by Claire Angel
I was scheduled to have a C-section in two weeks’ time, but my Lily had her own mind.
Between contractions, I changed out of my wet pants and pulled on a pair of sweatpants. No one ever said pregnancy and labor were glamorous, but I expected a little more than what I got. No wonder they kept the men of old out of the delivery room altogether. Surely, nothing killed romance faster than a heaving, blubbering, swearing woman trying to push out a baby!
The ambulance’s response was impressive, and I was on my way to hospital in good time. My bundle of joy wasn’t kidding around, I knew that by the rapid succession of the contractions kicking my ass. My ob/gyn was waiting for me when they reeled me into theatre.
“I see our young lady has a mind of her own.” He smiled.
“The women in my family have never been slow, Doc. Hence the bump.” I grimaced as another contraction hit me in my soft bits, drawing a protracted grunt from deep inside of me.
“I’m going to try and stop the contractions, Lauren, but if that doesn’t work, we’re going to have to do a C-section. Don’t worry about a thing, I’ve got this.” His soothing voice was welcomed, especially since I had no husband’s hand to crush or face to swear at.
“I’m here, hon,” I heard my mom say.
“Oh, good. Hi, Mom...surprise…” I panted the way I was taught to, but it did diddly squat to alleviate the pain. “Doc! Where’s the good stuff? I need some juice over here,” I called out.
I heard him speaking to the nurses, and after a great deal of conversation and machine readings, the answer came.
“We can’t stop the contractions, Lauren, so I’m going to have to do a C-section under anaesthetic. It’s too far along for an epidural.” He turned to the head nurse and told her to prep me for surgery.
The shit got real, and my nerves were shot. I grasped for Mom’s hand.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’m right here. You’re in excellent hands. When you wake up, it will be over, and you’ll have a brand new baby girl.”
I remember smiling at her, a needle inserted into my hand, then nothing.
***
CHRIS
It had been a year since Lauren fluttered into my life and then disappeared. Business was good, my family was well, Harry and Irene celebrated another year of merriment together, and I was still unattached. There was the odd booty call here and there, and a blind date that seemed to have potential, then fell flat. To be honest, my love life, or lack of one, sucked.
It was ridiculous to measure every woman I met against Lauren, I knew that full well. But it didn’t change the fact that I did it anyway. Some were strikingly beautiful, some witty, some even cheeky, but none of them were all those qualities all at once. And no one had her mesmerizing green eyes and jaw droppingly sexy legs.
But, I soldiered on, one date at a time, hoping to find my Cinderella. I followed the successes of Platinum Events from afar, just for interest's sake, I lied to myself. I even saw a few articles in the New York Times, where she was in the background of pictures taken at gala events. She was more beautiful than ever. Motherhood clearly agreed with her. When she never called and told me she was pregnant, I assumed the baby wasn’t mine. I couldn’t judge her, not after the way I threw myself at Giselle the very next evening. Perhaps it was complicated—Lauren didn’t strike me as being loose.
I wondered often what the baby looked like, if it was a boy or a girl, or if it looked like Lauren, had her eyes? I kicked myself for letting her get away. If I had moved my ass when I should have, she’d be mine. It was unlike me to piss about, to not take what I wanted. I learned my lesson.
***
LAUREN
“You want me to fetch the cake, Lau?” Diane asked before she hung up.
“That would be great! Thanks, D. I’ve got about a hundred things to do before the party this afternoon.”
It was Lily Mae’s third birthday party, and her entire play school class was invited. There was no way I was going to have a zillion little terrors running amok in my apartment, so I booked a petting zoo and arranged a jumping castle to keep the little ones entertained. Mom was beside herself with excitement. Lily couldn’t have wished for a better grandma. Dad was prepping the little soldier for their first hiking trip. He was almost back to his old self, a slight limp notwithstanding.
Lily adored her grandparents as much as they did her. Which was a good thing, because I’d moved up in the events food chain. When Lily was about two, Sadie called me in for a meeting. I expected the worst, after all it was Sadie, but nothing could have prepared me for what she said.
“Lauren, I’m getting married.”
I tried not to laugh hysterically. It was the last thing I expected her to say.
“That’s wonderful, Sadie. Congratulations!” Her expression didn’t change much, being a dragon and all. I wondered who the poor victim of her affections was, but I didn’t ask.
“Thank you. Anyway, we’re moving to London, and I don’t have the strength or the patience to run the show from there.” She paused.
“Understandable,” I said.
“I’ve spoken to the owners of the company, and they’ve indicated that they’d consider taking you on as a junior partner for now, with an option to buy them out at a later stage. They wish to retire, and I put in a good word for you.”
Get the fuck out of here! Seriously? You...a good word?
“Wow, this is so unexpected,” I waffled, as I tried to organise my thoughts.
“You have a week to think it over. If you decide not to take the position, then please let me know so that I can make other arrangements. That’s all, thank you, Lauren.”
And with that, the stern principal dismissed me. I sat at my desk for a while, then grabbed my car keys and drove to Mom and Dad’s. It was afternoon, so Lily was upstairs, having a nap after play school. Mom offered, actually insisted, that she spend afternoons with them while I worked. It was a great comfort to me to know she was with her loving grandparents.
