Stolen Time Read online

  Chapter Two

  Mia

  Past

  It’s late when I reach my parents house. It’s been almost a month since the last time I’ve seen them. University and studying take all of my free time, so I didn’t come back home for Thanksgiving this year. I feel guilty for letting them down, but they understand how important this is to me. I’m in my senior year which means deadline after deadline, exam after exam. I don’t remember the last time I slept eight hours straight. Soon it will be over, I will have my degree and a bright future alongside them in front of me. I am so happy to see them again. I’ve missed them.

  “I’m home,” I shout closing the door behind me.

  I take off my jacket, leave the suitcase by the door, and follow the loud voices coming from the kitchen. I find my parents arguing about something. They stop talking the moment I step inside the room.

  “Everything okay?” I ask concerned.

  “Yes, sweetheart. Everything’s fine,” my mom responds, looking nervously at my dad. He only nods and steps closer to give me a welcoming hug.

  “We weren’t expecting you here today,” he says kissing my forehead.

  “I wanted to surprise you.” I respond. “I felt bad for leaving you alone for Thanksgiving and I’ve missed you lots.” I hug him tightly.

  “We’ve missed you too.” They both say but they seem to be a bit off.

  My parents argue a little. I never really heard them fighting so openly before. They’ve had their bad days, like everyone does, but never shouted at one another. Mom looks at dad but says nothing.

  “You must feel exhausted,” she says to me. “Let me get you a cup of tea and something to eat.”

  After dinner, we talk a little, but the conversation doesn’t flow as usual. They seem to worry about something and it bugs me not to know what's happening. I don’t ask. If they would want me to know, they’d say. I can only assume it’s about their work. The stress at court caused most of the fights they've had in the past. Being a divorce attorney isn’t a piece of cake. Daily, you deal with people who used to love each other, but it didn’t last or just wasn’t enough. There are couples that show respect to each other, but you will also meet the ones who spill dirt on one another. Seeing something like this almost every day may make you question true love’s meaning. It’s the saddest part of this job. Witnessing as peoples forever fall apart, as they grow distant to each other.

  I always wondered why people give up so easily why they don’t fight for their love. I know it may be hard sometimes, but when you are with the right person, the one you vowed to love and cherish – you should fight harder to keep it. Matt and I have our bad days too, but I can’t imagine going through my life without him by my side. He is my forever guy.

  We’ve met as little kids, became best friends. He was always there when I needed the most and slowly I fell in love with him. I kept it a secret for so many years. After high school, our paths diverged – he went for medical school in Boston, I studied law in Cali. And then one day during the summer break we met again – it just clicked. All those years of loving each other in secret, memories we’ve shared and time we’ve spent apart made us realize how much we meant for each other. We are meant to be. We were just too blind to see it sooner.

  I smile at the thought of seeing him again tomorrow. He’s back home for Christmas and I just can’t wait to hold him in my arms after all this time apart. I’ve missed him so much. It’s been almost three months without seeing him. We’ve talked a lot over the phone, but it’s not the same. I’ve missed holding him close to me, listening to his heart beating, watching him sleep. I didn’t realize long-distance relationships are so hard until I had one myself. There are days when I miss him so much I want to drop everything and drive to Boston. Days when I feel so lonely I want to scream. It’s not a piece of cake. We’ve been a couple for three years, but most of the time we are apart – his life is in Boston, mine in Cali – at least until we both finish our studies. After graduation, Matt can move back to Los Angeles and find a job in the hospital, and I will work in my parents law firm. The perspective of having him close all year round makes my heart fill with happiness. I can’t wait to move in together and start a family one day. He is my world, my anchor – the dearest and most precious person I have in my life.

  Mom’s voice breaks through my thoughts.

  “Will Matthew join us for Christmas Dinner this year?” she asks.

  “We haven’t spoken about it yet. I will see him tomorrow.” I smile.

  “Is he back already?”

