A Touch of Love Read online

  “You got it, sis.” Sam straightened. “I assume the coffee cake is out of the oven.”

  She nodded and finished chewing. “I’ll cut it when I’m done eating.”

  She waved Lexia off. “I’ll do it. Finish your food.”

  “Thanks. I’ll be out by the time we open.”

  “Okay. I’m going to see if Mr. Willis can make me one of his omelets. I tried to make one over the weekend and ended up throwing half the thing out. I don’t know how he gets his to taste so good.”

  “Easy. He’s been making them longer than we’ve been alive, as he always tells me.”

  Sam chuckled. “Whatever the reason, I need one to make up for my pitiful attempt.”

  Lexia laughed and went back to her food.

  Later, she and Sam handled the morning rush and Lexia stayed out front until Jayla came in at ten and she could retreat to her office.

  An hour later, the college student poked her head in the office. “Lexia, there’s a woman out here asking for you.”

  “Is it Elyse?”

  “Nope. I think she works in the building. I’ve seen her in the café several times for lunch. She’s tall, has kind of golden-brown eyes...”

  Siobhan? Brandon mentioned one of his sisters working for their company. Lexia swiftly came to her feet. Had something happened to Khalil?

  “Oh, and the guy she’s with is to die for. There are some fine men working in this building. I may have to change my major.”

  Chuckling, she followed Jayla and saw Siobhan sitting across the table from a clean-shaven mahogany-skinned man who was every bit as fine as Jayla said.

  “Told you,” Jayla said with a smile, following Lexia’s gaze.

  Lexia approached the couple and the man started to rise. “Please don’t get up.”

  Siobhan gestured. “Lexia, this is my husband, Justin.”

  “Nice to meet you, Justin.”

  “Same here.”

  She focused her attention on Siobhan. “Did something happen to Khalil? Is he okay?”

  “Depends on your definition of okay. Physically, he’s healing well. Emotionally, I don’t think so and we don’t have a clue what to do. He doesn’t want us to help and he’s pretty much stopped answering all of our texts.”

  “Is he still in the hospital?”

  “No, he came home on Saturday. My sister and I offered to take turns staying with him, but he refused. And my mother said he all but put her out yesterday.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. This has to be really hard for him.”

  “It is and I’m hoping you can help.”

  “Me? Um...I don’t know how I can help you. I’m sure the specialist can give you some resources.”

  Siobhan nodded. “True. I’m sure he will when Khalil goes for his appointment tomorrow. But my brother responded to you differently than he has anyone else. He didn’t yell at you or throw you out of his room. And you’re the only one who’s been able to get him to crack a smile in a week. So yeah, I think you’re just the person he needs.” She smiled. “I also heard that Khalil likes you, and that’s a plus in my book. If you stop by his place, I guarantee he’ll let you in.”

  Lexia felt her eyes widen. “His place?” Visiting Khalil in the hospital was one thing, but going to his home? “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Maybe after he’s...” She trailed off, not knowing what to say.

  “You’re good.” She held up her cell phone. “I just texted him and told him you asked if it would be okay if you visited and he answered yes.”

  Justin chuckled. “You’ll have to forgive my wife. She’s the PR director and, as you can tell, she’s very good at manipulating things to her advantage.”

  “That’s an understatement,” Lexia mumbled.

  “Hey, I have to use what I can to help my brother. Khalil has always been the voice of reason and the most even-tempered of all of us. Now he’s angry and hurting and he won’t let us help,” Siobhan added, her voice cracking.

  Justin reached for his wife’s hand. “Baby, I told you, Khalil needs some time to adjust. And I’m sure this is temporary. He’ll get his hearing back soon.”

  Lexia hoped he was right. She and Janice had tried reassuring Elyse that hers would return, too. But it never happened. After hearing Khalil’s outburst at the hospital and the way he refused to consider going out, she imagined the longer his recovery took, the further he would retreat. As much as she wanted to help him, she didn’t want to get her feelings hurt. However, the plea in Siobhan’s eyes made it hard to say no. “Maybe I should wait until after his doctor’s appointment to see how he feels before planning a visit.”