“You’re home early,” Mom said when I found her in the kitchen, cleaning up after Lily’s snack time.
“Yeah,” I said, still in a bit of a fog.
“Are you alright, darling? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“More like a dragon, actually.” I smiled.
“What?” Mom stopped what she was doing and waited for me to explain.
“I had a meeting with Sadie an hour ago, and it seems she is getting married.”
“Really? Sadie? I guess there’s someone for everyone.” She chuckled.
“I’m gonna ignore that.” I grinned as she realised she’d put her foot in it. “Anyway, she’s moving to London, and the owners of the company have offered me a junior partnership. They’re wanting to retire soon, and Sadie put in a good word for me. How do you like them apples?”
“You’re kidding! Are you gonna take it?”
“It would mean I’d be away more than I am now, Mom. Lily would have to spend more time here with you and Dad. I’m not sure if that’s fair on you guys.”
“Don’t be silly, Lau. Dad and I have lots of energy, and we adore Lily Mae. The question is, are you ready to spend more time away from her?”
My mom had a way of cutting through the crap and saying it like it was. She was right. I was nervous to leave her so often. On the other hand, it was an incredible opportunity to secure a future for Lily and me. As a single parent, I had to be extra smart when it came to providing for my daughter. Mom and Dad were amazing, but they wouldn’t be around forever.
“I think it will be good for us, Mom. I’m gonna accept the offer.”
“That’s my girl. And don’t worry about Lily, she’s a tough kid. She’ll be just fine.” Mom smiled and rested her hand over mine. “I’m so proud of you, honey. Congratulations.”
“Thanks, Mom. Couldn’t do it without you.”
Before the week was out, I was the boss. I was elated!
Diane was super proud of me. She took me out for a night on t
he town and got completely hammered. I was in charge of the driving, for obvious reasons, but also because I was now a mom. Funny how that three-letter word transformed lives. I found myself making all sorts of interesting choices. Who I dated, for instance. If Lily didn’t like him, he was toast, no matter how sexy he was.
Scotty and the team couldn’t contain their excitement when I told them that I was going to be the new bitch around the office. He laughed and expressed his gratefulness for all the ‘spade work’ he’d done over the years, sucking up to the new boss. He was such a star, I forgave him his assessment of the situation.
And so my life became a whirlwind, overnight. School fundraisers, event coordinating, a night out every so often. Life was good, and I was happy. Well, happy enough.
When Lily Mae was four, it happened. I wasn’t prepared.
Chapter 14
CHRIS
“Barbara, please come to my office,” I said over the internal line.
“Yes, Sir.”
She sat down opposite me, with her trusty notepad in hand.
“I’ve been thinking about a venue for our annual get together this summer. I thought we’d book the hotel outside Paris, again. The one we stayed at four years ago. Platinum Events did an excellent job, as I recall. Would you contact them and arrange it, please?”
“Leave it to me, Sir. Anything special I should ask for?” she said.
“No, the last one was perfect. Thank you, Barbara.”
“I’ll keep you posted, Sir.” And off she scurried, ready to wave her magic wand and make shit happen.
I’d recently ended a relationship with a lovely woman. I didn’t think it fair to keep seeing her when what I felt for her was more friendship than love. There were tears, but she was no Giselle. The latter snagged her prince, eventually. Last I heard they were living in Monaco, where she held court and drained his bank accounts.
Ryan and I spoke often. He still asked about ‘the one who got away’, and I tried to play down my disappointment. Moping wasn’t a Texan man’s bag. I didn’t dare to hope that Lauren would be at the event in France. According to the grapevine, she was a partner for a year, and then she took over as owner of Platinum Events.
I wasn’t surprised. Lauren worked hard and she was smart. That combination was a recipe for success, and I was happy for her. I wondered who the father of her baby was, and if they were together. But, life went on, and I learned to make due.
After a week of bouncing around ideas, Platinum Events laid out a proposal, and Barbara was satisfied. My old battleaxe was in top form. Within two months the arrangements were finalized, and Barbara and her team of foot soldiers sent out the invitations.
I sat back and took care of the business of bringing in the dough.
***
LAUREN
Carter Global hired us to organize their annual Executive Retreat event. It was to be in France, at the same venue where I met Chris all those years before. I had a good mind to send one of my top coordinators to take care of it, but I knew that I had to go—it was good for business.
I didn’t know how I’d feel if Chris was there. I read somewhere that he spent a lot of time in Russia, so I doubted whether he would be there.
“What's wrong with you? Why are you acting so squirrelly?” Diane asked me one night during dinner. She came over to see Lily and bring her a coloring book she had her eye on.
“I’m going to Paris next month,” I said matter of factly. “I’m just preoccupied with all the planning, I guess.”
“Paris, hey?” she said, eyebrow lifted. “It wouldn’t happen to be a Carter Global event, would it?”
Damn. There was no hiding from Diane. She could smell a rat from a hundred paces.
“Yes, it is,” I said, trying to keep it casual.
“I see. And, will the father of your daughter be there?” she asked, when Lily went to her bedroom to put away her new book.
