Intoxicated Read online

  “Gary, I guess he did mean it when he said he’d change his ways. Obviously he has. He’s become more threatening and dangerous. He went from being a lurker to being a full-blown criminal,” Hunter says.

  “Our attorneys will bury him, or whomever he hires to represent him, with paperwork and then we’re going after him full force. I’ll spare no expense to make sure he goes to trial.”

  “I was going to hire an attorney myself to represent Miranda’s case.” Hunter’s admission shocks me.

  Mr. Holland shakes his head. “She’s our employee. It happened on our premises. It’s our responsibility. Nigel will pay dearly.”

  “He should,” Hunter grunts. Both Mr. Holland and Hunter throw a deadly stare in Nigel’s direction as a couple of police officers drag his limp body to one of their cars.

  “In any case, enough about that asshole. Shane texted me when I was only a few miles away to let me know that Miranda needs to see the paramedics.”

  “Yes, I was just taking her to them.”

  I’ve been quiet all along because I’m a little unsettled by an executive’s presence. It’s time for me to speak up. “I can’t believe this is causing such a disturbance,” I say, feeling uncomfortable. I know none of this is my fault, but still.

  Gary’s jaw drops. “Miranda, that should be the furthest thought from your mind. Everyone gathered here has one mission—make sure you’re okay. The emergency medical technicians want to make sure you haven’t sustained any hidden injuries… and frankly so do I. It’ll put my mind at ease. Then the cops are going to want you to tell them what happened. Paul Ward, the head counsel from our legal team, should be here any minute. I texted him as I left the restaurant. Just be straightforward with the police and tell them everything. Don’t leave anything out even if you don’t think it’s important. It’s often the small details that matter in these cases. Are we clear?”

  “Okay,” I whisper, nodding.

  “I’ll come over as well, which will allow me to keep an eye on you and I won’t be too far when they require information about our insurance. You’re absolutely not paying for this. The network will foot the bill.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Holland. I really appreciate this. Hunter also offered to pay. I feel so grateful to both of you.”

  “That’s honorable, Miranda. Obviously your boyfriend is a great man who’s willing to step up to the plate when it matters. That said, no one should be financially penalized other than Nigel Warner. If he wants to act like a fucking retard, I’ll make sure he lives to regret his moronic decision,” Mr. Holland spits out.

  I release a deep breath, reclaiming Hunter’s attention.

  He leans in. “I’m close by, sweetie. When Shane comes out of the building, I’ll ask him to come join you and Gary while I talk to the police.” He pulls me into his arms and I close my eyes as I melt into his body’s warmth.

  From Mr. Holland’s right side, I notice a female paramedic and a police officer approach us. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but can we take a look at her now?” the woman asks.

  “Of course,” Hunter answers on my behalf. I should break away from our embrace, but I’m still clinging onto him. “It’s okay. You won’t be alone, sweetie,” he adds, sensing my hesitation. Reluctantly, I allow the EMT to take me by the arm and drag me away from my savior.

  * * *

  My heart ached for every one of the forty-five minutes Hunter and I were apart after I followed the EMT to the ambulance. I knew it would be difficult to answer the officers’ questions, but I didn’t fully understand how painful it would be for me to have to relive every single scene from when Nigel started stalking me at the filing cabinet, to when he cornered me in front of my car, to when Hunter came charging at him and pulled him away from me. Hunter was beating him like a punching bag. As much as I’m not a big fan of violence, I can’t say Nigel didn’t deserve it.

  When one of the EMTs reminded me of how lucky I was given the facts, I broke down again. She’s right. There’s such a big size difference between my aggressor and me. Let’s not forget that I was essentially trapped in a deserted parking lot at night in the middle of nowhere. Most of the employees who hurtled outside right after the incident were in fact film editors. In other words, when I was yelling at the top of my lungs, they would never have been able to hear me. They work in a sound room while they cut, snip and paste. Unless they step out of the editing room for a break or to go to the bathroom, they’re essentially cut off from the rest of the world.