  “He should be back in about an hour,” I say. “But it’s late and I’m tired. Besides, he’s taking me to dinner tomorrow, I need to have some rest and go shopping first thing in the morning.”

  “Mind if I join?” she asks.

  “Actually, I would love that. I need to buy a dress. I could use some advice.” I grab my mom’s hand and squeeze it. “But now I want to shower and sleep. Love you lots.” I kiss her cheek.

  I head upstairs to my room. The mess I’ve made before I left remains untouched. Books are all over my bed, clothes thrown on the armchair in the room's corner by the window. The closet looks like it went through a hurricane. I’m not good at packing stuff. I never know what to take with me, so I always leave a mess around before I leave. My mom used to clean the mess, but afterward, I wasn’t able to find things, so she stopped.

  I take fresh pajamas from the wardrobe and a clean towel from the shelf in the bathroom and turn on the water. I take a long bath with relaxing oils. I am so tired I barely manage not to fall asleep. My muscles relax slowly.

  After the shower, I clean my room a little. I move books from my bed to the desk, take out a laptop from my bag, and watch Netflix for the next couple of minutes until I drift away to sleep.

  The next morning, I go for my routine run. After that, I take a quick shower and head to town with my mom for breakfast. There is this Cassey’s cafeteria in the mall we both love so much. They make the best American breakfast I ever tasted, and the owner is my mom’s best friend so she keeps us company most of the time we spend there. I don’t mind. I love that woman as if she was my mother. Cassey is the most generous and open-hearted person I’ve ever met in my life.

  We talk a little. Cassey asks about my studies, how are things going with Matt, and how my life has been since the last time I’ve visited. We laugh a lot, and I promise to visit more often after graduation. There's only half a year more to go, then I’ll take the bar exam and become a full-time lawyer. I can’t wait for that day to come. As much as I love studying and my university life, I can’t wait to start a new chapter.

  After breakfast, we head shopping. It doesn’t take long before I spot a perfect dress. It’s short, off-shoulders, bodycon, v-shaped sapphire blue. I’m in love with it from the first sight. I try it on and it fits perfectly, emphasizing my narrow waist. Mom lets out a long ‘wow’ and says Matt will go crazy once he sees me. We laugh as we move to the till.

  I visit my hairdresser on the way back home to make new highlights on my hair and cut it a little. I love the fresh sunny look they get after this treatment. Mom always says I have the most beautiful hair in all my family – which is true. My blonde curls reach the middle of my back.

  I am walking out of the shower when my phone rings. I pick it up and smile.

  “Hey, babe,” I say happily. “Everything okay?”

  “Hey, honey,” he says. “Everything’s perfect. Just calling to make sure you remember about our date tonight.”

  “I would never forget that. I’m getting ready as we speak.”

  “Pick you up at eight?” he asks.

  “Can’t wait. Love you.” I whisper to the phone and hang up.

  Just like he said, the doorbell rings punctual at eight o’clock. I’m going down the stairs when I see mum inviting him inside. His smile widens when he sees me. He’s holding a large bouquet of red roses. He is wearing a black suit and a light blue shirt with a navy
tie. His dark brown hair is freshly cut, so is his beard. I need to admit Matt looks as tasty as always. He is the most handsome man walking planet Earth. He’s got the most gorgeous green eyes I’ve ever seen, a pointy narrow nose and full lips covered with a perfect smile. He’s hot. Our eyes meet and I can tell he adores the way I look. I let my hair fall smoothly on my back. The dress fits perfectly, highlighting my posture.

  “You look wonderful,” he says handing me roses and kissing my cheek.

  “You are not so bad yourself,” I kiss him. “And thank you.” He smiles at me and brushes his finger on my cheek.

  “God, I’ve missed you so much,” he says and hugs me tightly.

