Shattered Hearts (Shattered Series Book 2) Read online

  “I don’t like what he said to you. However, most of our donors share his opinion. Our donations dropped once Lisa publicized her defense for you.”

  Ramona collapse onto a chair. No longer enraged, bewilderment invaded her mind. “I had no idea,” she said in almost a whisper.

  “Yeah. I’m surprised she didn’t tell you. Your aunt thought you were being railroaded by the system because of your background. You know your time in juvenile detention, your race, and upbringing. They didn’t care that her brother was your father they made you sound like a villain because of your last name. People were spreading lies you were in the country illegally. Those untruths upset Lisa, and she felt she had to do something about it.”

  “She never told me any of this.”

  “That’s when our donations dried. We still have our loyal donors, our grants, and other fundraising efforts. We’re not closing our doors anytime soon. It’s just not like before.”

  “This is all my fault,” Ramona said somberly. “There has to be a way I can fix this.”

  “Besides changing the mind of small-minded people,” sighed Kelsey. “I don’t think there’s anything you can do.”

  “Oh yes,there is. I haven’t thought of it yet.”

  “You are nothing like I expected.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’ve heard all the stories about you. People made you sound like a deranged and violent person.”

  Ramona rolled her eyes. “You can’t believe everything you read. I have to get back upstairs and figure out my next move.”

  “Oh, before you go. Did you get the note I left on your desk yesterday?”

  “Note?”

  “Yeah, remember I stopped by, but you were about to leave. Anyway, after you left, I returned to your office and left a note for you.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t see it. What did it say?”

  “You seem like you’re having a tough time fitting in. I left a note welcoming you to the Helping Hand family.”

  Should I be touched or freaked out? “That’s sweet, Kelsey. Thank You.”

  ◆◆◆

  Ramona impatiently awaited Lisa arrival. So, she couldn’t help but bombard her with questions as soon as she placed one foot in the door. “Why did you keep the truth from me?” asked Ramona.

  “Jeez, can you give me a second to get inside before you berated me?”

  “I’m not berating you. I’m furious for how everyone treated you because of me.”

  “Ramona, calm down. After I get out of these clothes, we’ll talk.”

  She watched her slug up the stairs like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. Although angered consumed her for the past two hours as she waited for Lisa. She understood that venting was not the solution. There must be a way to turn the situation around. Ramona picked up a picture of her father on the fireplace mantel. He would be proud of her. For the first time, she was not thinking of herself first. Instead, she’s considering the feelings of someone else. That’s because of the love and support her aunt gave her. Lisa stepped up more than anyone had in her life and she will never forget it.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound harsh earlier,” said Ramona.

  “It’s fine,” said Lisa as she poured herself a glass of wine. “May I ask who you’ve been talking to?”

  “Kelsey.”

  “Should have known,” she frowned.

  “What’s wrong? I got the impression you two were friendly.”

  “We are. I wished she wouldn’t have told you. That’s all.”

  “But, I needed to know, Lisa. This is all my fault and I intend to fix it.”

  “There’s nothing to fix. As you know, people wanted you to serve the rest of your life in prison. Josh and Tami Hamilton had strong public support, and some people wanted to unseal your juvenile record to make that happen. It was unfair. Between me and your lawyers, we suggested a plea deal to the prosecution. I refused to be locked out of the process when your freedom was on the line.”

  “I remember.”

  “I pushed hard to get ten years, but they only required you to serve five and a half. I made plenty of people angry in the process but I didn’t care. My family comes above anyone else.”

  “Same goes for me. I know I thanked you a million times but I want to say it again. If it wasn’t for you, I would still be behind bars. Probably for the rest of my life.”

  “And I will say this again. From the moment I learned of your existence you were my family. It doesn’t matter what your last name is, you will always be a Pennington.”