  For a brief moment, I had temporarily blocked the gruesome outcome that could’ve played out tonight had Hunter not been present at the exact time when I was at my most defenseless. Every time I allow my mind to go there, I inevitably break down and cry.

  I’m still standing in the parking lot but I distance myself from everybody. People have been looking at me with sorrow in their eyes, but at least now I don’t feel as exposed. I’m so grateful Shane found a spare uniform for me to wear, I say to myself as I look in his direction. It was so humiliating walking around with my brightly-colored bra showing. No matter how much I tugged at my shirt, it was way too ripped to cover much. Hunter wanted to give me the shirt he was wearing, but Collin reminded him it was covered in blood.

  Shane, Mr. Holland and Mr. Ward are huddled in a small circle. Collin disappeared somewhere and most of those film editors are now being interrogated by police officers. Maybe the cops want to make sure they didn’t see anything. I hope one of them has more information to bring forth.

  “Ouch,” I say when I try to move. The muscle in the back of my neck cramps again. Who am I fooling? My whole body aches. God, what a long, fucked-up day. Bone-deep exhaustion weighs me down and I feel so dirty from Nigel’s touch. I desperately need a very hot shower to cleanse and purify my body and a comfortable bed to rest my troubled soul. I just want to get away from here and cuddle in Hunter’s arms until I fall asleep.

  My body shudders and I cling onto the blanket a little tighter. I haven’t been in contact with Hunter’s warmth since the paramedic came to get me and I guess now I’m in withdrawal because I haven’t been able to stop shivering. It’s a hot LA night, but my blood feels like ice. It was so bad the EMT wrapped a blanket around me to keep me from trembling. I’m completely immersed in my thoughts and don’t notice when someone approaches me.

  “Miranda?” I jump when a hand lightly presses against my shoulder. Fuck. I really don’t want to allow Nigel to transform me into a frightened kitten who’s startled by her own shadow. I don’t want to allow the phantom of his touch to change me, but I’m still not clear how quickly I’ll be able to deal with this emotionally. I turn toward the voice.

  “Collin.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle or scare you.”

  “No. It’s not you, Collin. I’m just still a little shaky.”

  “It’s quite understandable. You’ve gone through a lot of shit tonight.” I nod. “I picked this up for you. They were on the ground near your car.” He holds out my car keys. “I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news. You might need a new iPhone. This one took a good beating,” he says regretfully, placing my phone on my open palm.

  “Shit,” I let out when I take in the sad state of my phone. “Oh. Thanks, Collin. This was so not part of this month’s budget.” I shake my head, already feeling the financial sting of having to replace such a pricey phone. I loop the key ring around my finger before hugging the broken device near my chest. Oh, well. It’s not as if I can live without the darn thing.

  “I also took the liberty of locking your car,” Collin says, pointing at the keys.

  “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me tonight.”

  “Not at all. Hunter’s like a brother and you’re part of his life now. That means I take care of you when he can’t.” I’m so touched by his words and don’t even know what to say. “Listen, I’ll wait and see what Hunter has planned. If you want, I’ll gladly go and buy you a new phone at the Apple store tomorr
ow morning and drop it at your place or at Hunter’s. You can call your carrier to add it to your account. That’ll be one less thing for you to worry about.”

  “You’re so sweet. You don’t have to do that for—”

  A strong hand settles against the small of my back, causing me to temporarily lose my train of thought. I know instinctively who it is. I don’t even have to turn around.

  “Hey, sweetie,” he says, his breath brushing against my ear. “Shit. I doubt that thing works anymore?”

  “I think you’re right. I must’ve dropped it when—” I shut my eyes tightly and purse my lips together to avoid saying the words aloud.

  Hunter turns me around and places a finger under my chin until his eyes are gazing into mine. “It’s over.”

  “Yeah. I keep telling myself that.”

  “That’s the right attitude. Don’t let him have any control over what you say and how you react from now on. Don’t let that asshole win.”

  I shake my head. “I won’t.”

  “Good.” He pulls me to him and kisses the top of my head.

