Chapter Sixty Six
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“How are you holding up?” Sydney asked Kiara, who looked like she hadn’t slept in three days, which would be about right, since it had been three days since the accident.
“I don’t know really.” Kiara answered honestly. “I feel…I’m not sure how I feel. I just wish to God that Kevin would wake up.” She whispered.
Since Kevin’s accident, everyone was on edge which was totally understandable. But the person who was taking it the worst, was Dale. He wasn’t letting anyone near him, including Kiara. He was blocking himself off of everyone, and that on top of everything was nearly doing Kiara in.
“I’m so sorry.” Sydney put a comforting arm around her best friend. Kiara simply gave her a sad smile.
“I just don’t know what to do anymore. Delana has shut herself down and so has Dale. I need to be able to cry on someone’s shoulder, yet the person I need most seems like he doesn’t want anything to do with me.” Kiara answered brokenly, and they both knew full well she was referring to Dale.
“Where is he?” Sydney asked. Kiara shrugged.
“The last I knew he was going into sit with Kevin.”
***
“I’m so sorry.” Dale said softly, talking to his best friend. “I swear I never meant for this to happen.”
He took a deep shuddering breath as he looked at his best friend, looking so still, so lifeless, with monitors strapped to him. He didn’t look anything like the Kevin Harvick he’d known much of his adult life.
“You were right. I should have listened to you. It should have never taken something like this to make me see.” Dale said, continuing to talk to the lifeless body lying on the bed.
“I was just fooling myself and biding my time, thinking this thing between Kiara and I could work.” He said, his voice gruff with emotion. “You mean more to me than this. We’ve always sworn that no woman would ever come between us, and I let that happen. Please wake up Kevin, so I can beg your forgiveness. Hell, I’ll even let you kick my ass, if that will make you feel better.”
Dale stopped and put his head down. He knew what he had to do, but he’d been pretty much avoiding Kiara for days, trying to put off the inevitable. With a deep breath, he stood up, staring at his best friend. After a few moments, he nodded his head and walked out the door.
Within moments he was standing in the waiting room door, looking at Kiara, who was being comforted by Sydney. As much as it broke his heart to do this, he knew he couldn’t wait any longer.
“Um, Syd, do you mind if I talk to Kiara for a second?” he asked. Sydney looked at him, not saying anything for a moment. It was almost as if she could see what was about to happen, and he had to fight not to fidget under her gaze.
She finally nodded and after a final hug to Kiara, she stood up and left the room, in search of Brett, just really needing to be in his arms.
Kiara stared at Dale with uncertain eyes and as much as he wanted to wipe that uncertainty away, he knew he couldn’t. He walked towards her and sat down next to her, taking a deep breath as be prepared to break both their hearts.
“We need to talk.” He said his voice firm. She nodded but didn’t say a word, motioning to him to continue.
He looked down at his hands and said, “This isn’t going to work.”
Kiara closed her eyes, fighting against the tears that were threatening. She had know, for days this was coming. How, she wasn’t sure, but she had known.
When she didn’t say anything, Dale continued. “I swear I never meant for this to happen. I love you, please don’t ever doubt this, but I can’t do this anymore. Look at what it’s done to Kevin.”
“I thought I could handle this, but I can’t. I can’t stand the fact that Kevin is fighting for his life, and it’s all my fault.” He said softly. He knew Kiara was about to protest, so he surged forward, knowing that if he didn’t get it out now he never would.
“I never thought I’d have to choose between the two of you, but I don’t see any other way. And I’m so sorry, but I can’t turn my back on my best friend, especially after this.” He whispered, still unable to look her in the eyes.
“I thought we could make it work, I really did. But I can’t. Obviously this has had a bigger impact on Kevin, and neither one of us ever imagine it to be like this. And I can’t just let this go. I’m so sorry, Kiara. I love you, but we can’t be together any more.”
He finally looked at her, his heart breaking even more when his eyes met hers and he found all the hurt there he had just caused. She took a deep shuddering breath and broke eyes contact.
“Y-you don’t want to be with me anymore?” she asked, her voice barely audible.
“No.”
Kiara quit fighting against the tears. She had been fighting them for three days now, and she simply couldn’t any longer.
“But, if we truly love each other, we can find a way to make this work!” she cried, not caring about her pride, for how she sounded. She had to make Dale understand that they were not better off apart. “If we want this to work, we can!”
“I don’t.”
Her breath caught in her throat at his words , her heart dropping and the light in her eyes dying. Never had she though this would happen. Granted, she never thought it would be easy, but like this? Never!
She turned to him, her eyes begging him to listen. “Please don’t do this. I love you, Dale, more than I’ve ever loved anyone. Please don’t just throw us away.” She begged, ready to get on her hands and knees if she had too.
