambled around the room stopping when he came to the table with all the pictures. Her dad still had Valerie’s high school senior picture up. That was the year he first met her. Seeing it made him remember how he felt about her even back then. The same as he did now.
He picked up the picture, examining it closer. He traced her lips with his finger. Why the hell had it taken him this long to finally figure out he was crazy about this girl?
“Why are you here, Alex?”
Alex turned around. Valerie leaned against the doorframe to the hallway arms crossed.
He put the picture back down. “We need to talk.”
Norma walked in from behind Valerie. “Excuse me honey, your father needs a glass of water to take his medicine.”
Valerie moved, letting her through. They both waited until Norma walked into the kitchen. Valerie spoke in a hushed voice. “I told you, not tonight. This is neither the time nor the place.”
“We don’t have to talk about everything tonight. But there are some things that can’t wait.”
Norma walked back in the room holding a glass of water and smiled. As soon as she was past Valerie and in the hallway, Alex spoke up again. “I wasn’t spying on you. I swear.”
Valerie looked back into the hallway. “How does you watching me for my own safety have anything to do with me and Luke?”
Me and Luke. Alex couldn’t even stand hearing her say it. His hand fisted involuntarily. “We can talk about that later but-”
“No we will not. What happened between me and Luke is none of your—” She halted when Norma came from behind her again.
“Sorry to keep interrupting, but your father forgot his reading glasses out here.”
“That’s fine Norma,” Valerie said and started to the front door. “Alex was just getting ready to leave anyway.”
Norma grabbed the glasses from the table next to the recliner where Alfred had been sitting. “It was nice seeing you again, Alex. Tell your parents I said hello.”
Alex forced a smile. “Sure thing, nice seeing you too.”
She turned and walked back into the hallway. With three long stride
s, he was at Valerie’s side. She opened the front door and he took her hand, bringing her out to the porch with him. As soon as the door closed behind them, he pulled her to him and kissed her. He’d only been away from her a day, and a hunger like no other invaded his entire body. But he restrained himself, instead kissing softly, savoring the luscious moment. She didn’t fight him, but after a moment she pulled away, breathless.
Valerie laid her hand flat against his chest. His heart pounded against it, and he knew she felt it. “I need to go make sure my dad doesn’t think he’s going to be up late reading.”
He put his hand over hers on his chest. “I need to talk to you. I’m not leaving until I do.”
“I already told you I’m not talking to you about Luke, especially my past with him.”
He stared at her, trying not to get worked up again. “And I already told you we will talk about Luke later. For now, what I need you to know is I wasn’t spying on you. I was having Bruce investigated. He’s been stalking you since before you met him. He’s the one that was spying on you.”
Her heated expression changed. Her lips parted, and she searched his eyes. “He’s been writing a journal of sorts. He wrote about the night you and Luke…” Alex didn’t even want to say it. She obviously tried to take in what he’d just told her regarding Bruce writing a journal about her, but he saw how uncomfortable the topic of her night with Luke made her. That irritated him. “I just needed you to know I wasn’t snooping into your past. I’m trying to find this guy. Romero knew someone who has the resources to look into this kind of stuff, so I hired him.”