Mr. Brockwell

CHAPTER NINETEEN

*Adrian*

It's going to sound cheesy as f**k when I say this, but it's the truth; I want to walk into that room and know it belongs to Calista. I thought it would make her feel more at home, instead of staying with her boss. It's her home now too. It's also a way to get my mind off what just happened at Ivan's place, the fact that I shot and killed three random men. The guilt is starting to set in, and I feel obligated to ensure they didn't have families, because if they did, my guilt would eat me alive until I could make things right. Though I stand by the fact that I did what I had to do.

I parked the car in a parking lot between two furniture stores. Helping Calista out of the car, we walked to the first store together. This store had everything from kitchen appliances, to bedroom sets. As we passed by couches and other decorations, I watched as Calista admired every single little thing with her glimmering green eyes. We got to the bedroom area of the store, where there were several bed frames set up for display, as well as bedroom displays with matching furniture to the bed frames.

"Choose something that suits your style," I stated and watched her eyes gaze around the area, "anything you want, doesn't matter the price."

"Adrian... this isn't necessary." Calista mumbled, dropping her gaze to the floor.

"Don't worry, it was my idea. Plus, your rent will more than cover the cost." I teased, chuckling, gaining her attention.

"Oh, please!" She scoffed with a pinched grin, clearly trying to disguise it as a scowl.

Calista begins roaming around the different bedroom sets, until she finally stops. She's standing in front of a cream-colored upholstered sleigh bed with button detailing on the headboard and footboard. It's paired with white furniture, a matching dresser and two nightstands. There's also a vanity and cute little white upholstered bench at the foot of the bed. It has her name written all over it and I can see the glimmer in her eyes, she doesn't even have to tell me because I already know. She likes it.

"They have it in a few different colors... or do you like the white?" I asked, studying the tag for information.

"I like white." Calista sheepishly smiled with a cute little blush.

"Perfect." I smiled wide and tossed my arm around her shoulders, leading her towards the front desk.

I honestly didn't think it was going to be this easy. Normally, women can shop for hours on end, and they have to look at every single little thing. I'm very surprised that we're not spending more time here! I still want to stop at the other store, because they carry more decorative types of furniture.

While Calista was still admiring other pieces of furniture, I walked up to the front desk where a gentleman was waiting to help me with a large smile. I'm about to make his day, because Calista picked one of the priciest sets, not that I care. Money isn't something I ever have to worry about, thanks to my parents.

"I'd like to order the white bedroom set, number one-thirteen." I said, watching him type on his keyboard.

"The whole set, sir?" The man asked with wide eyes.

"Yes, including the vanity and any extras you offer. I'd like to have it delivered today, if possible." I said, sliding over my gold credit card.

"Yes, sir. It's extra-"

"That's fine, send it as soon as you can, please." I smiled, and he punched up a ticket for me, costing close to four grand.

I shoved the ticket in my pocket and smiled at the man before walking away, finding Calista looking at a glass coffee table. She peered up at me and smiled sheepishly, that familiar pink blush spread across her cheeks. I felt my lips pull up into a smirk, as I wrapped her under my arm again without even thinking about it. It feels natural having her there, close to me, but I know we just had an awkward moment kissing each other not that long ago... I should tread carefully.

We leave the first store and walk over to the second, greeted by a rich scent when we enter the building. We both inhale deeply, enjoying the cinnamon and applewood scent that lingers all around the air. We were greeted by a clerk, he smiled and waved as we entered. Calista gazes around the store, unsure of where to go. I grabbed her hand and headed down the middle aisle, back towards the rugs and paintings.

There's a white, gray, and gold rug that's hanging in the front of the main aisle. It catches Calista's eye instantly, as she runs over to inspect it. Her hands ran along the fabric of the rug, admiring the design, before looking at me with a giddy smile. I chuckled and nodded, I already knew she wanted it.

Another salesman approached us with a pleasant smile, taking notice of our interest in the white rug. He offers to pull it down, and we accept his help, as we roll it up and place it on a trolley.

