November Rain (The Rain Series Book 1) Read online

  November Rain

  All rights reserved.

  Published by Raine Publishing

  Copyright © 2014 by Tiffany Salcedo

  Cover art by Sara Eirew Photography & Design

  This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or other unauthorized use of the material or artwork herein is prohibited without the express written permission of the author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and resemblance to any persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  CHAPTERS

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Epilogue Acknowledgements About the author

  For Joey and Raquel

  My Biggest Fans

  PROLOGUE

  I see flashes of light, as bright as day. I see him, smiling back at me. “One more picture!” I say. Flash. He's gone. The flashes are still there, but he is gone. I don't hear our song anymore. I don't see him with his guitar anymore. The sweet sound of his music is no longer there. “November Rain” is over. Another flash appears but he's still missing. I feel pain. I feel loss. I feel broken. What am I hearing? I hear murmurs of voices talking over me. Where am I? What's happened to me? I feel more pain. I hear myself whisper, “My baby. Save my baby.” It's dark. Flashes are gone. He is gone. I feel no more pain. Maybe I am gone.

  CHAPTER 1

  1998 MARTY

  15 yrs ago I, Marty Mayfield, was deeply in love. As deeply in love as a 16yr old could be. Swept away by a boy who was my entire life. Matt Cooper was a senior in high school graduating and leaving my life to go into the Air Force. He didn't want to leave me - he didn't have a choice. It was either, “Be on your own with no money, no help from me; or make a life in the family business,” as his father put it. An 18yr old who couldn't say no to his father made that choice - he had to leave me. As a 16yr old girl my whole world was filled with Matt. He was my everything.

  We knew each other for a couple months before we became involved. We met during the first week of High School registration - I was on the student council, helping with the school tours. Matt was in one of my groups. I felt a connection with him that first day. He had just moved from Fairfield, California with his family. His father was in the Air Force, which led them to Tampa Bay, Florida. He had three older brothers who had already left for the service. I, on the other hand, was an only child. My parents were into real estate. They had one of the most successful real estate businesses in our city. We had a huge property with a pond in our back yard. Below the pond was a massive gumbo, limbo tree; branches that wove in and out from every direction.

  Matt and I spent many hours each week under that tree. My dad hung a swing from one of the branches when I was a little girl. The swing was still there so Matt would push me countless times. Other times he would play his guitar, singing to me while I took pictures of him. I couldn't get enough of looking at his perfect face; the most gorgeous blue/gray eyes and lush dark brown hair. I loved when his hair got a little long; it would start to curl at the ends. His smile was to die for. He lifted my spirits whenever he looked at me - making me feel beautiful, important. Listening to him sing took my breath away; I loved hearing his voice carry those melodies - giving me chills throughout my body. I loved him with a passion.

  I knew he loved me too. He was the first to say those three words to me. As a gushy girl that I was, I cried and repeated what he professed to me, “I love you, too”under our tree with the stars twinkling bright, holding each other.

  We had many moments of almost having sex, but his parents were very strict. We couldn't be in a room without one of them being there. They even discussed things with my parents about “their rules.” My parents worked a lot - they didn't have time to baby sit us That's why we hung out by the tree so much - our private sanctuary. It was away from the house. Away from “the real world” as I called it.

  The night before he left we made love under our tree. It was our first time together. Our first time of feeling each other completely; lost in each others bodies. Matt was so gentle, so loving that the first time he entered me didn't hurt as much as I thought it would.

  I couldn't believe he was going away - leaving me. Leaving me behind with the memories we created underneath our tree. Before he left he gave me a gift. It was a gorgeous sterling silver necklace with a tree engraved on a round silver coin. I wore that necklace until I could no longer accept he was coming back to me. Loving someone that strongly, as young as I was, was devastating for me to see him go - to stop believing that he was ever coming back. Through dozens of letters that I mailed him, I never received one back. I thought my life was over. Our dreams of getting married and having kids was over. What would I do next?

  CHAPTER 2

  MATT

  Yes I still think about her. I still think about her smile, her big green eyes, long blonde hair that smelled like sweet fruit. Her skin, so soft. Her lips - how I longed for those lips. To kiss them. I melted every time we kissed. Just to feel her body curled up against mine, that has never left my mind. So yes, I still think about her. I sound like a love sick puppy over a girl, but she was no ordinary girl - she was my best friend. She knew me like no other person. She was always smiling, never one to play games with me, and never fucked around with the truth - always honest.

  Her passion was taking pictures. She was always eager to take pictures of her surroundings; we would go along the beach and she would start snapping her camera like there was never gonna be another wave crashing, or a seagull flying by. I'd be playing my guitar and she would be taking pictures of me; that camera was her window.

  I miss those innocent days. Our innocent touchings - innocent kisses. Those days out by the gumbo, limbo tree are gone. The day I was sent away for the Air Force was the last day I ever saw her. The last innocent day.