Dale looked away, unable to look in her eyes any longer. “I’m sorry. I have too.” He said as he stood up and walked out of the room.
Kiara stared after him for a few moments before it all really hit her. And when it did, she was helpless to stop the heart wrenching sobs that escaped her and came from her very soul.
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Chapter Sixty Seven
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Sydney yanked open the front door and all but threw herself in Brett’s arms. She hadn’t seen him in nearly a week, and it had been the longest week of her life.
It had been a month since the accident, and Kevin was on his way to a full recovery. It had taken him two more days to regain consciousness, but when he did, the doctors were happy to report there was no permanent damage, and although he was out for the rest of the season, it was very likely he would be back in the race car by the next season.
Kevin didn’t remember anything from the accident, and no one had let him watch the tape from the race either. They just hadn’t felt it was something he needed to see until he was ready.
Although things had been rocky at first, he and Dale had slowly begun to rebuild their friendship, but only after Kevin was sure Dale was serious about breaking things off with Kiara.
He hadn’t admitted it to anyone, but he was beginning to regret the way he had treated his little sister and Dale, when it was obvious to everyone they were both completely miserable without each other. Dale was better at hiding his pain than Kiara, but Kevin knew that on the inside, it was tearing Dale up.
But he still maintained that they were better off without each other, and he just knew that given a little more time, they would both be fine. At least he hoped. But everyday when Kiara withdrew from him a little more, it was getting harder and harder to keep remembering that fact.
Sydney and Brett had been there for both Dale and Kiara, although it was hard at times. Sydney had to fight not to get angry with Dale for the way he broke Kiara’s heart, but she kept reminding herself that he was hurting as well.
They had both tried to talk Dale into reconsidering his decision, but he was standing firm. Although he wanted nothing more than to go to Kiara and beg her forgiveness and pick up where they had left off, he knew he couldn’t. He had just gotten his best friend back, and he wasn’t going to jeopardize that again. He couldn’t.
Kiara continued to work at DEI, but Michael had been very helpful with scheduling meetings that didn’t include Dale, and giving Kiara the option to work from home, which she was easily able to do. At the race tracks, she and Dale were pretty much able to avoid each other, but when they did see each other on occasion and their eyes would meet, it was like a stab in the heart for them both. So much so that Kiara would constantly keep her head down and avoid eye contact with just about everyone.
They hadn’t spoken a word to each other since that day in the hospital.
“I missed you.” Sydney whispered as she hugged Brett tighter. When they were around Kiara, they tried to keep their displays of affection down to a minimum, not wanting to rub salt into wounds, even though Kiara insisted they didn’t have to do that.
“I missed you too.” Brett said, leaning down to capture her lips with his in a kiss that showed her just how much he had missed her. When they parted, they were both a little breathless.
Sydney smiled up at him and took his hand, pulling him fully into the house and shutting the door. Brett looked around.
“Where’s Kiara?” he asked.
“She had to drop something off to Michael at DEI, she’ll be right back.” Sydney answered.
“How is she?” Brett asked, although he pretty much already knew that answer.
Sydney sighed. “Not any better, but not any worse. I can’t decide if that’s good or bad.” She said softly.
“Kiara is strong, she’ll be okay.” Brett assured her, and himself, hoping he was speaking the truth.
Sydney shook her head. “But this had totally devastated her. She’s pretty much shut down, pulling away from everyone, including me! I can’t stand to see her like this! It’s breaking my heart. It’s like she’s just a shell of who she used to be. There’ s no light, no spark, nothing!”
Brett reached out and pulled her to him, seeing the obvious distress in her eyes, wanting to provide all the comfort and support he could. “I know, baby, but it will get better.” He said, running his hand soothingly down her back.
They both looked up and pulled apart when the door opened and Kiara stepped in. She sent a fleeting smile in their direction, before turning to put all her stuff down.
“Hey,” she greeted when she faced them again. She fought not to cringe at the sympathy she saw in both their eyes. She knew they were there for her, and she appreciated them more than she could ever tell, but it was the same pity look she saw in everyone’s eyes these days that was making it harder.
“Did you just get here?” she asked, looking at the bags by the door.
Brett nodded. “Just a few minutes ago. So, what’s on the agenda for tonight? Wanna go out to dinner?” he offered, seeing the grateful look he got from Sydney. He knew she had been trying for the past week to get Kiara out of the house, but she had always refused.
“That sounds like a wonderful idea!” Sydney replied happily, nodding, looking over at Kiara.
“I don’t know guys. I was planning on a nice hot bath, and going to bed.” She answered without much emotion.
