Shattered Hearts (Shattered Series Book 2) Read online

  Shattered HEARTS

  Book Two

  BY

  Marilyn Williams

  Copyright 2018 Marilyn Williams All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means,

  Including photocopying, recording, or electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of

  Brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright laws.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination.

  Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Cover Image: The Cover Collection

  CHAPTER ONE

  Five years, six months, and twenty-three days was the time Ramona Vasquez had spent behind bars in the Hillside Women’s Penitentiary. Her crimes were kidnapping, aggravated assault, and a litany of misdemeanor charges. The day she was set free was one she’ll never forget. It was a clear day with the sun shining high in the sky. The radiating heat was a welcomed feeling against her skin, it was something she hadn’t felt in years. It may have been the middle of the summer, but it felt like Christmas morning. Giddy anticipation filled her body as she waited for the doors that kept her from the world to open. Waiting for her on the opposite side was her Aunt Melissa. Everyone calls her Lisa for short. She’s her father’s sister and the one who kept her sane throughout her five years of captivity.

  “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this day,” Lisa had said as they embraced in a tight hug. The women held each other for what felt like an eternity before departing in the car. That was a month ago. Every time Ramona recalled that moment a smile grew on her face. She realizes how lucky she was to have someone who wouldn’t give up on her although she pushed her away every chance she could.

  Ramona took a bite into her turkey sandwich as she binged watch her favorite television shows to catch up on what she’s missed. If she wasn’t sitting with a remote in her hand, she was doing her other favorite passion. Online shopping. Before her father passed, he created a trust fund she’s set to receive on her thirtieth birthday. That’s a year from now. In the meantime, she receives a monthly allowance. It’s more than she ever earned in a year and it’s more than enough to buy whatever designer shoes or bags her heart desired. Lisa would often advise her to do something productive with her time and suggested that she come to work with her. Each time Ramona would respond by saying she would think about it. After a month of barely moving off the couch, she was ready to give her an answer.

  “I thought about your proposal,” said Ramona to her aunt when she walked through the door.

  “So, are you ready to take me up on my offer? It’ll give you something to do and you can see up close the results of your father’s work.”

  Ramona smiled. “You don’t have to keep selling it to me. After much thought, I think it’s something he would expect of me.”

  “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

  “While I was away, I thought about the events that led me to veer off track and I realized I needed to change the course. I think working with you at the charity my father created would be a great start.”

  “I’m so proud of you and I know Michael is too.”

  “I hope he’s looking down at me, full of pride.”

  “He is,” beamed Lisa. “We should celebrate. How about going out for drinks?”

  “Is the Blue Room downtown still open?”

  “I believe so.”

  “Let’s go there. That was one of my favorite spots.”

  “And you don’t mind going with me? More people your age will be there.”

  “You barely look a day over forty. Of course, I want to go with you.” Ramona believed every word she spoke. Her aunt was a short, petite woman who looked very young for her age. Although, she’s actually fifty-two people believed she’s either in her late thirties or early forties. Women always asked her what’s her secret to looking young.

  Ramona trekked up the winding staircase to her room, on the opposite side of the house from Lisa’s. Their home was one she was still trying to get used to living in. She had been in a four by four cell for some time and before that she lived in a tiny apartment no bigger than six hundred square feet. Now she lived in a massive estate in a suburb North of Houston. It belonged to her father, Michael Pennington. He bought it a year before he and Ramona reunited and thought the house was much too large for him alone. So, he asked Lisa to move in with him. Now they both shared the home and so far it’s been great. The home has a staff to wait on Ramona’s every need, a pool that no one uses, and rooms such as a library, study, and theater.

  Her bedroom was like living in her own oasis. It had a sleeping area with a four post king-sized bed. A sitting area near the window that gave a breathtaking view of the pool. For entertainment, a fifty-five flat-screen television hung on the wall. French doors led to a room that Lisa made into a small dressing area. Days after returning home, her aunt had taken her shopping and filled it with all designer clothing. She was currently living the life she had always envied and never thought would be a reality. For the first time her every want was fulfilled. A far cry from her humble upbringing.

  Ramona surveyed her closet for something to wear. This red number is perfect. She held the dress close to her body and viewed her reflection on the floor-length mirror. She turned around to view her backside. Even with a ten pound weight loss from prison, she held on to her curves. She showered, dressed and flat ironed her long black hair and made a part midway down the center.

  “Wow, you look great,” said Lisa, from the bottom the stair.

  “I wanted to look good on my first outing.”

  “The car is waiting for us outside, unless…”

  Ramona narrowed her eyes. “Unless what?”

  Lisa reached into her purse and dangled a set of keys. Ramona recognized the keychain right away, it had a bright red heart with the initial N on it. She scrunched up her face as Lisa placed it in her hand causing her emotions to change from happiness to irritation. “Is that what I think it is?”

  “I didn’t want to tell you this before, but I have the car. It’s in the garage.”

  “You won’t stop, will you?”

  “I took possession of it. He’d mentioned he planned to return it but I convinced him not to. Since you never go into the garage, it was pretty easy to keep this from you.”