  Ramona played on her phone while Lisa finished Chinese takeout in front of the television. Too wound up to sit still she needed to go out to clear her mind. Her problem — she had no one to call. She wanted company and the only person she considered a friend was behind bars as an accomplice in her crimes. She thought of Rhonda often. Unfortunately, due to the terms of her release, they can’t contact one another. Every day she wished there was a way she could help Rhonda, who she considered a sister. Unlike Ramona, she didn’t have a rich aunt who could hire the best legal defense. Instead, she had a public defender who encouraged her to plead guilty to manslaughter and admit to carrying out the final blow that killed Alexis. Although they had not spoken, Ramona wrote Rhonda’s mother a letter promising that one way or another she would help get Rhonda a new trial. At the time, those were words without a plan. Now that she’s out, she fully intended to deliver on that promise.

  She scrolled through her phone and reviewed her short contact list and stopped when she reached Julius Van Goth, the nerdy redheaded guy she met the other night. That can’t be his real name. She hesitated before pressing the call button and thought about calling Kelsey instead. But, she was still on the fence about her intentions. So, Ramona threw caution to the wind and called Julius.

  ◆◆◆

  “I was surprised to get your call,” said Julius, when Ramona arrived at a bar not too far from her house. “I surprised myself,” she replied, almost regretting her decision.

  “You look nice, well put together.”

  The compliment made Ramona give herself a second look. She purposely dressed down so he wouldn’t get the wrong impression concerning her intentions. She opted for a pair of faded blue jeans, black t-shirt, and a pair of Nike shoes. “Thanks.”

  “Would you like a drink? I can order you one.”

  “No, thanks.”

  Julius chuckled with a goofy half-smile. Like he told himself, a private joke in his head.

  “What’s funny?” asked Ramona.

  “I’m sorry. I was just thinking my dance moves must have blown you away for you call me for drinks.”

  “To be honest, I asked you here because I was bored.”

  “Oh! I could take that as a compliment you chose me over everyone else you know.”

  “Well, besides the lady I befriended two days ago at work, you’re the only other person I know.”

  “You’re new to the city, also?”

  “No, I’ve been here since I was a little girl. Let’s just say I spent more time staying in trouble than making friends.”

  Julius took a sip of his beer while eyeing Ramona suspiciously. “It sounds like you have a heck of a story.”

  “Yep, one you would never believe.”

  Julius told Ramona about himself. He used to live in Atlanta until his job transferred him to Houston a month ago. He works as a graphic illustrator. Sounds boring but for what she could tell it fitted his personality. So far, she thought he was cool to hang out with. Evidently, he thought the same of her because he invited her to an after-work gathering with his co-workers. He insisted that she meet other people besides him. After sharing a plate of hot wings they both called it night and said goodbye.

  The next day she met Julius and three of his co-workers at the Blue Room during happy hour. She spotted Julius right away seated with a group at a table near the entrance. “Mona! You made it,” said Julius walking ove
r to pull out a chair for her.

  “Let me introduce you to everyone.” He pointed to a female to the right. “That’s Hayden and next to her is Cheyenne.”

  Ramona smiled and waved. “Over here we have our new friends Xavier and Tyson.”

  “Hello, nice to meet everyone,” said Ramona, keeping her eyes on Xavier. “I’m Ramona but some call me Mona for short.”

  “Hi, Mona for short. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” smiled Xavier, revealing deep-set dimples. Ramona glanced at Julius whose smiled was now in a downward frown. She tried her hardest not to give off any signals he could misinterpret. “Hey, Julius walk with me to the bar.”

  “I’ll be back guys,” he said to the group.

  At the bar, Ramona ordered a Vodka Cranberry. “Julius, I saw your face when that guy was flirting with me. I thought you understood that you and I can only be friends.”

  “I know.”

  “Then what’s the deal?”

  “No deal. I just thought…”

  Ramona took a sip of her drink and shivered. The bartender loaded her drink with just a little too much Vodka. “I like you as a friend only and I don’t see that changing.”

  “I get it.”