"We'll keep it up at the front for you sir. What's your name?" The salesman asked.

"Adrian." I responded.

The man left with the rug and I steered Calista towards the paintings, as well as other decorative wall fixtures. Staying in the theme of white, I find a white picture frame that's a painting of white roses on a table. It's simple but gorgeous, kind of like Calista. I smiled to myself. I grabbed the painting and walked over towards her, holding it up for her to examine. Her smile told me before her words could, she liked it, so I was planning on buying it.

"This is too much..." Calista murmured, shaking her head with soft eyes.

"It's not, I promise." I replied, staring deep into her eyes.

"Why-" She started to ask the same question, the one that neither of us was ready to hear the answer to.

"Just enjoy yourself, Calista. Stop asking questions." I grunted, but turned to smile at her, before guiding her down another aisle.

This one had mirrors. Every woman requires a mirror, at least to my knowledge they do. We found a long white mirror with rose engravings on the porcelain stone. It was quite elegant, like everything else Calista chose.

Once we were finished, we paid for everything, and I asked them to deliver it as well. There's not enough room in my car for everything we bought, it will be much easier to have it all delivered at one time.

We walked back out to the car, and I opened her door for her, as she got inside. I sat in the driver's seat and started the engine, briefly glancing at Calista's adorable grin. We headed home, seeing that her new furniture would be delivered in just a couple hours. I was happy to put a smile on her face, hopefully help her feel more at home.

"Thanks for everything, Adrian. You've done so much to help me, I don't know how I'll ever repay you!" Calista exclaimed, biting her bottom lip.

"You don't need to repay me, Calista." I chuckled, but kept my eyes on the road, mostly.

"I want to..." She muttered.

"I'll think about it." I said, pacifying her.

We returned home and I asked Walter to help me disassemble the old furniture in Calista's bedroom, to make way for the new. Ida was busy making dinner and Calista entered the kitchen, offering to help.

Walter and I started with the bed, taking it apart and moving it into the hallway. I forgot to tell Calista to remove her clothes from the amour, so I set everything in the closet. It took an hour to disassemble the bedroom, but when we finally finished, the doorbell rang. It was followed by a loud squeal from Calista, causing Walter and I to laugh.

Walter scurried down the stairs to answer the door and I followed behind him, signing off on the packages. Luckily, the men delivering them were also going to assemble everything. Lucky for Walter and I! While everything was being brought in the house, I snuck off to my office and shut the door behind me.

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I dialed the number that was scribbled on the piece of paper in front of my face. I waited and after four rings, Cooper finally answered the phone.

"Hello?" Coop said, unaware of who was calling him.

"Hey Coop," I said in a low tone and heard him gasp on the other end, "How ya doin', buddy?"

"Er... Adrian... is that you?" Coop gasped again, in complete shock.

"Yeah, buddy, it's me." I chuckled, still keeping my voice low.

"Damn! How have you been, brother?!" Cooper shrieked, causing me to laugh even harder.

"Been good, bud, been good. How about yourself?" I responded, starting with a light conversation.

"Nothing crazy, just a boring civilian life now." Coop responded, almost in a grim tone.

"Well, what if I said I could spice your life up a bit?" I offered, realizing how shady I sounded.

"That depends on the job..." Coop replied.

"It's a long story. Would you and the old crew be willing to meet up to discuss matters in person?" I asked, also not wanting to discuss it over the phone.

"Sounds good, name the time and place, brother." Coop easily agreed.

"Tonight, we'll meet at a local diner called Lucky's Breakfast, be there at ten." I instructed.

"Sounds good." Coop said, and we both hung up the phone.

Luckily, Cooper still lived in New York. However, I'm not sure where the others are located now. It might take longer for them to arrive. If that's the case, I'll do the cleanup myself. I can't leave three bodies in Ivan's apartment for too long. I'm sure he already called his stepdad, and that's the one with the brains. I need to get back there as soon as I can, before this whole thing blows up in my face. Sighing, I leave my office and find Walter. I hate asking for his help with this kind of s**t, but I don't have any other options.