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Natalie Buchanan
Natalie was driving and dialing a number in her cell phone. When she successfully finished dialing the last digit, she placed the phone to her ear.
“Damn! John, why can’t you have your cell phone on?” She tossed her phone in the passenger side trying hard not to convince herself that it was a sign from above. After all, John always kept his phone on. He never turned the damn thing off unless it was an emergency. Maybe, he knew deep down inside that he messed up. Maybe, he didn’t want to get the phone call from her telling him it was over. She smiled inside. If John really felt that way, she couldn’t give up on them. “Stop it Natalie.” She chastised herself.
“Okay. I plan to get my dignity back and break up with John.” She focused on the road in front of her and realized it was too quiet in the car. She didn’t want to hear herself think. She made up her mind to call it quits with McBain. She pushed the radio on button to play some music, so she could drown out her thoughts. The sweet southern soul lyrics of Aretha Franklin “Chain of Fools” filled her car.
Natalie listened to the words almost allowing them to wrap around her. John loved jazz and blues. He was the reason her radio was on this particular station. She felt the words. She believed the words. She was just a link in his chain, but she loved him. And, if she could just get Evangeline out of the picture, he could love her completely too. He said it to her before. He never offered the words to Evangeline, but he offered them to her. Evangeline is the reason he treats her so cruel. She was the reason John couldn’t move on. Just like Caitlin. Natalie thought. John got rid of Caitlin’s things for her, and he would do the same with Evangeline’s stuff. “I just didn’t ask him.”
Natalie glanced at the radio. “Yes, I will take all I can take. John and I have a real chance.” She concluded as she decided to head to his room. She hit the number two button on her car radio where she had her country station programmed. She needed some of her favorite music to meditate on.
She did a triple take when she heard one of her favorite singer, Barbara Mandrell singing, “If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don’t Want Be Right”.
Natalie’s face lit up because she received all the confirmation she needed. She was thinking and feeling the right thing where John was concerned. John wasn’t a married man but no one supported her love for him. She just had to be patient with him. He will do the right thing. She knew him. They were the same.
Natalie continued to drive to John’s room as she listened to Barbara Mandrell. She wondered if she would love John if he was married and with kids. “Of course not.” She frowned and started to sing along with the song. Trying to ignore the silent voice that told her John wasn’t married, but his heart belonged to another woman. She started to sing louder believing in her heart she was about to solve that little problem. John will be mine. She thought.
Evangeline Williamson & Cristian Vega
“Cristian,” Evangeline smiled at her lover as he kissed her again. “John looks upset about some thing. Maybe, I should go over there and see if we can do anything.”
Cristian glanced over at McBain then picked up a French fry and put it in Evangeline’s mouth.
“Evangeline, you know McBain. He won’t talk about his problems if he was being tortured.”
Evangeline laughed as she gladly accepted the fry. Cristian was right, but she couldn’t help but worry about John. In her peripheral vision, she noticed he wasn’t drinking his usual beer, but he was drinking something stronger. Whiskey perhaps. She frowned inside when she noted how he knocked back his beverage without thought. She smiled attentively at Cristian, so he wouldn’t detect her concern for her ex. The last time she recalled John drowning his sorrows with alcohol Natalie was missing.
Hayes had trapped Natalie in a pit on Llantano Mountain, and John was consumed with finding her. And, Evangeline knew he had a right to be. After all Natalie was someone’s daughter, sister, niece…wife. She continued to smile at Cristian as she allowed her thoughts to get the better of her. Here she was again with one of Natalie’s ex, but this time she knew where she stood with this man. Cristian Javier Vega loved her, and she knew it. He offered her the words daily without her asking for them, and John couldn’t or wouldn’t do that. She snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Cristian ask her something.
“So, Senorita Williamson, what do you want…a chico or chica?” He caressed her cheek lovingly.