  We stay like this for a little while. It feels like the time has stopped. Every time he holds me or kisses me, my heart beats like crazy. It’s just me and him – nothing else matters. I feel like I have an entire world in my embrace. With him by my side, I am the happiest I could be. Matt is my best friend and the love of my life. He knows me better than I know myself.

  “Where are you taking me tonight?” I ask when he hands me the coat.

  “Surprise,” he whispers to my ear.

  I feel a shiver of excitement on my back when I feel his lips touching my ear. He always does that to me. My body craves his touch like the desert needs the rain. I feel butterflies every time he brushes my skin.

  We go outside and Matt holds the door to his car open for me. He shuts them behind me and takes a driver's seat. He grabs my hand and kisses the top. I love these simple things he does to make me feel special – those little things – stolen kisses, gentle touch, shy smiles – they make my heart melt. I’m all his and he knows that. I craved no other man. He was always the one I’ve wanted, so I waited until he noticed that I was more than just a friend. I still remember our first kiss, first time together – the first time he said he loves me.

  Matt drives us to the city center and leads me to the skyscraper. It’s warm outside, stars shine on the sky. I smile. We enter the lift and head to the top-floor restaurant. The look from the windows is breathtaking. He leads me to the stairs and we go out to the rooftop. When he opens the door for me, I can see why he didn’t want to tell me where we’re going.

  The rooftop is decorated with lights and roses. On the corner stands a man with a guitar and plays an instrumental version of “I just called to say I love you”. In the middle stands a small table, set for two. There are rose petals all over the floor when we head to the table. Matt squeezes my hand a little and leads me to my seat. He holds a chair for me and then takes his place. I feel the tears of happiness rolling in my eyes.

  “You’ve done all this for me?” I ask, my voice shaking.

  “I’d do anything for you,” he responds and kisses my palm.

  A few moments later, the waiter pours us wine and brings the main course. Matt ordered us roasted chicken with thyme sauce, mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables. We eat talking about our childhood, old times and school. Matt recalls the first time he saw me. He loves going back to that day and every time he mentions it, he says it was the best day of his life. I love him so much. He is the most perfect and loving man I’ve met in my entire life.

  We eat the desert and I’m full. Everything was so delicious I ate more than I probably should. I am thankful the dress still looks good on me. Matt looks at me with hungry eyes almost all night. I can tell he can’t wait to go back home with me, so do I. We’ve been apart for three months and my body screams for his touch.

  Matt kisses my palm and excuses me for a moment. He walks towards the guitarist and whispers something to his ears and gives him money. When Matt shows by my side, the man plays my favorite song - “Can’t help falling in love”. He grabs my hand and lifts it up to his mouth.

  “May I have this dance?” he asks playfully.

  I stand up and kiss him. He grabs me in his arms and carries me to the small dancefloor by the guitarist. Once we start a dance, lights begin to shine in the music's rhythm. It looks breathtaking. He must have spent days planning it. Everything is so perfect. We dance cuddled to each other and I breathe his scent. He smells like a cologne and pine tree. I set my head on his shoulder and wrap my arms around him tightly. We swing like there is no tomorrow – like we are one soul in two bodies. Matt kisses my forehead.

  “I love you,” he whispers to my ear.

  “And I love you,” I say.

  A man starts to play “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran and suddenly Matt stops and takes a step back from me. He reaches to the pocket of his coat and takes out a small heart-shaped box. I look at him surprised as he kneels on one knee. I cover my mouth with a hand. He looks at me and says.

  “From the day I met you, I’ve been waiting for this moment to come.” His voice is shaking, but he looks me deep in the eyes. “You are my childhood friend and my love. You are my first thought in the morning and the last before I go to sleep.” He opens the box slowly. “Will you, Eden Wood, promise to forever be my always and make me an honor of becoming my wife?” he finally says it and opens the box.

  Tears fill my eyes. I am so happy. I jump into his arms and kiss him.