  “I hope it’s soon.”

  “We’ll see. I’ll let you two get back to your lunch. It was nice to meet you, Justin.”

  “Nice meeting you, too, Lexia.”

  She hightailed it back to her office. While she understood Siobhan’s urgency and was, admittedly, curious about him and where he lived, Lexia had no intention of going to Khalil’s home unless he invited her. And she didn’t see that happening anytime soon.

  Her cell buzzed, letting her know she had a text message. She didn’t recognize the number and figured it was one of those telemarketers. She had no idea how these people kept getting her information. Her finger hovered over the delete button for a second, then she decided to read it:

  My sister said you wanted to visit. You can come tomorrow after you get off work. Here’s my address. The building has valet parking and you can text me when you get to my door.

  Khalil. She’d thought for sure he wouldn’t contact her. Wrong. She scrolled down to his address. Marina del Rey? So, not only did he work near where she lived, but they were also practically neighbors.

  Lexia: How are you?

  Khalil: I’m fine.

  Lexia: Are you sure you’re up to a visit? I’ll understand if you aren’t.

  Khalil: I’m sure.

  Lexia: Is there anything you’d like me to bring you, something you need?

  Khalil: No. But thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.

  Lexia took that to mean the conversation was over. She tossed the cell on her desk. Guess I’ll be making that visit after all.

  Chapter 7

  Khalil’s frustration mounted as he sat reading what Dr. Moyer was saying. The man could have said all this at the hospital, instead of wasting his time today. There had been no change in the holes in his eardrums and the doctor cautioned Khalil again to keep them dry.

  “What about driving?”

  The doctor picked up a stack of brochures and papers from the counter. “There’s no reason you can’t drive, no laws prohibiting it. You’ll just have to rely on your sense of sight a little more.” He passed the stack to Khalil. “Here are some resources for you. There’s a brochure on technology for your telephone, doorbell, alarm clocks and things like that. I also included some information on sign language.”

  “Sign language? Why would I learn sign language if my hearing is going to return?” He didn’t see the need to spend time mastering something that he wouldn’t need past a month or two.

  “We have no idea how much of your hearing will return...or if it will at all. I’d rather you be prepared just in case.”

  Khalil clenched his jaw and tightened his grip on the communication cell. He resisted the urge to throw it and the brochures across the room. “Is there anything else?”

  Dr. Moyer went to the computer. “No. I’d like to see you in four weeks or sooner if you start to hear any sounds.” He typed something, checked a few boxes and logged off. “You can schedule with the receptionist.”

  “Fine.” He stood and preceded the doctor out of the door. After scheduling his next appointment, he went back out to the waiting room, where Malcolm sat.


  Malcolm jumped to his feet. “What did he say?”

  Khalil shook his head and pointed toward the door. Though there were only three people seated, he didn’t want his business spread across the waiting room. As soon as they got into the car, his phone buzzed with a text from Malcolm repeating the question he’d asked. Unlike the rest of his family, Malcolm preferred texting to using the speech app.

  “There’s no change. He just gave me a bunch of brochures on stuff to use around the house. And information on sign language classes.” Just saying the words made him cringe. Agreeing to take those classes was akin to accepting his condition. And he wasn’t.

  Sounds like a good plan.

  “It’s not. I don’t need to waste my time on something that’s temporary.”

  Malcolm stared at him.

  “Can we leave now?” Instead of starting the car, his brother sent another text. Khalil groaned inwardly, but read it. Thankfully, Malcolm had let the subject drop, but asked if Khalil wanted to stop by the gym. “Not today. I’ll go over in a couple of days.” He’d had enough of the pitiful looks people gave him.