“Cris,” She laughed nervously as Cristian noticeably placed his hand on her stomach. Her eyes swiftly gleamed over at John, and she forced herself not to move Cristian hands. She caught John looking again, and she was glad he didn’t know about her condition. She was glad no one in the room knew. Cristian’s action just seem like a lover who couldn’t keep his hands off his partner and not like a man who was touching a pregnant woman’s stomach.
Astound Evangeline shifted in her seat when she experienced the desire that John was drowning himself in alcohol because he found out she was carrying another man’s baby. She knew it was ridiculous since there was no earthly way he could know. Layla popped into her mind then she laughed the thought off. Her sister was a lot of things, but Layla Anisa Williamson isn’t suicidal. After the tongue-lashing she gave her sister about opening her big mouth, Evangeline was a hundred percent sure no one else will find out from her little sibling about her condition.
“So…chico or chica.” Cristian asked again removing his hand from her belly and grabbing a fry for himself.
“Senor Vega, I think it’s too early to be thinking about things like that.” She crossed her arms and placed them on top of the table. She really wanted to go over and see about John, but she had enough problems on her plate. Evangeline, you are here with Cristian, so be here with the man. How many times did she accuse John of this when they were dating? At that moment she blocked John out of her mind, and Cristian Vega became her focal point.
Evangeline was successful in giving Cristian all her attention until Michael walked in. John seemed to be headed towards her and Cristian. Cristian was talking about the baby and being a daddy, so he was completely clueless to the little interception.
Why was John coming over to them? Evangeline please! She reprimanded herself. How conceited could you be? Cristian and I are the last people John would want to walk over and say hello to. After all it was awkward enough being in the same room with your ex-lover and your current girlfriend’s ex-husband. Why would anyone make a point to have small talk?
Evangeline get control. She touched Cristian’s cheek instead of her own head, as she normally would have when she was thinking. Michael is here now. He will take care of his big brother. John doesn’t need…or want her. She’s with Cristian now. And, he’s with Natalie. Natalie is the woman he wants.
“Want to dance?” She stood and offered her hand to Cristian as she noticed someone started the music playing in the jukebox.
“You want to dance?” Cristian accepted her hand smiling.
“You know how much I love Brian McKnight.” She forced her eyes to stay glued on Cristian as she realized the song that was playing, Brian McKnight and Mariah Carey’s duet “Whenever You Call”.
Evangeline allowed Cristian to glide her to the small dance floor. She couldn’t help but glance at John again as she listened to the words. She was crushed when she saw the defeated look on his face. It was foolish, but she prayed it was for her. She knew better as she smiled and laughed when Cristian kissed her neck and whispered in her ear. She was being absurd as she consciously waited for John to look up at her. She knew if their eyes locked he would know she was silently dedicating this song to him. She was glad Cristian had his back to the McBains and saddened when John didn’t look over at her before the song ended.
He and Michael seemed to be in a serious conversation if the look on their faces and body language was any indication. John was talking and appearing to be telling his brother something that made him feel very uncomfortable. His body language was speaking volumes to her.
She observed Michael looking over at her then saying something to John. She also noticed John had rolled his eyes then called the bartender over. She prayed he was ordering some food because he was putting away those drinks earlier as if he was drinking water. She hugged Cristian tighter and continued to monitor the McBains. They both took turns looking in her and Cristian’s direction. Again, she wondered if they were discussing something about her. This time she didn’t feel silly about thinking in this train of thought.
When John food was placed in front of him, Evangeline rested her head on Cristian’s shoulder and focused on the next song playing. One of her all time favorite Brian McKnight’s songs “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”. She allowed her body to relax against her lover as he gently massaged the small of her back as they dance. She felt someone staring at her and glimpsed over at John and was paralyzed by his penetrating gaze.
John was telling her with those piercing blue eyes that he was feeling the words Brian McKnight was singing. He just couldn’t say them out loud. Part of her wondered if John would ever change and be able to verbalize what he was feeling to another human being…well, to anyone other than his brother. She amended.
