“I will, and thank you.” I smiled.
****
I got into my car, punched in the address to Hudson Rock in my GPS, and drove away. I couldn’t help but think of Ian and our past two days together. God, he was amazing and breathtaking. Not only did he steal my love, he stole my soul. I knew I meant something to him. I could tell by the way he touched me. I was completely head over heels for Ian Braxton, and when the time was right, I was going to let him know.
As I walked through the doors of Hudson Rock, one of the clerks escorted me to the visiting room and handed me a Ziploc bag to put my keys in. She asked what was in the bag and I told her it was an iPod for Stephen. She nodded her head and let me through the door. Stephen saw me and a huge smile splayed across his face. I walked over to where he was standing and wrapped my arms around him.
“Happy Birthday, Rory,” he said.
“Happy Birthday, Stephen. Let me look at you,” I said as I broke our embrace. “You look good, really good.”
“Thanks, sis. I’m starting to feel better. Come on; let’s go outside.”
Stephen led me outside to a large courtyard that was off to the side of the visitors’ room. There were two security guards standing watch on each side of the courtyard, which was filled with trees, flowers, and small wrought-iron tables and chairs.
“Happy Birthday, Stephen.” I smiled as I handed him the bag.
“Aw, Rory, you shouldn’t have done that.”
“Just open it. I think you’ll like it.”
Stephen took the tissue paper out of the bag and pulled out the box that held his iPod. The smile on his face was pure bliss. He looked at me with happiness in his eyes.
“I can’t believe it. I can’t believe you bought me this.”
“I put a bunch of your favorite songs on there.”
He plugged the earphones in, turned on the iPod, and listened as the music started to spill into his ears. Nothing made me happier than seeing my brother like this. He seemed to be calm and content. He was a week into his new medication and in group therapy. I looked at him with a sadness in my eyes. I hated seeing him in this place and I hated not being able to take care of him myself. He was my twin and we had a bond and connection stronger than any other.
“Don’t be sad, Rory. I’m okay. I’m finally getting the help I should’ve gotten years ago. I don’t want you to worry about me,” he said as he placed his hand on mine. “You’re finally getting the life you deserve. That Ian guy seems to really like you.”
“We’re friends.” I smiled.
“Are you spending your birthday with him?”
“Yeah. We’re going to do something tonight.”
An announcement came over the speakers that visiting hours were over. We both stood up and I hugged my brother as tightly as I could.
“Enjoy your music, Stephen.”
“Happy Birthday, Rory. Thank you,” he said as he kissed my head.
“I’ll see you next week. Behave yourself.” I smiled.
He smiled back, and I walked out of the visiting room. When I reached my car, my phone chimed. I pulled it from my purse and there was a text message from Ian.
“When you get home, I want you to get all dolled up because I’m taking you to dinner. Wear one of the dresses in your closet.”
I smiled as I read it because I loved the fact that he referred to his house as “home.” Did I finally have a home? Could Ian’s home become mine?
“I can’t wait,” I replied.
When I walked through the door, I headed straight for my closet to pick the dress I wanted to wear. I pulled out a beautiful champagne-colored, A-line, strapless dress that was covered in beautiful beads. I tried it on and turned as I looked at myself in the mirror. It was perfect. A little short, but perfect. I laid it down on the bed while I stepped into the shower. I couldn’t wait to see Ian and spend the night with him. My mind kept wondering if he would want me to stay with him in his bedroom. It would only make sense. Why would we stay in separate rooms?
I decided to curl my hair and pin it all up so it sat on top of my head, with some curls cascading down. I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off, but once I was done, it turned out nice. Once I was done with my makeup, I stepped into my dress and grabbed the champagne-colored peep-toed shoes with four-inch heels. As I took one final look at myself in the full-length mirror, there was a knock on the door.
“Can I come in?” Ian asked.
Nervousness started to shoot throughout my body because I didn’t know what Ian would think. I was scared that he wouldn’t like the way I did my hair or he wouldn’t like the dress on me.
“Yes, you may,” I replied.
He opened the door and, as he was walking in, he stopped dead in his tracks.
“Well?” I smiled.
“You’re—you’re absolutely stunning. Rory, I—”
“It’s okay, Ian. You don’t have to say anything.”
He walked over to me, shaking his head as he took my hand and held it up, twirling me around. “You look so beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I smiled.
The look in his eyes was one of pure hunger. I could tell he wanted to devour me right on the spot as much as I wanted to devour him in that sexy suit he was wearing. “Jesus Christ, Rory, you have me hard.”
I let out a soft laugh as I kissed him lightly on the lips.
“I have something for you,” he said as he reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a small box. “Happy Birthday.”
I was elated, but nervous. The last person to give me a birthday present was my mom. I was scared to take it from him.
“Go ahead, Rory. It’s okay.” He smiled.
I took the box from his hand and slowly lifted the top. I gasped when I saw what was inside and tears started to fill my eyes.
“Do you like it?” Ian asked.
“It’s beautiful,” I said with shaking hands.
Inside the box was a silver necklace in the shape of a key with a few diamonds on the blade. The bow of the key was a diamond heart with another heart that sat in the middle. It was the most beautiful necklace I’d ever seen. Ian took the box from my hand and removed the necklace. He held it up to me and asked me to turn around so he could put it on me.
“There,” he said as he turned me around and had me look in the mirror. “It looks beautiful around your neck.”
I took the key in between my finger and thumb and stared at it. “Thank you, but you shouldn’t have, Ian.”