  “Hey, Hunter, I was just telling Miranda that I’d buy her a new iPhone tomorrow,” Collin says.

  “Buddy, you don’t have to do that, but I appreciate it.”

  “Thank you again, Collin,” I say shyly. I’ve taken care of my mom during her financial woes and I’ve been pretty much independent since moving to Los Angeles. This is the first time in my life I’ve had to rely on other people. It’s a humbling experience. I’m so grateful I’m not alone.

  “Did the cops get everything they needed from you?” It’s only when Hunter asks me that question that I realize he’s swapped his white shirt for a chef’s coat—his is white, while the one Shane brought back for me is grey. He notices my puzzled look and answers the question I’m not asking. “Paul Ward and the cops wanted me to leave my shirt behind since it has Nigel’s blood on it.”

  “I see. Yeah. Mr. Holland and Mr. Ward said they’d deal with the rest and call me in only if I’m needed.” While a few cops were interrogating me, another set were talking to Hunter. He spent a lot of time with them. In fact, it stretched so much that the senior attorney at Food Network had time to arrive on the scene. I can only assume that because Nigel was in such rough shape and Hunter barely has a scratch on his body the police officers needed to get the facts straight. “How did it go for you?”

  “Everything went smoothly. They were all routine questions. It dragged on a little bit because Mr. Ward needed to get up to speed.”

  “Shoot,” I exclaim, facepalming myself.

  “What?” both Hunter and Collin inquire at the same time.

  I release a shaky breath. “I don’t know Jess’ number by heart. I have to call her. She needs to know. I’m sure she must have texted me and if I don’t get back to her before the end of the night she’s going to start worrying.”

  “Of course. Do you think she’s home at this time?”

  I look up at Hunter, a little confused. “I think so. Why?”

  “Let’s swing by her house.”

  “She’ll never forgive me if we don’t.” I curl my lips upward, but it’s not a smile. It’s more the realization of how freaked out Jess will be when she finds out what happened to me tonight.

  “Let’s go see Jessica and then I’m taking you back to my place. You’ll stay with me for the next few days. Gary said he doesn’t want to see you at work for at least a week. You need time to heal.”

  “I have to keep an eye on the place I’m housesitting,” I protest. “I don’t want the owners to get upset at me for not fulfilling my duties.”

  “You have to get better, sweetie. That’s your number one job. Leave the rest to me. I’ll take care of it.” Hunter pulls me into his arms and I sink into him as if he can carry the burden of this day for me. The reassurance of his strong body is exactly what I need right now. He kisses my hair. “Do we have a deal?”

  “We do.”

  “Good.”

  Hunter wraps his arm around my shoulder and takes a step forward. I pull away from him when I realize I’ve forgot something very important. “Oh, I don’t have my handbag. It’s still in the drawer at my desk.”

  He reaches out and grabs my hands. “You don’t need it for anything tonight. Shane will grab it,” he says. “Collin, can you ask your brother to take care of that?” Hunter asks, looking up.

  “Consider it done,” Collin replies.

  “Thanks. As for your car, Collin or Shane will drive it back to my place. They’ll drop off your handbag when Collin brings your phone over. How does that sound?”

  “Okay,” I concede, handing my set of keys back to Collin.

  Hunter turns his attention back to his friend. “I’m off. Thank you. I’ll see Shane tomorrow, but please thank him again on my behalf.”

  “You know you don’t have to say that, Evans,” Collin quips. “We’ll always be here for you.”

  “That may be so, but it’s moments like these that make you appreciate the people you have in your life. I don’t know how I could’ve dealt with what happened tonight without the two of you. You were here for me and for my girl.”

  My heart skips a beat every time he calls me that.

  Collin nods and smiles back at Hunter. He shifts his eyes to me and says, “Miranda, I’ll see you tomorrow. Try to get some sleep.”

  “You too, Collin. And please thank Shane.”

  “Absolutely. Good night, Hunter.”

  “The same to you, buddy.” Collin and Hunter pat each other’s shoulders before we part ways.