  “Yes, Matt,” I say happily as he puts the ring on my finger. “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  Chapter Three

  Mia

  Present

  Days are passing by so fast I don’t even count anymore. We’ve just opened our first office in Saint Louis a week ago and welcomed twelve team members on our board. I can definitely say it’s the most demanding year so far. We have so much work to do, but every little step brings us closer to our goal. I'm happy I created something so good and thankful to the people who supported me, even though I am not an easy person to cooperate with. It's the first time in a while that I feel like my life is leading me in the right direction – that the pieces of the puzzle I’ve lost so long ago, finally go back into their place. And it scares me. I’m afraid to lose it. It feels too good to be true. Something’s changed about me. I can see the difference with every passing day. I don’t know why, but I finally feel like I’m going somewhere. I’m still lost, but there’s this little voice inside my head saying it’s time to let go and move on.

  I reach the office building on time. I go to the conference room and prepare myself for the meeting. For the first time, it’s empty when I go inside. I’m half an hour early. I don’t remember the last time I’ve been here alone. It feels strange not to see those faces waiting for me. The building is still empty, except for me and a guard on the lobby – but he’s like a ghost. Honestly, I don’t even remember his name yet. All I know is that he’s new and does not talk much – which is great if you ask me. I enjoy the silence.

  I’m waiting impatiently for everyone to take their seats. I have so much to share that I want to start right away. Now I understand how irritating it must have been for them to wait for me so many times before. They look shocked to see me inside the meeting room on time. Hell, I am surprised myself. Everyone knows I’m the least punctual person alive, but that’s about to change. I need to keep focused from now on – which means; I have to follow my schedule.

  So that’s what I do. I go through the presentation and statistics. Only a week has passed since the opening, and we already have clients. I wasn’t expecting to have them so quickly, so I am extremely happy. Saint Louis has been bulls-eye. The team over there is doing an amazing job.

  “I would like to introduce you to our region coordinator of a brand in Saint Louis, Miss Ashley Watson.” I say pointing a hand in her direction. Everyone applauds. “Welcome on board.” I smile towards her.

  My employees greet her cheerfully. Her cheeks turn red and I know she doesn’t feel comfortable being the center of attention. I glance at my watch and swear under my breath. I need to finish the meeting in twenty minutes and I’m not even halfway through it. So much for being on time. I smile to myself – baby steps, remember. I sigh.

  After the meeting, I go out for lunch with
my clients, as we still have to discuss the details of their upcoming wedding this weekend. I love this couple. They remind me of myself and Matt – they are meant to be. I always get nostalgic during moments like this – when I see the way they look at one another – my heart breaks a little. I won't lie, I envy them – but I am happy to be the one to make their day special. That is the beauty of my profession. I see love evolving every day and it makes me believe there’s still something good about this life, that not everything is lost.

  The wedding is around the corner and I can feel their stress. They want it to be remarkable and unforgettable, and I intend to give it to them. For the past few months, I’ve been overseeing every detail in person to make sure it’s the highest quality. I helped them pick up catering, band, flower girl, singer and many other things.

  As soon as we settle on our seats, a waitress swings by to take our drink orders. I go with my favorite cinnamon latte and go back to unpacking documents from my briefcase. A moment later, the waitress sets our coffees on the table.

  “Did you bring a final guest list with you?” I ask glancing at the bride to be.

  She nods and hands me a paper with over two hundred names on it. I compare it with an old one and realize that few guests have resigned last minute. There are still some cosmetic changes I need to arrange with a hotel. I put both documents inside a folder and make a note to email it to a hotel as soon as the meeting is over.

  Sheana asks a lot of questions about preparations. We go through the details for the next two hours. I almost forgot how exhausting being a planner can be. There are two types of clients – the ones that are overthinking your every decision, trying to prove to you, things can be done better – and the ones that rely on you completely. Luckily she is the second type, but it doesn’t change the fact that she’s a control freak. Anyway, it’s her big day, if she’s lucky she will have it only once in her life.