“Bed? It’s only 5 o’clock!” Brett exclaimed. “Oh no you don’t. You’re going out tonight, my treat. And get dressed up, cuz after dinner, we’re going dancing!”
Going clubbing was actually the last thing he felt like doing, but he knew he needed to try something to get Kiara to go along, and they all knew she loved to dance.
Kiara bit her lip as she looked away, knowing she wasn’t going to get out it very easily. Sighing with defeat she nodded. “Alright, but give me time to take a shower and change.” She said, a tiny little spark back in her eyes.
They watched as she walked out of the room, then Brett jumped when Sydney suddenly squealed and threw her arms around him. “You’re amazing! I’ve been trying like hell to get her to go out, and I could never do it!” she hugged him happily. She pulled back and gazed up at him, her eyes softening when they met his.
“I love you.” She whispered, never breaking eye contact. This was the first time she had said those words to him since they got back together, even though she had been feeling it for quite some time now.
Brett’s whole body jerked at her words, his breath catching in his throat. He’d wanted to say those three words to her, but had always stopped himself, not wanting to seem he was trying to pressure her.
He swallowed hard past the sudden lump in his throat. “I love you too, Sydney, more than you could ever imagine.”
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Chapter Sixty Eight
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“I think it might have worked.” Sydney said loudly, leaning in close to Brett so he could hear her over the noise of the club they were in. She nodded towards Kiara, who was moving to the music in her chair, her eyes glued to the dance floor, the sad and lost expression she’d had lately gone.
Brett grinned and nodded. “I’m a genius!” he boasted jokingly, all of their moods a lot lighter since leaving the house. Sydney laughed as she leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his lips.
“That you are, honey.” She smiled lovingly at him, and then turned to look at Kiara. “Hey, you gonna sit there all night, or are you gonna get your ass out on that dance floor?” she called.
Kiara turned to look at Sydney and Brett and awarded them with that old Kiara smile. “Only if you two come out with me.” She challenged. She might have been reluctant in going along with them at first, but as the night wore on, she was damn glad they had talked her into coming. This was the best she had felt in, well, months.
They all three stood up and started towards the crowded dance floor. Once finding a comfortable spot, they all started dancing to the up beat music that was blaring through the huge speakers.
After a few songs, they were all ready to take a break and get a drink, having worked up quite a sweat. “Whew, I’m hot!” Kiara exclaimed fanning herself. “I need water…or a beer.” She grinned.
“Ahhh, beer sounds great.” Brett laughed as they weaved their way through the people still on the dance floor.
Hearing Sydney second that, Kiara turned her head to smile at her two friends behind her. She turned back around, but not in time to avoid colliding with the person in front of her.
“Oh shit!” she exclaimed, regaining her balance. “I’m so sorry, I wasn’t watching where I---” she trailed off, her eyes going wide, and all the color in her face disappearing when her eyes met those familiar blue ones.
“Dale!” Brett exclaimed in shock, inwardly cringing, knowing any progress they had made with Kiara tonight was now gone. But it seemed she wasn’t the only one affected by this accidental meeting.
Dale had instinctively reached out to steady her, his hands still on her hips and unconsciously pulled her towards him before he was able to catch himself. Damn it, but she was breathtaking. He grit his teeth, trying to pull back all the emotions that had never been too far from the surface.
It had been easier to hide his feelings when he wasn’t around her, although he found himself looking for her constantly at the race track, even if it was just a glimpse.
Kiara simply stared at him, unable to do anything else, but her attention was drawn to a beautiful red head when she stepped up and put a hand on Dale’s arm, sending a very possessive look in Kiara’s direction.
“Baby,” she whined to Dale. “Who’s this?” She was not at all happy about the fact that they had been interrupted, but what was pissing her off more was the fact that Dale had completely forgotten about her, all his attention focused on the woman who had run into him.
Sydney had to fight not to glare at both Dale and the bitch pressed up against his side. She silently counted to ten, reminding herself that Dale was also her friend, and she had to try to keep an open mind. But the stricken and devastated look in Kiara’s eyes was making it hard to remember.
Dale actually looked started, like he hadn’t remembered the women with him. “Oh, uh, this is Brett, Sydney and Kiara.” The redhead’s eyes narrowed dangerously as she studied Kiara, now knowing full well who the woman was.
“Um, this is…uh…” Dale trailed off, wracking his brain, but not coming up with his date’s name. He had known it a few minutes ago, but from the at the moment every fiber of his being was focused on Kiara and no one else.
“Cheryl.” The woman herself ground out, having to introduce herself. It was obvious she was no competition to the woman who Dale had recently broken up with, but that didn’t mean she was going down without a fight.