John and Evangeline were connected as their hearts silently answered the question Brian McKnight asked in his song. The confession he stated in the song for missing the one he was singing too planted a seed in both John and Evangeline’s heart. She couldn’t believe how strong her feelings still were for McBain. She thought she was finished with him. She thought they were finished.
Another Brian McKnight song, “Back at One” started and John pushed his plate away from him and stood. She froze speculating what he was about to do. He wasn’t the kind of man to cause a scene. Besides, he was in a committed relationship with Natalie, and he knew she was in a serious relationship with Cristian. How serious could it be Evangeline if you are pining for an ended relationship with your ex? For God sakes Evangeline you are in the arms of your current boyfriend. Get a grip!
John started walking towards her and Cristian, and she panicked as she conjectured he was coming to claim her. As in the movies, he was going to come over and take her out of Cristian’s arms. Evangeline Please! He was probably curious to why she continuously staring at him and his brother while she was in the arms of another man? What was she doing? What would she do if he was coming over to confront her? Her heart started bounding a mile a minute. She glanced at Cristian’s profile to see if he noticed a change. He didn’t thank God. When she looked back over his shoulder, John had passed them. When she glimpsed over her shoulder, she saw him standing in front of the jukebox. Her eyes went back over to the bar to find the youngest McBain studying her. Oh God, they were talking about her. She read the confirmation in Michael McBain’s eyes. She was good at reading people, and Mikey was telling her all. Did they know about the baby? No, she didn’t know how they could.
Cristian leaned back to look at her. She was stricken with fear. Oh God, please don’t let him know. Please. She couldn’t deal with this right now.
“I don’t think you are Brian McKnight’s number one fan here tonight.” Cristian teased lovingly.
“What?” Evangeline startled. Had Cristian caught her focusing on John?
“This is the third Brian McKnight song that has played.” Cristian pulled her closer to him again. “Someone else is just as crazy about him as you are.”
She relaxed and glanced over at Michael who was on the phone now.
“I think McBain is tired of hearing it though.”
“Why do you say that?” Evangeline offered trying to sound nonchalant.
“He’s at the jukebox playing something.” Cristian kissed her neck and pulled her even closer. “Get ready to start dancing to someone like Bruce Springsteen.”
John returned to his stool as Michael was ending his brief phone call. He must have been calling Marcie…or the hospital she thought. He was after all a doctor.
Evangeline then realized what Cristian had said. Bruce Springsteen. How did Cristian know John liked the Boss? Stupid question, she realized. Natalie of course.
John & Michael McBain
Michael studied his big brother speechless as he told his confession. He knew his brother had unresolved issues, but he would never have guessed it went this deep. He knew John loved Evangeline and even questioned if he was in love with her. Michael was taken aback to know his brother was still in love with his ex especially since he has been in a relationship with Natalie for almost a year.
John finished his confession and stared in his empty coffee cup. Michael looked at him then back at Evangeline and Cristian dancing on the floor.
“Man, this sucks. I would have never guessed you as the sentimental type.” Michael looked at Evangeline and Cristian. “You actually kept the ticket stubs to the first Eagles game you took her to?
John rolled his eyes at his little brother and decided it was time to get some food. He called the bartender over. He had to get something solid in his body because the scotch was clouding his judgment seriously. He couldn’t believe he unloaded everything on his little brother.
“Also add two scotch straight.” Michael said shaking his head. “You have actually shocked me into drinking.”
John stared at his little brother and smirked. He didn’t miss the glance Mickey gave Evangeline either before he made his next statement.
“And, keep them coming until the jukebox stop playing.” Michael reached in his pocket and pulled out his car keys and wallet. “Bro, it looks like tonight is on me…and we are taking a cab home.”