  “So we’re cool?”

  “All the way cool.”

  She laughed. “Let’s get back to the table.”

  Ramona had to admit that she enjoyed herself with Julius and his friends. Especially Xavier, they spent most of the night playfully glancing at each other. Three hours later everyone else had left, and it was just them two.

  “I thought they would never leave,” he said, moving over two chairs near her.

  “Me too,” she replied.

  “Before, I go any further. You’re not married or involved with anyone?”

  “No, I’m one hundred percent available. What about you?”

  “I’m divorced,” he said.

  “Divorced? How old are you? You look too young to have a marriage under your belt.”

  “I’m thirty-one and we were married for nine years.”

  “No way!”

  “Yup, I married my high school sweetheart. She became pregnant a year into our marriage. We tried to stay together, but we were much too young and no idea what we were doing.”

  “How often do you see her and your kid?”

  “Not too often. She was bitter, got full custody and moved closer to her family in New York.”

  “Oh!”

  “Yeah, that far away.” Xavier pushed the empty drink glasses between them towards the middle of the table and scooted closer to her. “I want to talk about you. Why is a woman like you single?”

  Ramona thought about how to answer without sharing her past. “I’ve been away. I recently returned to Houston and haven’t had the time to meet anyone.”

  He leaned forward towards to her ear. “Do you want to get out of here?” he whispered.

  Ramona smiled. “I thought you never ask.” They wasted no time exiting the club. He requested for them to go to his house. But, she felt more comfortable on her own turf. She drove them to her house. He’d said that he used a rideshare everywhere. It’s his way of reducing the carbon footprint on Earth.

  When they drove into the circular driveway of her home, she glanced over at Xavier and his eyes were wide and mouth had fallen open. “This is your house?”

  Ramona shook her head yes. His expression didn’t change once they entered the two-story foyer. “You actually live here?” he asked.

  “Shh! My aunt should be sleep.”

  “You live here with your aunt?”

  “Yes, it’s my father’s home. It’s a long story for another time.” She grabbed his hands and led him up the stairs. “I rather spend our time doing something much more fun,” she continued.

  Xavier followed her without uttering another word. When they reached her bedroom she didn’t bother turning on the lights. She closed the door and kissed him. Having a man’s lips on her after years of imagining it was more intoxicating than any alcoholic beverage. She needed more. She continued to kiss him as she led him towards her king-size bed. He pulled her on top of him where they both hurriedly remove their clothes. He wasted no time entering her, in a slow rhythmic motion. Her moans became louder and louder as she dug her nails deeper into the skin of his back. Her desire was for them both to finish together, and within moments Ramona collapsed in his arms. It was quick and exactly what she needed. “I hope we didn’t wake your aunt,” laughed Xavier before kissing her on the lips.

  “She was the last thing on my mind, but I doubt it. There are ten bedrooms in this house and her room is far on the opposite side.” Ramona grabbed her underwear from underneath the comforter. “I need to take a quick shower. I’ll be back in a sec not unless you want to join me.”

  “Shower? Now?” he asked. “What are you some kind of clean freak?”

  “No.” She playfully hit him with a pillow. “I like to shower at least twice a day. It’s calming.”

  “I’ll pass. I want to rest up before I leave.”

  “Leave? You can stay the night.”

  “You want me to stay?” he asked, with a smile.

  “I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t. So, once again. Would you like to join me in the shower?”

  Xavier leaped off the bed. “Make the water steaming hot. Never mind, we can make our own steam.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The soft tapping on the door woke Ramona from a peaceful somber. She slowly lifted her head from the pillow to determine where the sound was coming from. Tap! Tap Tap! It was from the bedroom door. Ramona viewed the time on the clock next to the bed. Oh, shit! It was eight in the morning and she was late for work. She must’ve forgotten to set the alarm before falling asleep the night before. She quickly forgave herself, last night was the most fun she’s had in a long time. Ramona carefully slid out of the bed, to retrieve her robe. Xavier was knocked out cold in a deep somber. At least he’s a silent sleeper, she thought to herself. Tap! Tap! Tap! She cracked opened the door, careful not to reveal her sleeping guest. “Hey, why you’re not dressed for work?”