With a seductive smile, Cheryl moved closer to Dale, pressing herself fully against his side. “Baby, I’m getting tired, why don’t we go home?” she said suggestively.
Before anyone could say anything, Kiara finally got her body to move, snapping out of her statue like state. She spun around and pushed past Sydney, quickly disappearing in the crowd of people. Sydney couldn’t stop herself from glaring at Dale before rushing after her best friend.
Dale opened his mouth, but stopped when Brett held up his hand. “I’m sorry, man, but I really don’t want to hear it right now.” Brett said before following after the two women.
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Chapter Sixty Nine
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“Kiara, the plane leaves in an hour, come on let’s go!” Sydney yelled up the stairs. Kiara instantly appeared at the top of the stairs, suitcase in hand, and hurried down.
“Sorry, sorry. I was on the phone with Michael, giving him some last minute instructions.” Kiara said breathlessly as they grabbed the rest of their stuff and went out to the airport van, which was waiting for them in the driveway.
“Lord, you’re only gonna be gone for three days!” Sydney laughed as they handed their bags to the driver, thanking him, and climbing in the back.
“I know, but you have to understand, with Michael, three days is like three months.” Kiara laughed. “I don’t know how he’ll survive.”
“By calling you every five minutes.” Sydney answered, causing them to both laugh. “So, everyone was okay with you taking off this weekend?” she asked. Kiara shrugged.
“I asked Michael, he said it was fine, I didn’t bother saying anything to anyone else.” Sydney knew full well she was referring to Dale. Ever since that night in the club, two months ago, everything about Kiara had changed. At the time, Sydney had been afraid that seeing Dale with another woman would have been a huge set back for Kiara, but it had had quite the opposite affect.
Kiara refused to cry any more tears over Dale, and got on with her life, since it was so obvious he’d gotten on with his, and that she really hadn’t meant that much to him at all. Although it had been difficult at first, it got easier and easier especially when every weekend Dale would show up at the racetrack with some new bimbo on his arm.
In a strange way, it had also helped to repair her damaged relationship with Kevin. Before, although she had tried not too, she couldn’t help but blame Kevin for what happened between Dale and herself, and she had put a lot of distance between the two of them.
But after seeing Dale with his new ‘women’, it had been an eye opening experience for Kiara, and as much as she hated to admit it, Kevin had been right about Dale. She and Kevin ever talked about him, but he wasn’t blind, and although he wasn’t driving, he still went to races, and saw what was going on.
Kevin was there for her, even though that subject was never touched on, she knew he was there to comfort her if she needed it, and over the past couple months they had all but mended their relationship and were just as close as ever.
“Oh, do we have time to stop by Kevin’s?” Kiara asked. Sydney shot her a look.
“Not really, why?” Sydney asked.
Kiara rolled her eyes. “You know how Kevin is with his toys and he just bought this high tech camera, and since he can’t go with us, he wants pictures, and he won’t allow me to take pictures with my camera.”
“Geez, you’re brother is such a pain in the ass!” Sydney exclaimed with a giggle. “Alright, but we need to make it quick. If we miss the flight, I am going to be extremely pissed!”
They were flying to New York to be with Brett and the rest of the guys as they kicked off their brand new U.S. tour. Everyone was very excited about the tour, even though it would separate Brett and Sydney for an extended period of time, but they had worked it out so she could fly into whatever city to spend at least a couple days with him.
The van pulled up in Kevin’s driveway and Sydney inwardly groaned, looking over at Kiara. “Do you want me to run in and get it?” she offered as Kiara tore her eyes away from Dale’s red truck and shook her head.
“Nah, won’t be a problem, don’t worry. I’ll be right back.” Kiara promised as she got out and hurried into the house. The first person she saw was Dale, with his arm wrapped around another new person.
“Big freaking surprise.” Kiara mumbled to herself, before she stepped past him, not even bothering to spare him a look, pretending not to hear him when he said hello to her. Yeah, she knew she was being a total bitch, but it was the best way for her to deal with it. Otherwise she knew she’d be a basket case, and she refused to let herself be that weak again.
“Hey,” Kevin greeted coming out of the kitchen, shooting a look at Dale, who was trying his hardest to act nonchalant, yet his eyes were constantly drawn to Kiara, and the way she was blatantly ignoring him was having an effect. He also hadn’t missed the way Dale had instinctively put some distance between his date and himself.
Kevin didn’t like how Dale was reverting back into his old self, but he was afraid the only way to get him to stop, was to get him and Kiara back together, and that wasn’t something he was sure he was ready to face again. Especially after seeing the way Kiara seemed to be over him. On more than one occasion she had been in the same room with Dale and hadn’t let it affect her…at least on the out side.