  Alonzo has the information from the cameras and your computer. He said the accounts haven’t been touched and to contact him. He placed his cell in a cup holder, started the car and pulled out of the lot.

  “Good.” Khalil leaned his head back and closed his eyes. As long as there hadn’t been any more charges, he could deal with the rest later.

  When they pulled up to Khalil’s place, Malcolm picked up his cell. Do you want me to come up?

  “No. When are you leaving for the Caribbean?” Every year, Malcolm took a month-long trip before the start of football season.

  His hand paused over the screen. I haven’t decided.

  Khalil studied Malcolm. Four years Khalil’s junior, the twenty-nine-year-old star running back never missed his vacation. “I know you aren’t hesitating because of me.”

  He nodded.

  “Go on your vacation, Malcolm. I’m sure Mom, Siobhan or Morgan will keep you updated.” Khalil reached for the door handle.

  Malcolm laid a hand on Khalil’s arm. Do you need me to drive you over to the gym when you go?

  “No. I can drive myself.” He didn’t know how that would work, but he had to figure it out. He got out of the car, threw up a wave and headed into the lobby. Just like when he came home on Saturday, it unnerved him to see everyone’s mouths moving and not be able to hear the buzz of conversation around him or the footsteps behind him. All the sounds he had taken for granted were now gone and the world seemed like it was closing in on him. He quickened his steps to the elevator and jabbed the button. The doors opened and he stepped inside. Khalil took a deep breath and instantly regretted it. A sharp pain reminded him that his ribs were still healing. What the hell was happening to him? His chest tightened and his hands shook. Thankfully, he rode to his floor without anyone else getting on. He felt as if someone had dropped him into a soundproof room with no way out. The silence closed in on him and he thought he would explode.

  Inside his condo, Khalil tossed his keys on an end table and lowered himself to the sofa. He stretched out and drew in a calming breath, this time being careful not to inhale too deeply. He lay there staring at the vaulted ceiling until the rumbling of his stomach forced him to the kitchen for food. He grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl on the counter and a napkin and went to sit outside on the balcony.

  Khalil thought about all the information Dr. Moyer had given him. He would probably have to do something about the phone and doorbell soon. Otherwise, his mother would definitely move in. Thinking about her reminded him that he needed to update her on his doctor’s visit. He took a bite of the apple, set it on the napkin and pulled out his phone. He made sure to give her all the details up front and tried to anticipate all her questions.

  She responded almost immediately: You must have known I was about to text you. Thank you for the information.

  She seemed satisfied with the response and hopefully, that meant she wouldn’t be on her way over. He polished off the apple, wrapped the core in the napkin and placed it on the small table. A wave of fatigue washed over him and he leaned back in the lounger. He rarely got sick and being laid low like this irritated him. Just the short trip to the doctor’s office had worn him out. Khalil glanced at his watch. He still had a couple of hours before Lexia arrived. He considered canceling, but the memory of her kiss stopped him. He just wished he could hear her voice again.

  * * *

  Tuesday afternoon, Lexia went to lock the door and stopped short upon seeing Cameron. She held the door open. “Come on in.”

  “I know you’re locking up, so I won’t keep you.”

  “You’re fine. You want me to fix you something to eat?” She had plenty of time to get to Khalil’s house.

  Cameron nodded. “Please.”

  She waved him into a booth. “Have a seat. What would you like?”

  “I don’t want you to go to any trouble. Just bring me whatever you have left over.”

  Lexia placed a hand on her hip. “You know me better than that, Cameron Hughes.” She retrieved a menu and slapped it down on the table. “Now, again, what would you like?”

  He scratched his head and took the menu. “The bacon cheeseburger, fries and a chocolate milk shake.”

  “That’s better.” She tossed him a wink and went to the kitchen. “I’m going to fix Cameron a burger,” she told her chef. “You can go ahead and leave.”

  Mr. Willis slanted her a glance. “You just march your little self away from my stove. I’ll take care of it. He wants fries, too?”