  “Lisa, you need to leave it alone. I told you not to mention him again. We said our goodbyes long ago.”

  “I know. But, everything is different now. You’re out and he still loves you very much. Your rejection destroyed him.”

  Her night has gone downhill before it began. She wanted a carefree night on the town, but it was obvious Lisa had other plans. “I see that you’re becoming upset,” continued Lisa. “I’ll drop it for now. I’ll give you the keys to hold on to. You never know what might change.”

  “Here’s what I know, the last time we spoke I told him to forget about me and to move on with his life.”

  “And he has.”

  “Then there’s nothing left to discuss. Now, are we going out or what?”

  Lisa held open the front door. “After you, dear niece.”

  ◆◆◆

  The Blue Room was crowded for a Sunday night. It was a small lounge in the middle of downtown that catered to the thirty-something professional crowd. Every piece of furniture and decor was every shade of blue, from sky blue to aqua-blue and
everything in between. To describe it to someone it may sound hideous but to see in person was quite enchanting. Ramona bopped her head to Bruno Mars as they made their way to the bar. There were two vacant seats near the dance floor. As soon as Ramona’s bottom hit the bar stool, the guy next to her turned her way. He licked his lips as his eyes travel up and down her body. “Let me guess… Emily. That’s your name, right?”

  “Nope.” Ramona shifted her body around towards Lisa as she tried to stifle a laughed.

  “I think you have an admirer,” laughed Lisa.

  “I want to drink and listen to the music in peace. I don’t have time for any man.”

  “Uh-oh, he’s getting up,” muttered Lisa. Before Ramona could respond the guy was standing in between them.

  “Excuse me, ladies,” he said, looking at Ramona. “Do you mind if I bother you for a dance? Just one.”

  Ramona silently pleaded with Lisa for a rescue but that was pointless. The grin she bore indicated she thought the entire thing was hilarious. “Go ahead. I’ll order your drink.” Lisa grabbed Ramona’s clutch out of her hand and she reluctantly followed the red-headed drunk man to the dance floor. He was not even close to her type. He was short with a head full of curly red hair, freckles in all the wrong places, skinny and a very uncoordinated dancer. Ramona bopped back and forth to the beat of the music. Every once in a while she glanced over at Lisa who was having a great laugh at her expense.

  “What’s your name?” he shouted over the music.

  “Mona!” she shouted back.

  “What? I couldn’t hear you.”

  “Mona!” she yelled right into his ear.

  “Wow, like Mona Lisa,” he said.

  “I guess,” Ramona shrugged still bopping side to side and snapping her fingers.

  “You’re very pretty, Mona.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I’ll give you my phone and I want you to put your number in it. Okay?”

  Ramona shook her head no just as the song ended. She started to walk off the dance floor when he grabbed her arm. “Come on. I just moved here and I don’t know anyone except my co-workers.”

  “I’m not interested in dating anyone right now.”

  “We can be friends, right?”

  She hesitated for a moment. “Follow me.” She led him back to the bar. She retrieved her phone out of her clutch. “You put your information in here instead. He smiled and without haste, he entered his name and number. Ramona glanced at Lisa who had a wide-eyed smile on her face. “Here ya go,” he said.

  She glanced at her phone. “Julius?”

  “Yep. Julius Van Goth. Just send me a text every now and then to say, hey.”

  “I can do that, Julius. By the way, this is my aunt Lisa.”

  “Nice to meet you both. I have to go. Early day tomorrow. Mona, I can’t wait to hear from you.”

  The ladies watched as Julius walk off. “What happened on that dance floor?” asked Lisa.

  “I’m not interested in him. But, one thing I’ve learned is you should never dismiss anyone you meet because you never know when you might need them.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  It was the morning that Ramona was to begin her job at the place her father founded. A place where everyone knew her past and was ready to judge her. Nerves traveled throughout her body during the drive there, it was the unknown reaction from others that invaded her thoughts. Lisa was doing her best to put her at ease. However, the entire ride she wondered if there would be an angry mob waiting for her because they thought she had gotten off easy. Many believed she received special treatment due to her aunt's last name, and would express their anger outside her court proceedings. The protesters made their voices heard every time she appeared in court. Those people would have to realize that she has served her time and paid her debt to society. It was time to move forward.

  The Helping Hand office sat on a busy street on the West side of Houston. The three-story building shared the block with restaurants, retail stores, and a park. Lisa explained that the nonprofit performed health fairs and seminars in low-income neighborhoods. Local doctors donated their time and money to offer medical services to men and women who are economically disadvantaged. Hundreds of employees worked throughout the week to keep the non-profit running. Then there are the names on the volunteer list who provided service during the bi-yearly health fair. Preparation for the fair required a ton of contributions from major donors and that was Ramona’s job. To keep track of and secure donations. For some reason, Lisa thought she would excel in that position. She would try her hardest because the last thing she wanted to do was disappoint her aunt.