“I didn’t think you’d make it.” Kevin reached out and hugged his little sister.
“Yeah, well I just barely did. I have no time and Syd is about ready to kill me now as it is, so give me the camera and I gotta run.” Kiara told him, following him in the kitchen, looking around. “Where’s De?” she asked.
“She ran to the store to get stuff for dinner.” Kevin told her as he handed her the bag with the camera. “You know how to use this?” he asked.
Kiara gave him a disbelieving look. “Um, no! And I don’t have time for a crash course now, I really gotta go. We’ve got like…”she looked at her watch, her eyes going wide. “Oh shit we’ve only got a half hour!”
She spun around and hurried back out of the kitchen towards the front door. “Don’t worry, I’m sure one of the guys knows how to use this thing, I’ll get you good pictures, I promise.”
Kevin followed her to the front door. “Okay, tell Brett I said hi and all. Oh and you break my camera, I break your ass!” he called after her. She didn’t even turn around as she playfully flipped him off then climbed in the van, sitting back down next to Sydney, who waved to Kevin as they pulled away.
Sydney then turned back to Kiara, who could plainly read the questions in her eyes. “Yes, he did.” Kiara answered before the questions were even asked.
Sydney shook her head. She’d had a feeling that Dale would have a new woman with him. She and Dale hadn’t talked much recently, her loyalty lying with Kiara. Besides, the way he kept rubbing all the bitches in Kiara’s face made her not want to speak to him. She had never considered Dale to be an asshole, but she was beginning to think he possessed the qualities.
“Ki, I’m sorry.” Sydney said softly, feeling as if she had to say it. Kiara shook her head and smiled reassuringly.
“For what? You haven’t done anything to be sorry for. So, we’re going to have an awesome weekend, and nothing is going to bring us down, okay?”
Sydney smiled and nodded. “Okay!” she exclaimed, more than ready to see Brett. It had been nearly two weeks since she last saw him, and felt more like an eternity. She hated being apart from him, even for a few hours! But it did make their time together just that much more special.
Later, they were both relaxing on the plane, having just caught it in time, when Sydney suddenly sat up, her eyes shining, scaring the daylights out of Kiara.
“What the hell?” Kiara exclaimed wide eyed, her hand over her heart.
“I am brilliant!” Sydney announced. Kiara burst out laughing.
“In your own world maybe.” Kiara teased.
Sydney ignored her. “Kevin isn’t seeing anyone, and you, my dear, have been drooling over his body for awhile now, not that I blame you. It’s definitely drool worthy.” Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “And remember, I’m talking from experience.”
Kiara shook her head laughing. “Was there a certain direction you were going with this?” Kiara asked.
Sydney nodded. “Yup, I think you and Kevin outta…well, you know.” She grinned. Kiara nearly choked on the peanut she had just popped in her mouth.
“Are you high?” Kiara demanded. Sydney laughed and looked out the window.
“Well…technically I am, but so are you.” She grinned.
“Smartass.” Kiara mumbled, but she was smiling the entire time. “Syd, Kevin and I are not going to…do whatever it is you think we’re gonna do.” She said matter of factly.
“And why not?” Sydney crossed her arms over her chest and pouted.
“For a couple reasons. First, Kevin and I are just friends, and I mean that in the sense of really just being friends.” She laughed and moved her arm quickly when Sydney went to hit her in the arm. “Second, I could never try any kind of relationship with a guy who has the same name as my brother. Sorry, but no. That would just be way too freaky.” She shuddered at the thought.
Sydney opened her mouth, but closed it when she realized she didn’t have an argument for that. She could clearly see Kiara’s point.
“And third, I’m just not ready.” Kiara said.
“Okay, but what if it wasn’t a ‘relationship’? What about friends with benefits?” Sydney teased, Kiara knowing full well she wasn’t serious.
“Sorry, but that’s your department, not mine…OW!” Kiara laughed when she didn’t move quick enough to avoid the hit from Sydney.
“This weekend is going to be amazing.” Sydney said softly a few minutes later. Kiara nodded her head in full agreement.
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Chapter Seventy
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Much later that night when Brett and Sydney were finally able to get some time alone, they headed to Sydney’s hotel room, knowing that they would get no privacy on the bus, where Kiara, Carl, Jeff, and Kevin were engaged in a very intense game of poker.
They hadn’t even fully made it through the door when Brett grabbed her up in his arms, letting the door fall shut behind him as he carried her over to the bed and gently tossed her down on it. He followed her down, his body covering hers as he gazed down into her beautiful eyes. He lowered his head until his lips just barely brushed hers and pulled back when Sydney moved to fully capture his lips.