  My Father was a big time General. He refused to let me live my life outside the Air Force. I knew I had no other option but to do what he wanted for me. It really felt like the end of my life. All I ever wanted to do was handcraft guitars and become a musician. I loved the feel of my fingers on the strings of my guitar. I loved how the music came and I could get lost in the sounds. My dad couldn't understand my dreams. He couldn't understand my love for music. It “wasn't realistic,” he would say to me. I was pretty much the dark horse in the family. All my brothers were in the service so he expected the same out of me. Did I hate my dad for pushing me into this? For making me leave my girl? For not supporting my dreams? Yes. I guess at that time I thought I hated him; I was pissed for many years. Resentment towards him was tough to get over.

  During the months of boot camp training I got many letters from Marty. I tried so hard to get her out of my mind. I thought by not writing her back it would make things easier on me - easier on her. She needed to let me go - It was fucking torture. The letters kept coming. I could feel her weeping as I read her words; I had broken her world, her spirit. What an asshole I was. Over time the letters stopped coming. I was devastated, but I fucked things up on my own. I had to move on and try to erase her from my mind.r />
  Man, who the fuck was I kidding? I still thought of her. I still dreamed of her. I still loved her. I do still love her. I do still dream of her. I do still think of her.

  The Air Force was actually a good thing for me. At the time I was just a pissed off SOB because of my dad, but as time went on I learned I needed that structure to get me through my young, adult life - I needed to get kicked in the ass to make a man out of me. And believe me, being 18 with an attitude, I needed some butt kicking. Four years into the air force I was taken into deep action. After 911 happened I was sent overseas. I was there for about a year. There were too many close calls; being shot or being exploded to death. I witnessed many deaths with those I called brothers/sisters. Those were the darkest days of my life. I don't think I would ever change my experience though; I'm a better man because of it. I don't take my life or others for granted anymore - I still wear my dog tags just so I can remember who I was, and who was left behind.

  I left the Air Force after 10yrs. I felt I had put myself out there as long as I could. Unlike me, my three brothers are still in the service. They are all married with kids, living in different parts of the country. I decided to stay in San Diego where I was stationed. I love the city, I love the ocean - the weather. It's a perfect place for who I am today. I was able to save money and finally start my life by opening a hand crafted guitar shop. Finally living my dream. It's a surreal feeling because I've wanted this for so long. My dad made his peace with me. He accepted my decision. I was a grown man and worked hard for our country. He was proud. For him to be proud of me is something I can't describe. That's all I have ever wanted from him. No matter if it was music, or being in the Air Force, it meant everything. He passed away the year I left; died of a heart attack. Just knowing he was proud of me before he died was a gift. I wish we had more time together. I wish he had seen how my life turned out. I would like to think he would have been happy with my new life - proud of my life. The resentment I had towards him faded after I opened my shop. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be where I am today, but because of him I never found out what it would have been like if I had stayed with Marty.

  Life takes you in so many directions; I've had my fair share of many beautiful women. There were a couple I thought I could settle down with but timing was never right. Or maybe because they weren't Marty. I have always been wishing that I could find that one special woman that was just like her. Hasn't happened yet. I tried looking her up on Facebook, but found out through some friends that she had gotten married and was living in Europe. I was disappointed to find this out. I gave up and continued to live my life without her. Five years later and having a successful business you would think I had everything I had ever wanted; good money, women, sex, a nice beach house, being a bachelor. You'd think I was living every mans fantasy, but fantasies are just that: fantasies. Don't get me wrong I love my life - hell, I paid a lot for it and wouldn't trade it for anything, but there is this hole that is empty. Who knows when I will ever feel complete?

  CHAPTER 3

  MARTY - 2013

  “Congratulations, Marty, you've come a long way in the last year.” My shrink said with praise. But I was thinking, what the hell, why should I be happy about this strange milestone? It was true though. I've come so far from where I was a year ago today.

  I don't have it in me to smile, but I do reply saying, “I can't believe it's been a year. I never thought I would see this day.”

  Damn. I should have been dead.

  “You have made a huge improvement from when I met you the first time. You should be very proud of yourself.” Dr. Rose put her notebook aside and patted my hand. “Have you thought about your plans we discussed last week?”

  I look down at my hands and nod my head. “Yeah. I think I'm ready to move forward. I'm not sure how I would have survived this year if it wasn't for my parents, dragging me here to see you. Thank you.” I really wanted to cry, but took a deep breath instead.

  She handed me a card. “Here is Dr. Katz's number, just in case you decide you need to talk.”

  Since I was thinking of moving to San Diego, Dr. Katz joined one of my sessions. Dr. Rose thought it would be best to have someone who I can go to just in case I needed to talk. I agreed .

  “Thanks. I'll keep her number close.”

  *****

  “I still don't understand why you want to leave so soon. It's only been one year, Marty.” My mother, Charlotte, complained.

