Page 21 of Softest Touch
CHAPTER ELEVEN
DEREK
Seeing Melinda so upset worries me. She shakes and goes pale within seconds. “Love, what happened?” She opens her mouth to say something, but nothing comes out as tears streak her face. I pick up her phone, trying to figure out what's going on.
“Melinda, honey, are you still there?”
I hear a voice from the phone and see that Laura, her grandmother's friend, is still on the line. “Hi, Laura. It's Derek. What happened?” I ask, worried.
The woman sobs as she speaks. “Melinda's grandmother passed away last night.”
“We'll be home soon. Thanks for calling us.” Shit! I end the call and cup Melinda's face, forcing her to look at me. “Hey, baby, it's going to be okay. I'm here for you.” Her empty eyes rise to meet mine, but she doesn't speak. I wrap my arms around her, holding her tight. I know how strong their bond was. I can feel her falling apart, and it breaks my heart that I can't take away her pain. Melinda gets up and drags herself to the bathroom, and I run to James' room, banging on the door. “James! James, wake up!”
“Did you fall out of bed?” he asks, still sleepy.
“We have to get back home.” I rub my face, trying to shake off my tiredness.
“What happened?” Sienna yawns while walking out of bed.
“Melinda's grandmother passed away. We have to go home.”
“Oh my God, how is she?” She gasps as she tugs her bathrobe around her.
“Not good.” I turn around, hearing a noise from the bedroom, “James, please get the jet ready,” I say while walking back to my room. I quickly put on some jeans and a sweater and knock on the bathroom door, but she doesn't answer. “Mel, it's me. Can I come in?” I ask her, but I don't wait for her to answer. I walk in and see her sitting on the floor, crying her heart out. “Baby...” I kneel beside her.
She holds me tight. “I talked to her last night, and she was fine. She was so happy for us. How can she be gone?” The desperation in her voice hurts me.
“I don't know. Laura didn't tell me much. Come with me, rinse your face. We'll go home and find out what happened.”
* * *
Seeing her like this devastates me, and eventually, after hours, she calms down a little. Laura is so sorry. She tells us that after playing cards and watching the news with some glimpses of the parade, Julie's mood changed. Suddenly she got up from the sofa, started cleaning the house, and then went to sleep. In the morning, when Laura went to wake her up, she was no longer breathing.
I try to get Melinda to stay at my place, but she wants to stay in her apartment, so I move in with her. Taking a break from work and leaving James in charge turns out to be a good decision. He knows I'll be reachable only for emergencies, but for now, I can't leave Melinda alone. Even though it's been ten days since the funeral, Melinda can't accept that her grandmother has passed away. She doesn't even dare to open her bedroom door.
I get it.
I know it still hurts, and I feel so helpless not knowing what to do. Sissi is always close to Melinda. I hope she can comfort her more than I can.
Spending time here, I find Melinda's sketchbook from college, and her drawings are so original and unique. Over the course of the past few months, I’ve witnessed her unwavering attention to detail, but these dresses she has created far surpass anything I could have ever envisioned. She has this unique ability to blend the timeless elegance of vintage styles with contemporary flair, all while maintaining a sense of simplicity and cutting-edge innovation. This artistry isn’t something you can learn in a classroom or from textbooks; it’s an inherent talent, pure and unadulterated.
A particular sketch of a wedding dress catches my eye, and I can’t tear my gaze away. The intricate design, the delicate detail, it is clear she would excel in creating real-life versions of these sketches. With each passing moment, I find myself falling deeper in love with her creations. They are far too beautiful to remain hidden, tucked away in this sketchbook.
Suddenly, the chime of my cell phone cuts through my reverie. Hastily, I slide the sketchbook into my bag and pull out my phone to read the incoming message.
Looking up from my cell phone, I peer at her. “Honey, unfortunately, I have to go to the office to sign some papers, but I'll be right back, okay?”
“I'm fine, Derek. I'm going to get some rest,” she murmurs while folding the cloth and placing it on the counter. I kiss her forehead before leaving and entrust her to Sissi's loving care.
Coming back to work feels so strange. I don't know if it's because I know she won't be at her desk waiting for me or if seeing her still in shock has made me realize how short life is. I didn't realize how empty my life had been without Melinda, and I don't want to waste time anymore.
The meeting with James lasts longer than I had hoped. Calling Melinda, she assures me that she is fine, but I still feel guilty for not being by her side.
CHAPTER TWELVE
MELINDA
As I glare at the mirror, I no longer recognize the person staring back at me. Grandma's absence has left a void in my life, and guilt consumes me. I should have been here with her, but instead, I was miles away, partying.