  “Yes, sir.” He gave her another look. She smiled and went to make the shake. She carried it over to the table and slid in across from Cam. “I got tossed out of the kitchen.”

  Cameron chuckled. “He’s even bossier than you.”

  Her mouth fell open. “Bossy? I am not bossy.”

  He put the straw in the glass, took a long sip, and then leaned back. “Lexia, you are the bossiest woman I know...next to my Jan. The two of you together were always trouble. It’s a good thing Elyse was there to balance everything out.”

  Lexia had to laugh. Growing up, she and Janice had no problems setting someone straight. “Well, what can I say? People always thought they could walk all over me because I’m short. I couldn’t let them get away with that.” She shrugged. “So, is everything okay?” Though she was glad to see him, Cam never came around two weeks in a row.

  “I was thinking more about what we talked about last week.” He released a deep sigh. “I’m tired, Lexi. Tired of wandering, tired of sleeping in the cold and heat...just tired.”

  “Then stay here.”

  “I’ll pay you back as soon as I find a job. In the meantime, I’ll clean up around here.”

  “Cam, you don’t need to pay me anything. You do remember that you and Jan fronted me money for this place.”

  “Which you paid back two months later.”

  “I’m not taking any money from you, so forget it. The room is yours until you get back on your feet. And if you need an address for job applications, use mine.”

  “Thanks, Lexia.”

  Mr. Willis brought the food over and observed Cameron. “You ready to come in from the cold, young man?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He clapped Cam on the shoulder and nodded. “Let me know if I can help.”

  “Thank you,” Cam whispered.

  Lexia’s heart swelled. After Mr. Willis walked away, she told Cam, “You could probably get your old job back.” He had worked in finance at one of the companies located on the third floor of the building.

  Cam shook his head as he bit into the burger. He chewed and swallowed before speaking. “Too many memories. I want to start fresh.”

  �
�I can understand that.”

  Samantha came in from the back. “Hey, Lexi. What are you still doing here? I thought you were going over to Khalil’s. Oh, hey, Cam.”

  “Hey, Samantha.” Cam fixed his gaze on Lexia. “Who’s Khalil? Wait. Is that the guy who got hurt last week? The one who looked like he wanted to break me in half.”

  Lexia’s face heated. “I don’t know about the whole ‘break you in half’ thing, but yeah, that’s him.”

  “Well, you’d better get going. I can just take this to go.”

  “Go? Didn’t you just tell me you were going to stay here?” She hopped up from the booth.

  “I’ll come back tomorrow. That way you’ll have time to—”

  She held up a hand. “I don’t need time to fix anything up. It’s already done. I had a key made for you months ago in hopes that you would take me up on the offer. There are sheets, blankets, towels, soap...all the essentials for tonight. We can get whatever else you need tomorrow. I’ll be right back.” She went to her office and came back with a key and a card. This is the key to the back door and here’s the alarm code. I’ll show you where it is.”

  “Sam can show me. You have somewhere to be.”

  “He’s right,” Sam said. “And I’ll lock up.”

  Lexia divided her gaze between the two. “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow. And, Cam, I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me, too. Oh, and tell Khalil if he breaks your heart, I’m going to break him.”

  She rolled her eyes. “It’s not like that. I’m just making sure he’s okay.” At least that’s what she told herself.

  Cam folded his arms. “Whatever you say. But I meant what I said.”

  Sam merely smiled.

  “Bye, you two.”

  In the parking lot, Lexia plugged Khalil’s address into her GPS and pulled away. Of course, there was traffic. The normal thirty-minute drive took fifty minutes.

  She could only stare when she drove up to the expensive high-rise condominium property. She picked up the bag on her seat, climbed out and turned her car over to the valet, who directed her to the security desk in the lobby. “Hello. My name is Lexia Daniels and I’m here to see Khalil Gray.”