Loving True by Marie Rochelle Page A

book on the table next to her.   It still wasn’t holding her attention, because her mind was too focused on Hayward . Maybe if she ate something while she read, it would get her mind more focused on the book. Rising from the chaise, she headed toward the pantry for a snack. Halfway there, the phone rung “Don’t let it be Hayward .”   She answered it on the third ring.
    “Hello?”
    Silence.
    “Hello is anyone there?” She spoke a little louder this time.
    “Bitch, your time is coming and soon.” A scratchy voice hissed.
    “Who is this?” True gasped holding the phone closer to her ear.
    “Don’t worry about who it is. The only thing you need to know is I’m coming for you,” the man whispered in her ear; then he slammed the phone down.  
    Shaken by the phone call she stared at the phone, and then slowly replaced it back on the stand. The man sounded so unstable like he was barely holding on to reality.   Icy fear twisted around her heart. What if his threats were real and he really wanted to kill her?   Shivering, she rubbed her bare arms. “I can’t let that phone call worry me. Maybe it was a teenager playing a joke or something,” True said, trying to convince herself.
    “I need to get out of here before my mind starts playing tricks on me.”   Walking back into the living room, she snatched up her keys; then rushed out the front door. On her way to the walking trail, she stopped in front of Hayward ’s house. “I wonder if he has given up on me.”
    She wanted to be in another relationship, but the fear of being used again scared her. For a slight moment, she wondered if she should confess her concerns to Hayward . “No, if he’s finished with me I won’t chase something that isn’t there.” Pulling her hair back in a ponytail, she went on her daily run.
    * * * *
    Ms. Pinson, Hayward ’s housekeeper, knocked on his bedroom door. She hadn’t laid eyes on his since late yesterday. She was concerned about him. Hayward never stayed locked away in his room this long.   Should I open the door to check on him? What if he was busy with paper work and didn’t want to be disturbed. “Well, I’m going to take my chances,” she said reaching for the doorknob.
    Turning the silver handle, she pushed the door open and gasped. Hayward was passed out, face down in the middle of his bed. An empty brandy bottle was lying on the floor next to his bed. “Oh my God, Mr. Campbell, are you okay?”
    She raced over to his unconscious body. She checked for a pulse and breathed a sigh of relief when she felt a steady beat under her fingers. Picking up the brandy bottle, she threw it in the trashcan beside the bed. What could have caused him to drink until he passed out from it?   Well, it didn’t matter. She needed to get him up and into the shower. He reeked of liquor and day old clothes.
    Sitting down on the bed, she gave his shoulder a hard shove. “ Hayward , wake up. You need to take a shower.”   Hayward shoved her hand away and rolled on his back.
    “Don’t be mad at me…’’ His words were slurred and mumbled. His body twisted around in the tangled sheet.  
    She placed her hand in the middle of her chest. “What are you talking about?”
    “We were getting….” He muttered under his breath… “So, close to each other, kitten.” His arm flung over his hand hitting the headboard.
    “Don’t back away from me…” He begged tossing his head around on the pillow.
    “Shouldn’t have used you…” A deep frown creased his brow.
    Reaching out she shook his shoulder and he flinched at her light touch. “ Hayward , who are you talking about?”
    “True, please answer the door…” He grumbled hurt.
    “Why won’t you… Pick up… the phone?” He asked hurt.
    “I’m sorry… True.”   Hayward muttered over and over.
    Stunned Ms. Pinson got up from the bed and took a step back from Hayward . “He’s talking about his neighbor,” she muttered. Hayward mentioned his new