  “I’m not feeling well. I have a horrible headache,” she lied. “Maybe I’ll take an aspirin and go in later.”

  “Okay,” said Lisa, with concern in her eyes. “Just take the day off and rest.”

  “That’s not necessary.”

  “Yes, it is. I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Whatever you say, boss.”

  Lisa smiled and departed down the stairs. Ramona waited for the sound of the front door closing. “You didn’t want to introduce me to your aunt?” Ramona turned around. Xavier who appeared sound asleep a few moments ago was now sitting up bare-chested in her bed. “No, I didn’t,” she said, closing her bedroom door. “I just met you last night you expect to meet my family already?”

  Ramona paused as she thought about what she had asked and realized how crazy it sounded. She had only met him the night before and didn’t hesitate to bring him home. “Ignore that question. That was a dumb thing to ask. I didn’t introduce you because my aunt has an issue with boundaries and she’s hoping I get back together with my ex.”

  “She does, huh? Well, one way to get her to back off is by showing her you’ve moved on.”

  Ramona shook her head no. “You don’t know Lisa. If anything, it would give her more encouragement. Would you like breakfast?”

  “So, we’re changing the subject?” Xavier reached for his phone on the nightstand. He looked at it for a moment, did a few swiping motions with his finger before answering. “Sure, I have time. I had to check my calendar first to verify it was clear of any meetings.”

  “Okay,” she smiled. “You wait here and I’ll take care of breakfast.” Ramona exited her room and made a beeline for the kitchen. The one perk of living under the Pennington’s roof was the staff which consisted of gardeners, housekeepers, chef, and so on. From her understanding, her father personally hired each person and after his death, they stay on. B
ecause Lisa spent several days away from home due to business, she gave the staff the opportunity to have two days off a week. She hoped today wasn’t the chef’s day off. She hurried down the winding staircase and entered the kitchen. There she found, Chef Ritz, whipping up something that smelled scrumptious. She recalled the first time they met, she’d joked, “Just like the cracker, huh?” He’d smiled and said with a twinkle in his eyes. “It’s considered top secret but I guess I can tell you. They named those crackers after me.”

  “No, really?” Ramona had asked. He never replied only smiled.

  Ramona stood and watched him hum to himself as he stirred the pot. He was a sweet, old man in his mid-sixties who was always ready to give unsolicited advice. Whether you wanted it or not.

  “Smells good. What is it?”

  Chef Ritz turned towards her. “Hi there, kiddo. I didn’t realize you were home.”

  “Lisa gave me the day off.”

  “Already, has it been a week yet?”

  “No, but she insisted. Is that lunch you’re cooking?” Sometimes he prepared food for the staff if he knew Lisa won’t be home.

  “Actually, this is Melissa’s dinner. I’d planned to store it for her in the fridge. I have a doctor’s appointment about my hip.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “Nothing for you worry your head over, kiddo. What do you need?”

  “Ah, don’t worry about it?”

  “You didn’t run in here almost out of breath over nothing. So spit it out.”

  “I was wondering if you would whip up a quick breakfast for me.”

  “For you, anything,” he grinned.

  “And a guest.” Ramona quickly added.

  “A guest?” Chef Ritz raised a brow.

  “Yes, but Lisa doesn’t know he’s here. So, please don’t say anything.”

  “What you do is your business. Come down in twenty minutes and I’ll have breakfast ready.”

  “Thanks, Ritz.”

  When Ramona entered the dining room with Xavier, she couldn’t believe the spread Ritz had for them. There was a stack of pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and a pitcher of orange juice. All of that in twenty minutes. “Thank you,” Ramona mouthed as Ritz exited the dining room.