“Have I told you how much I missed you?” Brett questioned, a sexy smile curving his lips.
Sydney returned his smile as she ran fingers through his hair, feeling him shiver at her touch. “Only a time or two. I could stand to hear it again.” She teased.
Brett’s expression became completely serious, his eyes softening as he continued to look down at the woman that he’d loved for so long. “I’m so glad you’re here…I’ve missed you so much.” Brett paused for a moment as he ran the back of his knuckles across her cheek. “I love you, Syd.”
Sydney’s breath caught at hearing the depth of emotion in his voice and seeing it in his eyes. It was such a beautiful moment that it nearly brought her to tears. “I love y—" She began, but her words were abruptly silenced when his lips came down on hers in a burning kiss.
Brett pulled back only when it was absolutely necessary for them to breathe. Sydney tipped her head back, allowing him better access as his lips traveled along the curve of her throat. She moaned passionately as she felt him lifting her shirt off and then his mouth on her skin as it became exposed.
It wasn’t long before she was completely stripped of her clothes and the touch of his hands and mouth had her writhing around beneath him, begging for mercy and begging for more at the same time. Brett was more than willing to oblige to her needs.
*****
“This crowd is crazy!” Kiara exclaimed to Sydney as they watched the concert from the side of the stage the next night. The band had completed a two hour set and one encore and the fans were demanding more. Sydney smiled hugely, feeling very proud of all of the guys in the band.
The noise of the crowd increased when Fuel took the stage once more for one final song. Sydney was unable to take her eyes off of Brett as he stood at the front of the band. He was dressed in simple white shirt and a faded pair of jeans, but she had never seen him look so breathtaking.
They were in the middle of the final song when all hell broke loose. It happened so suddenly that for several full moments, no one was able to react in any kind of way. Sydney stood in shock as she watched Brett stagger backwards, the blood pouring from the wound in his chest staining his shirt. She continued to look on in horror as he glanced over in her direction, their eyes meeting for a brief second before he fell to the floor.
It was the hush of the crowd and then Kiara’s horrified scream that finally jolted her out of the stupor that she was in. She rushed forward, pushing Carl out of her way when he tried to stop her and dropped down to her knees beside Brett. She took hold of his hand, not even noticing the blood that covered it as she leaned forward until she was face to face with him. Their eyes locked as he pulled his hand from hers and lifted it to brush his fingers across her cheek. Sydney felt dread race through her as his eyes took on a far off look as his body became limp, his hand falling. She caught it within hers again before it could hit the floor.
An instant later, the paramedics were on the scene and Sydney felt herself being shoved out of the way. Refusing to leave Brett’s side, she pushed her way back to him, making it difficult for them to help Brett. The next things she knew, she felt arms wrap around her, lifting her off the ground and moving her back out of the way. She looked over her shoulder and glared up at Kevin as she began fighting against him. He turned her around as he tightened his hold on her and forced her too look at him.
“I know you want to be with him, but they can’t help him if you’re in the way. And you’re in the way.” He told her, being brutally honest, knowing that at the moment she wasn't thinking clearly and it was the only way to get through to her.
It took Sydney a moment, but she realized that he was right. Kevin kept his arms around her, offering his support as she could do nothing more than watch helplessly as the paramedics worked frantically to save the life of the man that she loved more than anything.
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Chapter Seventy One
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Dale sighed as he rolled over in bed, grumbling as he failed to find a comfortable position. He’d gone to bed nearly two hours ago, and had yet to fall asleep.
“Damn it!” he muttered, punching his pillow angrily. He’d been in a foul mood all day, well actually since he was over at Kevin’s the day before and Kiara showed up and didn’t even look at him.
She had found a way to get over him…and he only wished he could do the same. It didn’t matter who he went out with, the only woman he saw and wanted was Kiara.
Over the past several months, he had been hiding his true feelings by hiding behind the person he used to be. He knew Kiara must hate him, and he didn’t blame her. He wasn’t giving her any reason not too, but it was the only way he knew to protect his heart.
But seeing her the day before, and how he’d had absolutely no affect on her, had bothered him more than he was willing to admit. He was seriously fighting with himself, trying not to just pick up the phone, call her and beg her to come back to him.
He was jarred out of his thoughts when he heard his doorbell ring. He got up and walked out of his bedroom, through the house and to the front door, pulling it open, surprise flickering across his face when he saw Kevin standing there.
“You’re out late tonight, Harvick.” Dale joked, but his smile disappeared immediately when he saw the look in his friend’s eyes.
“Kevin, what’s wrong?” he demanded to know, his heart suddenly in his throat.
“Something terrible has happened.” Kevin croaked. He jumped forward to steady Dale when he suddenly went completely white and staggered in the doorway.