  When the ladies entered the office building, the lively atmosphere surprised Ramona. You could tell the employees enjoyed their jobs. There was lots of chatter and camaraderie in the air. There was no angry mob. Instead, people were busy doing their jobs. No one seemed to notice them until Lisa introduced her as they made their way to the end of the hall. Everyone appeared nice, at least in front of Lisa, she was the one signing their paychecks after all.

  Lisa stopped at the elevator and proceeded to the second floor. It only had two occupied offices. Lisa’s which sat the far end of the hall and Ashley’s. “I would like to introduce you to your replacement,” Lisa said to Ashley, as they entered the office. She stood from behind her chair and Ramona immediately notice her protruding stomach. “Nice to meet you, Ramona. I’ve heard many great things about you,” she smiled and extended her hand outward.

  “Nice to meet you as well.” Ramona shook her hand.

  “Today is Ashley’s last day before she begins maternity leave. She will train you on all you need to know.”

  “Only one day of training?” asked Ramona, in an almost panic voice.

  Ashley and Lisa eyed each other. “Don’t worry. You’ll catch on quick,” said Lisa. “I’ll leave you in Ashley’s good hands. I have a ton of calls to make.”

  Both women watched Lisa exit the office and closed the door behind her. A few moments passed before either spoke a word. The silence was awkward as Ramona waited for her to say something. She appeared as if she didn’t know where to begin. “Well, let’s get started,” she finally said, sitting down in her chair.

  Ramona placed her purse down one of the two chairs facing Ashley’s desk and sat on the other. “Before you begin, I would like to clear the air,” she said.

  “Clear the air?” asked Ashley.

  “Yes, I appreciate the nice words you said in front of my aunt. But, I’m sensing a bit of apprehension from you. I get it, you’ve probably heard all sorts of things about me.”

  Ashley frowned. “Everyone knows what you did and Lisa is the reason you were released.”

  “No, it’s because I served my time,” said Ramona, unapologetically.

  “I didn’t mean it that way. I’m not judging you.”

  “So, what did you mean?”

  “What I meant to say was that we all respect Lisa and trust her judgment. If she believes you’re worth a second chance, then we all will stand behind her.”

  “Just like that?” Ramona asked, skeptically. “People here will accept me working here because my aunt believes in me.”

  “No, not everyone. But, this is your family’s business and I don’t get a vote on who works here.”

  “And if you did?”

  “Honestly, I would give you a chance.”

  That response surprised Ramona. She wasn’t used to anyone accepting her despite her past. Ramona spent half the morning in training. Mostly, it’s pretty simple. On the computer, there’s a spreadsheet that lists past and present donors and the amount they have donated. The data entry department enters all online and physical donations into the computer system. She listened in on the calls Ashley made to convince past donors to agree to donate. She would ask politely and most would come up with excuses for why they couldn’t. Although, they had more money than they could spend they wouldn’t part with any funds.

  “W
hat’s the plan when they decline?” asked Ramona.

  “Thank them for their time and move to the next name.”

  “That’s it? You never try again?”

  Ashley placed an I know she’s not trying to tell me how to do my job expression on her face. “We call deep pocket donors up here. Downstairs, the Joe Schmoes of the world are called. Because our donor list consists of the wealthy, we have to handle them with kid gloves. We don’t want to be too pushy and lose the potential of them ever donating again.”

  “I see your point.” Ramona nodded in agreement. “Are there rules against having working lunches or dinners with the donors?”

  She shook her head no. “I don’t believe so. But, that’s not something I do. I don’t think Lisa would want us to either. Certain times during the year we hold benefits for what we call our special donors. We have a black-tie gala which includes an auction.”

  Ramona didn’t agree and had her own thoughts on how she would do her job. The next half of the day she spent that time setting up her own office. She had her choice of the remaining three vacant offices. She chose one at the opposite end of the hall from Lisa, with Ashley’s in the center.

  “So, how was it? How was your first day?” Lisa asked during the ride home.

  “A piece of cake.”

  “Really? That good, huh?”

  “I think it’s a good fit for me.”

  “Tomorrow you’ll be ready to dive right in.”

  “Of course and I’ll do such a great job you won’t need Ashley to come back.”

  “Confident much? Was there a problem with you two?”

  “No, but I find her style of obtaining donations lazy. I know I can bring in twice the money she has or more.”

  “You do whatever you feel is best. As long as it’s legal, I don’t care.”

  “I told you for now on I’m living my life above board. I refuse to end up in prison again.”

  When the ladies arrived home Lisa retreated to her study to make a business call and Ramona changed into something more comfortable. She opted for a pair of baggy knit shorts and a black/white t-shirt with Fierce written on the front. She thought about exercising to a workout video but wasn’t quite in the mood. The thought of exercising never entered her mind until she had gone to prison. When activities are limited, you’ll be amazed at the hobbies you can pick up. She walked into the study just as Lisa was wrapping up a call. Ramona noticed a photo album she’s never seen before on the shelf. Evidently, it hadn’t been touched in a while because it was coated in dust. “I assume you don’t allow the housekeeper in here,” said Ramona, as she blew a heap of dust off the cover.