  I had just gotten back home from my last session with Dr. Rose. Mom and I were in the kitchen; It overlooked the pond and the big limbo tree out back. Windows from floor to ceiling cascaded around the kitchen into the living room. It was a favorite hangout for the family.

  We were both at the kitchen island, drinking coffee. As usual, mom had her ipad available, scrolling through her latest updates on all the new houses available.

  I took a deep breath, “Mom, we talked about this remember? Dr. Rose agrees that I'm in a better place now. I have to do this for myself. I can't stay under yours and dads wings anymore. I really need to leave.”

  “But why California, my dear? Why do you need to leave here, again?”

  “Who's leavin' again?” And here comes my dad; a big, barreled chest of a man. My mom looked so tiny next to him. Her 5'3” length was no comparison to my 6'3” father. They made a striking couple. Mom had hazel eyes with a petite figure. Dad had a full head of thick silver hair and big light brown eyes. He was, and is, a very handsome, older man. Mom still went weak in the knees with him. I envied their marriage.

  I rolled my eyes. “Dad, I'm moving to San Diego, remember? You said I could stay in our vacation home, in Del Mar?”

  Clueless parents. Or desperate to keep me here.

  Dad kissed my cheek. “Hello, darlin'.” A true southerner. “So, it's really happenin'?”

  Ugh, hell. “Yes, it's really happening. I know you think I need more time, but the fact is I feel ready. No. I am ready.”

  Dad put his big hands on my shoulders, looked me in the eyes, then glanced at mom. “Charlotte, she needs to go.”

  I exhaled. Mom looked at dad and sighed, “Conrad, I know... I know.” And nothing was further said. I finally felt relief.

  I may not be one hundred percent all better, but I'm headed in the right direction. Dad handed me the key to our condo. This little key was a huge reminder for how far my life has come. This may sound so corny, but this simple key was the key to my future.

  Dad gave me a big hug and said, “I'm so proud of you, darlin'. I love ya.”

  I'm not gonna cry. I won't cry. But the tears welled up.

  “I know. I love you too. I'll be okay. I have to be okay. I have no other choice.” I gave mom a hug, went up to my room, and started packing.

  *****

  Just breathe, just breathe. It's only a 6 hour flight. You have flown before. I really hate flying, not my favorite way to travel. I've traveled many times overseas, but I still hate being up in the air. I feel out of control. So I keep breathing. I close my eyes, turn on my ipod and tune out the rest of my thoughts.

  Well, I tried to tune everything out until the girl next to me started yapping in my ear.

  “I just love that song you're listenin' to.”

  Great, can I go back to my music now? I thought.

  “Psst?”

  I slowly turn my head and look at her. I take out my ear buds. “Excuse me?” I asked, irritated.

  She gives me her hand to shake. “Hi! I didn't mean to disturb you but I'm Amy. Amy Heart.”

  I didn't want to be a bitch so I shook her hand back. “Um, hello.” I really don't want to give her my name. I'm so not in the mood for this.

  “And your name is?”

  Okay, so I should be nice and give her my name too. “Marty.”

  “Marty! Wow, such a cute name!” She's too stinkin' happy and bubbly. She looks like she came straight from a beauty pageant or something; big blonde hair, big smile, big white teeth. She's pretty and all
, but just very..... pageantry.

  “You don't hear many women with that name. Very unique.”

  She loves to smile. I try my best to give her a smile back.

  “Thanks... I guess.” Sorta smiled.

  She continues to gab. “So, I've been traveling from Texas. Texas is my home state -”

  I should have known.

  “I went to Florida for a beauty pageant -.”

  Shit, I was right. A beauty queen.

  “- but didn't make the finals. So, now I'm headed to San Diego for another pageant. I'm a very

  persistent woman. I never give up! I may not be as young as I was once before, but ….......”

  I zone her out. She's talking too damn fast I can't keep up.

  “Anyways, what brings you on this flight?”

  I can't. I can't talk about anything. How was I going to say this without sounding like a prick?

  “I'm sorry, I don't want to be rude or anything, but I'm just not in a good place right now to chat about myself.”

  She gives me a pouty look.

  God, I'm a horrible person.

  “Oh my, I'm so sorry sweetie! I didn't mean to pry.”

  Exhale. Relief. “It's okay. I just need some rest right now.”

  Amy pats my hand. “Sugar, I'm here if you need to chat.”

  I actually smile back. “Thanks.” Back to music. Back to tuning out my thoughts.

  *****

  I felt another tap on my shoulder. It was Amy.

  “Rise and shine, sweetie, we're ready to land.” Amy said, in a singing voice.

  Wow, I can't believe I actually slept through the flight. What did the flight attendant put in my

  water?

  “Oh, gosh, thanks.” I put my ipod away and buckle up.

  “My, my can you sleep! I can never sleep in these stiff chairs.”

  Stiff is right. Now my neck hurts.