“I won’t argue with you there.” John reached in his pants pocket for his keys and handed them to the bartender smiling. He couldn’t remember the last time he got drunk with his little brother. He doesn’t think he ever got drunk with his little brother. This was definitely one for the record, and he’s glad his brother suggested it.
John glanced at Evangeline again and smiled inside when he caught her looking at them over Cristian’s shoulder. He wondered what she was thinking. Another smile emerged inside of him. She was concerned about him. She was probably thinking about the last time he drown his sorrows in alcohol. She thought it was about Natalie then, and she was wrong. Why couldn’t she see his heart belonged to her? It has since the first day he saw her in Angel Square.
“You know, Bro…” John listened as Michael sipped some of his scotch and winced from the burn. “I knew Evangeline was your soul-mate.”
“You did?” John grinned knowing he was going to love seeing Michael drunk. “You know. You better call Marcie before you forget your phone number.”
Michael rolled his eyes and sipped from his drink again. “Bro, I don’t have to report to Marcie. I’m a doctor. She knows I work long hours.”
“Really?” John taunted as the bartender placed his plate of food in front of him. “Must be nice to have that understanding.”
“You and Natalie really over?” Michael knew the answer, but he just wanted to see if his brother would say the words. John usually avoided answering direct questions.
“Mickey, I don’t see how she can forgive me.” John pushed his plate of food away from him and stood. He wanted to do one more thing while the alcohol still had him unwrapped from his normal coldness. “Natalie has put up with a lot of my crap, but even she couldn’t…wouldn’t live with that.”
John stared at Evangeline. He was starting to lose his courage. The alcohol and her favorite singer Brian McKnight were pushing him strongly, but he didn’t know if he could walk past her and not pull her out of Cristian’s arms. Brian’s song Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda was playing, and John could really relate to those words. But, there was one song that he heard earlier that said more of what he was feeling. And, the artist was more his cup of tea. He didn’t dislike Brian McKnight’s music, but he didn’t see himself buying the guy’s records for himself.
Michael examined John’s face as he watched him stare at his ex-lover and her current boyfriend. It was weird. His brother had just opened up to him completely, and he still had trouble reading his thoughts. The one thing he could see was John was very much in love with the fine criminal law attorney.
“Well…” Michael held up his glass for a toss. “Too freedom.”
“Freedom.” John chuckled as he glanced at his brother then headed towards the dance floor.
John walked over to the jukebox. He scanned the selection and beamed a little when he found the artist he was looking for. He was really surprised. He reached in his pocket and pulled out some coins. He placed the money in the change slot, made his selections, and headed back to the bar. When he sat down, he heard his brother say, “I love you and don’t wait up. I might stay at John’s so I won’t wake you. Okay. Okay. I love you more.”
“Scotch straight! Now!” John demanded. “No, just give me a gun, so I can put myself out of my misery.”
Michael ended his phone call from his brother teasing.
“Mikey, what happened to you don’t have to call.” John started eating his food as he waited for his brother’s answer.
“Well, I got sentimental…” Michael challenged. “Like my big brother.”
“Okay…Okay…Mickey.” John picked up his burger and bit a mouth full. He chewed a few times then finished. “I’m going to show you how to be a real Irish man. I’m going to drink you into the ground.”
Michael laughed.
“See, if you can keep up with your big brother then.” John smiled as his brother watched him eat.
“Bro, can I ask you one question before…” Michael stopped as John looked up at him.
John wasn’t sure how he knew what Michael was going to ask, but he did. He finished the food in his mouth and looked at his brother.
“Once I solved Dad’s case, I was able to have peace. I slept through the night by myself for the first time.” John sipped from his glass. “Natalie spent the night at Landfair. I can’t remember why.”
Michael silently listened to his older sibling.
“I got up the next morning and went to Dad’s grave. I told him I found his killer. I was able to say goodbye.” John sipped from his drink. “On my way home, I let my demons go. I finally put them to rest Michael.”
They shared a smile.
“Once I did that…all I could think about was what I had with Evangeline.”