“Kiara…” Dale whispered, his blue eyes filled with terror and denial. Kevin quickly shook his head, guilt blooming deep inside him at Dale’s reaction. This wasn’t the reaction of someone who was just ‘toying’ with his sister’s emotions.
Kevin quickly pushed that aside and focused on the matter at hand. There would be time to worry about other things later.
“No, not Kiara. It’s Brett. He’s been shot.”
“WHAT?” Dale exploded, his eyes flashing. “What the fuck?”
Kevin sighed, raking his hands through his hair. “It just happened a little over an hour ago. They were on stage, doing the last song when Brett was shot.”
Dale looked away trying to process this in his head. “Why…who?” he stuttered, unable to really come up with a coherent thought.
Kevin again shook his head. “I don’t know. Kiara didn’t talk long when she called. Things right now are pretty chaotic.”
Dale’s head snapped up. “Brett. How is Brett? He’s not…” he trailed off, unable to say the words. “He’s okay, isn’t he?”
“I-I don’t know really. When I asked, Kiara broke down and couldn’t talk anymore. All I know is that he is alive, but I don’t know his condition. I’m on my way to the airport now. I figured you’d want to be there.”
Dale nodded and rushed back in the house just long enough to grab his shirt, wallet and keys. Within moments they were on the road on the way to the airport, the trip made in complete silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
Dale leaned his head against the window, closing his eyes against the sting of tears that were threatening. Why Brett? Brett was probably the best person he’d ever had the privilege of meeting. Yeah, they might not have started off on the right foot, but it wasn’t long before they had become very good friends.
He rubbed his eyes, trying to figure this out in his head. Who in the hell would want to hurt Brett? He honestly couldn’t come up with any kind of answer.
There would be time to figure all that out later, and he made a silent vow that when he did find the person behind this, he would personally make their life a living hell. But for now there was only one thing that mattered…Brett. He had to live, he just had too.
“Please God.” Dale prayed softly, not realizing a single tear had escaped.
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Chapter Seventy Two
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“I’m not going to sugar coat things.” The doctor began, addressing the group before him in the waiting room. He knew he had to be completely honest about his patient’s condition. He couldn’t allow these people to get their hopes up…not yet.
“Although he is fairly stable right now, his condition is still very critical. While he hope that he stays that way, you need to know that that can change in a heartbeat. If he makes it through the surgery, the next few days will be very crucial as the chance for infections and other complications are very high.” He paused for a moment and then began speaking again. “He’s being prepped for the surgery now. It’ll probably take several hours to repair all of the damage inside. There is a waiting room on the surgical floor where you can wait. Someone will come out and keep you updated every now and then. Are there any questions?” He finished, meeting the eyes of each of the persons before him. When everyone remained silent, he turned and left the room.
Kiara immediately turned to Sydney and frowned when she saw her staring blankly into space. She was worried for her friend almost as much as she was for Brett. Sydney had yet to show much emotion and Kiara truly believed that Sydney was in a deep state of shock. She knew that Sydney had allowed herself to go numb rather than deal with the devastation that reality brought. She hoped that she, or someone that Sydney was close with was around when she did allow the emotions to come because it was going to be overwhelming for Sydney.
“Let’s go upstairs.” Kiara said to Sydney as she gently took hold of her arm and began leading her out of the room.
Sydney stopped and turned to look at Kiara. “What?” She asked in a voice so small and pitiful that it broke her he heart to hear. Then before Kiara could reply, Sydney just crumpled, falling down to her knees on the floor as a heart wrenching cry escaped her.
Kiara gave Kevin a grateful look when he immediately rushed over and picked Sydney up. He sat down in a nearby chair with her on his lap, holding he tight against him until her sobbing was reduced to small, quiet whimpers. Lifting her face from his chest, Kevin brushed the tears from her cheeks as he looked into her eyes.
“He’s going to be okay, right?” Sydney whispered, her eyes begging him to say so. She knew that she couldn’t handle it if Brett didn’t make it through this.
Kevin sighed heavily as he hugged her tight again and spoke the only words that he could. “I hope so, Syd. I hope so.”
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Chapter Seventy Three
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Kiara watched her best friend sleep, although she knew it wasn’t a peaceful sleep from the moans and tossing and turning Sydney was doing. She had completely fallen apart after breaking out of her trance, and the doctors had ended up giving her a sedative to calm her down. Kiara hadn’t agreed with it, but by the time she had realized what was going on, the injection had already been administered.
There was still no news on Brett, and he’d been in surgery for nearly three hours. The wait was starting to get to everyone there, and Kiara found herself thinking that maybe she too should get a shot of whatever had been given to Sydney.