  * * *

  Despite my exhaustion, my eyelids remain wide open during the ride to Hunter’s house. We drive back home from Jessica’s in silence with only the lyrics from James Bay’s album as a companion. As much as I want to shut everything out, perturbing images from the night flash in front of me.

  As I expected, Jess was horrified when she found out Nigel had attacked me. In fact, she broke down in tears. Seeing her cry for me like that just made me lose it. Before you know it, Kevin was consoling her in his arms and Hunter was doing the same for me. We must’ve wailed for fifteen minutes non-stop and neither of our boyfriends tried to rush us. They allowed us to feel the depth of our pain until we were able to compose ourselves.

  Luckily Jess has my mom’s number saved in her phone. I was too emotional to talk, so Jess was the one to deliver the tragic news to my mother. Mom will be on the next plane to LA and she’s bringing my grandmother with her. I hate for them to come under these circumstances, but I’m so happy they’ll be by my side. As unfortunate as it may be, this day will go down as one I’ll never forget.

  When we arrive at Hunter’s house he parks in the driveway, helps me out and we walk hand in hand inside.

  “Are you hungry?” Hunter asks, guiding me into the kitchen. “There’s tons of food in the refrigerator. I can pop something in the microwave. It can be ready within a few seconds.”

  “No. I’m okay.” My stomach is still tied up in a knot and I doubt I can keep anything down.

  “How about something to drink? Tea, a cup of hot milk with honey or do you want a stiff drink?” He stops when he gets to the marble kitchen island and I do the same.

  “Water would be good.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “I am.”

  He looks at me suspiciously and I smile to reassure him. “All right. Coming right up.” Hunter walks up to the row of imported bottles of water from France and grabs a couple of them before striding back to me. He drops one of the bottles on the counter before cracking open the seal of the other. He hands the bottle over to me and I thank him.

  I take a long sip, but it’s not enough to remove Nigel’s disgusting taste from my mouth. I might need bleach for that. The clock on the microwave reveals it’s nearly two o’clock in the morning. Even if I can’t fall asleep, I need to rest my body. A sudden urge rocks through me. “I need a shower,” I declare. “I need to wash this day o
ff of me.”

  Hunter squints, watching me. I can tell he’s very concerned. “That makes sense. Why don’t I come upstairs with you? We can take a shower together.”

  Normally, nothing would make me happier, but right now I just need to be in my little bubble. “If it’s okay with you, I wouldn’t mind some time alone.” My voice is flat. I’m too drained to make any effort.

  “Of course. You’ve been here plenty of times. You know where everything is. You’re not a guest. For as long as you stay here, my place is yours.” He leans down and places a soft kiss on my forehead. “While you’re in the shower, I’ll find a t-shirt for you to wear. I’ll just leave it on the bed. I’ll be right here when you’re done.”

  “Thanks. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

  “That sounds good. See you in a bit.”

  “Okay.” I nod.

  I turn and leave the room with my head hanging low. I climb each step carefully. When I get to the top of the stairs, I decide to use the large bathroom at the end of the hall as opposed to using the master adjacent to Hunter’s bedroom. I step inside and lock the door behind me.

  I fall back against the closed door and release a long heavy breath. I let my eyelids fall and once again my imagination starts churning. Even though he’s miles away from me and probably locked up by now, Nigel’s mucky fingers crawl over my skin. I can still see the demented look on his face as he barked that he had no intention of sparing me. The imagery of him licking his lips with anticipation is still burnt into my memory. God, when will you allow me to forget?

  I march to the oversized glass shower and wrench the knob to the hottest setting. I start pulling at my clothes, eager to strip. Without a second thought, I throw the chef’s coat to the ground. When I remove my ripped blouse, I’m hit by a wave of anger and I start tearing at what’s left of the fabric. Soon after, my bra hits the floor. I tug at the zipper at the back of my flare skirt and let it pool at my feet. I kick off my shoes and toss the skirt with my toe to the corner of the room. Hysterical, I tear my panties off. I can’t remove them fast enough.