Page 41 of Come Back to Me
Cole takes the linen square out of his front pocket and wipes his face, giving me a wink and a slap on the ass as he walks out to join the party and I turn toward the ladies room.
I see some familiar faces and say hello as I enter. When I find myself alone, I take a minute to admire my ring. I love it so much! It’s beautiful, and my life is beautiful! I can’t believe I am here, basking in my happy ever after. I am back with my prince, and I no longer have to look over my shoulder. I feel like singing.
I pull out my lipstick and wipe my face to reapply my make-up, taking note to avoid another make-out session tonight. My face is a mess! I’ll have to convince Cole not to tempt me, at least not until the guests leave.
As I turn to exit the restroom, I hear a rustling sound from the far end stall. I thought I was alone, but maybe someone is using it and I didn’t notice. It’s been several minutes. I hope it isn’t one of our party guests not feeling well.
“Hello? Is someone in here?” The silence should be my queue to run out, but instead I walk slowly down the row of stalls until I reach the last door. I reach my arm out to push it but it doesn’t open, it’s locked. “Is someone in there? Are you okay?” I squat down to look under the door just as the main door opens and two women come in, laughing. I jump up, grabbing my chest, and notice an Out of Order sticker that has fallen off the door. I realize as I exhale that I’ve been holding my breath for a while.
I’m insane! Pull it together, Mia.I walk out of the bathroom and greet my waiting husband.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just got spooked by a sound. I guess it will take some time before the fear and paranoia go away.”
“Do you want me to go take a look?”
“No! It’s the ladies room. You can’t go in there.”I would feel better if he looked.
“People aren’t nude inside, are they?” He waggles his eyebrows as he opens the door, calling out, “Man entering, ladies! Cover up.”
The ladies inside look up at us funny, then exchange a knowing look and walk out quickly. Great, everyone thinks we are having a quickie. I guess that’s better than telling them I’m scared of an empty, locked stall.
Cole walks down the row and says, “What am I checking out, chicken little?” I roll my eyes and point to the last door. “ There was a strange sound coming out of there.”
“It’s probably just a running toilet, Mia.” He tries to push the door open, and when it doesn’t budge he goes into the stall next to it and stands on the toilet.
“What are you doing, Cole?”
“Looking to see what’s going on in there.”
I stand, nervously waiting for him to say something. He jumps down and comes out, shaking his head with a grossed out look on his face.
“It’s just a broken toilet. Kinda gross, but no danger, ma’am.” He gives me a wink and takes my hand.
“I feel stupid. I am safe, we are here together for this great celebration, and I’m still freaking out about stuff that I need to put in the past.”
“Mia, cut yourself some slack. I know that it may be hard to believe this is all over, but it is. You just have to re-adjust to relaxing and trusting that you are safe.”
“It may be a while before I can fully relax, but I know what you mean. Let’s get out of the bathroom, before people think we are doing something we shouldn’t in here.”
“Ha! We need to stay in here longer, I don’t want people thinking I’m this quick!” He laughs.
We rejoin the party and mingle with the guests, enjoying congratulations and love from everyone. Cole and I decided before tonight to make our marriage date more current, for those who are not in on the real story. Neither of us wants the torment of re-telling the whole saga over and over.
The night goes by quickly, and as the band winds down and we are saying our goodbyes, I realize that I’ve loved every moment. We should do this again every night! Everyone is genuinely happy for us and we both feel wonderful, surrounded by positive energy and good wishes. I remind myself to send a gift to my mom, to say thank you. Maybe I’ll book a spa day for us to enjoy together.
As Cole and I walk out hand in hand, Cole looks around. “Did you tell them to move our car, babe?”
“No, I was hoping you did. Ugh, my feet are killing me from these shoes. You may have to carry me around,” I say, laughing.
“Not a chance! I saw how much food you put down tonight. You must weigh as much as a ton of bricks!” He quickly moves out of slapping distance.
“You better move, buddy!”
“I’ll be right back.” He winks at me as he walks away toward the valet. I wish I brought a shawl because it’s gotten breezy out; I rub my arms to ward off the shivers. The black town car pulls up in front of me and I call out to Cole before opening the door to step in.
The next thing I know I’m being jerked sideways by two very large hands wrapped around my throat.What the fuck?!!The car peels out and I start flailing, kicking, and trying to scratch behind me. I can’t make any sound and can’t seem to get a grip on the person behind me. He’s cut off my air and I can feel consciousness slipping. My arms and legs start to move slowly, as if they are a thousand times heavier than normal, then my eyes start to burn from the pressure of straining to breathe. I’m dying, I can feel my life drifting away, and my solitary thought is of Cole. I remember how nervous he was on our wedding day, how we snuck away before the ceremony to say our vows to each other in private. I never told anyone about that. It was all mine and at this moment I am thankful that it’s the last thing I remember before it all goes black.