She buried her face in her hands, sighing raggedly, hating the feeling of helplessness that was there. She had felt the same way when her brother was in the hospital, and it was a feeling she had never wished to have again.
She rubbed her eyes, then looked up, glancing at the clock, which she had been doing repeatedly since Brett had been taken into surgery. Seeing only a few minutes had passed since she last looked, she groaned and put her head back in her hands.
She jumped slightly a few minutes later when she felt a hand on her shoulder, having not heard anyone approach. She looked up and smiled gratefully as she took the cup of steaming hot coffee Kevin held out for her.
“Thanks.” She said softly, taking a sip as Kevin sat down next to her, his eyes on Sydney, who was stretched out across from them on the bench.
“How is she?” he asked. Kiara shook her head.
“Not good, obviously. Not that I blame her at all.” Kiara sighed. She looked away. “This is just so hard to believe.”
Kevin nodded, feeling the sting of tears. “I know. Just yesterday Brett was talking about how excited he was that Sydney was going to be here during the beginning of the tour and how he wished she could be there the entire time. He loves her so much. What if…” he trailed off his voice cracking.
Kiara put her hand over his comfortingly. “He’s going to pull through this.” She said, praying to God she wasn’t lying. “He has so much to live for.” She turned her eyes back to Sydney.
“Why would anyone want to hurt him?” Kevin asked the question they had all been asking themselves. Unable to sit any longer Kevin surged to his feet and walked briskly out of the room, needing some time alone.
Kiara watched him go, tears slipping down her face. She closed her eyes and finally let the tears flow.
She heard someone else come in and quickly wiped away the tears before turning to face them. She froze when her eyes met Dale’s. Neither spoke a word; none were needed. Their love and concern for Brett brought them together like nothing else could.
Dale walked forward and pulled her into his warm embrace, as they sought comfort in each other.
***
Everyone shot to their feet when the doctor came into the waiting room an hour later, everyone holding their breaths. The doctor’s face gave nothing away.
Sydney whimpered softly, moving closer to Kiara, who had her arms around her, steadying her as much as she possibly could. This was the moment they had all been waiting for…and dreading at the same time.
The doctor looked at all of them before settling his gaze on Sydney. “Brett made it through surgery just fine.” He announced, pausing a moment to allow everyone absorb the news.
“There was a lot of damage, but we were able to repair everything.” He continued. “The next forty eight hours will be crucial, but I believe that if we don’t experience any complications in that time, then Brett will be just fine.”
“We have him heavily sedated, and will keep that way for at least a couple days. We want to give his body time to try to start healing, so basically we’re keeping him in a drug induced coma. Once we feel the critical stage has passed, we will wake him.”
“We got through the first step, but we still have a ways to go.” He finished. Everyone was quiet trying to decide if they felt relief or more terror.
Kiara spoke first. “Can we see him?” she asked softly, knowing what Sydney needed right now was to be with Brett. The doctor got her silent message.
He nodded. “Yes, but no more than two at a time, and I ask that you make your visits short. We’re moving him in a private room now, so I’ll come and get you as soon as he’s settled.” With that he turned and left the room.
“Syd?” Kiara asked softly when her friend hadn’t moved or said a word. Sydney blinked and slowly turned her head to look at Kiara.
“I don’t know if I can do this.” Sydney whispered, her voice trembling just as bad as her body.
Kiara tilted her head. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t know if I can see him…I can’t see him like this.”
Kiara sighed and led Sydney over to the chairs in the corner of the room to give them a little bit of privacy.
“Listen to me. You can do this. Brett needs you right now, and you need to be with him.” Kiara told her sternly. “He’s going to make it through this, and you’re the reason why. I strongly believe that you are the whole reason he’s held on, and will continue to do so. You have to go to him, let him know you’re here and tell him how much you love him.”
Sydney nodded, tears falling unnoticed down her cheeks. “You’re right.” She tried to smile, but it didn’t quite work. “I need to be with him. Will you come with me?” she asked. Kiara shook her head.
“No. I think you need some time alone with him.” Kiara told her gently. Sydney was silent for a moment then nodded her head knowing Kiara was right.
A few minutes later the doctor came back in and asked for Sydney to follow him. Everyone was quiet after she left the room, each lost in their own thoughts. After a moment, Dale moved over next to Kiara.
“Is she going to be okay?” he asked. Since their hug earlier, Kiara had kept her distance from him, pulling away not only physically but emotionally as well.
Kiara nodded, not looking at him.
“I think now she will be.” She answered. “Excuse me.” She got up and walked over to her brother, needing to be with him at the moment as she waited for Sydney to come back out, hoping and praying for some kind of miracle for Brett.