touch my heart Read Free

the figure, she almost fainted.
    “You’re sure that is what’s being offered each month?”
    He laughed. “Yes, Aaliyah. For as long as my client needs the treatment. He definitely needs the help. I’m worried about him. He’s already gotten rid of two therapists.”
    “And you think I can handle him?”
    “I know you can handle him. He needs a gentle hand but lots of firmness.”
    “I promise I’ll consider it. Can I call you in the morning?”
    “I was hoping I didn’t have to wait so long, but I’ll try to be patient.”
    “Good night, then, Doctor Graham. I’ll speak with you soon.”
    “You have a good night, Aaliyah.”
    After the phone disconnected, she continued to stare at the handset before she eventually put it down, pulling the covers back over her.
    She didn’t need to think. Before she’d put her phone down, she’d made her decision. Too many life changes had happened today. It was almost as if fate were intervening.
    She would go. She had to go. She needed a change, just as Eboni had said that afternoon. She wondered if the change of surroundings would heal her of the ache she felt each night as she lay in bed alone. She missed Andrew. Sometimes in the stillness of the night, the familiar hint of the Irish Spring soap he used wafted through the air.
    She rose again, picked up the phone and dialed Eboni’s number to share her plans.

Chapter 2
    O ne week later, Aaliyah looked out the cab window as miles and miles of sugar-cane fields flashed by. Barbados was spectacular. She’d seen advertisements on television, but nothing had prepared her for the reality of the island’s beauty. On her way from the airport, she’d passed gated communities with massive contemporary houses. But she’d also seen quaint chattel houses nestled among the cane fields.
    It was early afternoon, and as the car sped along the highway, a cool breeze gently caressed her face. She realized that nature knew how to provide relief for the scorching tropical heat.
    “We don’t have much farther to go,” Desmond, the driver told her. She loved his accent, tinged with the warmth of the tropic sun. “I know you must be tired and hungry. Mrs. Clarke will have lunch for you. She has been cooking all day. I know she’s excited to have another woman in the house.”
    “So you know my boss?”
    “Of course I know him. Not my business to tell you. You must know he’s a big-shot celebrity, but you’ll find out more soon enough. Just a pity what happened to him.”
    “What happened to him?”
    “He has a problem with his leg and hand. He’s not walking properly anymore. Keeps to himself most of the time.”
    “How did he get hurt?”
    “I’m sure he’ll tell you. I’m not supposed to say much. But I’m sure Mrs. Clarke is going to tell you before you hit the pillow tonight.” He laughed. “She’s not a bad woman, but she does like to talk a lot. If you want to know anything that’s happening on the island, you just have to ask her. She would make a good news reporter.” He laughed noisily out loud. He had an infectious laugh, which had her smiling until the car pulled into a long driveway lined with tall palm trees. She then breathed in deeply. “Those palms are so...tall.”
    “That’s why they’re called royal palms, miss. You’ll find them all over the island.”
    “There is something stately about them.”
    “They have been here for more than one hundred years, I’ve been told. The former owners of the house kept records stating that they were planted in 1854.”
    “Wow! I didn’t realize they were so old. Your employer must be proud of this house.”
    “He is. Only purchased it a few years ago. He did extensive renovation. It looks real nice.”
    “So you’ve only been working here since then.”
    “No, I worked a small period for the former owner. When he died, his wife sold the house and moved back to England. The new owner asked all the staff if we wanted to stay on.”
    “That’s