“I suppose so. He’s been spending a lot of time in Russia, according to the grapevine, so I doubt he’ll make it.”
“Hmm, well, I suppose it’s a good thing you’re over him, then.” She grinned, and carried on eating her pasta.
“Good thing,” I said.
“When do you leave?” she asked.
“In about two weeks’ time. Lily is excited about her sleepover with grandma and grandpa. I think Dad has a training camping session planned. He bought a tent for the back of the garden, along with a portable fireplace for s’mores and hotdogs. I haven’t seen him this excited since I was Lily’s age. It’s so cute.”
“She is one lucky little girl.” Diane smiled.
“No argument there.”
“All we need now is for her mom to find someone for herself. I hope you do, Lau. You’re a catch.”
“Oh, eat your pasta.” I grinned.
“Yes, Ma’am. Oh, by the way, Leo asked me to marry him and I said yes.”
“What! When were you going to tell me?” I yelled in an excited tone.
“I’m telling you now. You better be here when we get married. I need a maid of honor and a flower girl, so I’ve got first dibs on you and Lily.”
Diane and Leo had been dating for over two years. They met when Diane was on holiday in Holland. They made a brilliant couple and I couldn’t be happier for them. I was starting to think that I was doomed to be the bridesmaid and never the bride, but I was the eternal optimist.
“Of course Lily and I will be there. I’m so happy for you, D.”
“What’s a flower girl?” Lily asked as she sat down at the table.
“Oh my goodness, your ears are sharp.” Diane laughed, then explained it to a very excited Lily.
I was happy, but my mind was already in Paris.
***
CHRIS
I drove to the hotel early in the morning. The Platinum Events’ team was setting up in the foyer, and Scotty’s familiar million-dollar smile beamed at me from across the room.
“Ah, Mr. Carter. You’re looking well.”
“Good to see you, Scotty. Thank you. The foyer is looking splendid,” I said as I scanned the room.
“Yes, Lauren wanted us to have everything just so for you.” He smiled.
“Oh, good,” I said, sounding a little unlike myself. “Is Miss Styles here?”
“No, not yet. She’s arriving later this afternoon.”
My stomach did a three-sixty. I tried to keep my cool.
“Oh, good. Looking forward to a successful event. See you later.”
“Yes, see you later, Mr. Carter.”
I needed a drink. Lauren was coming to the hotel, and I was a mess. I had no idea what I would say to her or if she’d even bother with me. I ordered a double tequila and threw it back. Afterward, I checked into my suite and tried to distract myself. It was pointless.
***
LAUREN
Everything looked the same. The lobby was stylish as always, the gang did a bang up job of setting up, and my room was as pretty as it was the first time I stayed there. Everything was running smoothly, but inside I was a mess. Memories of Chris arrested me everywhere I looked. It was strange how sounds and smells reminded one of people and situations.
I tried to avoid joining the team downstairs for as long as I could, but it was getting late and I had a job to do. I had a quick shower to freshen up, then left the room and headed for the elevator. The doors opened and I found myself alone. My mind was racing, and my heart was beating like a drum inside my chest. I knew he was there. I didn’t know how I knew, but I did. I thought I smelled his aftershave when I stepped off the elevator and into the lobby.
Gingerly, I headed for the same hall where we’d met four years prior. I recognized the Scottish lilt right away. Harry was chatting to a few people, and he looked up when he saw me and raised his glass to me. I smiled back.
Scotty was standing over at the wall nearest the bar, so I made a beeline for him. I felt safe, ‘hiding’ behind him.
“Hey, Boss.” He g
rinned when he saw me. “Glad you could make it. Paris wouldn’t be the same without you.” He smiled.
“Glad to be here, Scotty. I see you have everything in hand, as always.”
“Sure do.” He stopped talking. Something behind me must have distracted him, because he looked up and smiled.
“Good evening, Miss Styles. It’s good to see you.” The voice caressed me from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. It was Chris.
I turned very slowly to see the sexiest man alive standing behind me. He hadn’t changed a bit. In fact, he looked even more handsome, if that was even possible.
“Hi. It’s good to see you, too,” I said in my fakest ‘I’m so cool’ tone.
“Looks like you’ve done another bang up job, guys. It looks great.”
“Only the best for Carter Global.” I smiled.
His eyes sparkled as he looked down at me.
“Excuse me, Boss,” Scotty said from behind me. “I have to take care of a few things. Good to see you again, Mr. Carter,” he said and made himself scarce.
“Oh, yes. Congratulations,” Chris said. “I heard you’re now the owner of the company. Good for you. You deserve it.”
“Thank you.” I smiled, fighting the urge to slap his face hard and yell out ‘Why the fuck didn’t you return my calls, you asshole? I had your baby!’
But instead I smiled and accepted his invitation to a drink in the lounge. I felt his eyes on me as I walked, and I could have sworn I had a glow to my cheeks. Damn it, he was hot.
***
CHRIS
I couldn’t recall ever being as happy as I was when I saw Lauren standing next to Scotty. I couldn’t believe my eyes. All the anger at being jilted melted away as soon as I looked into her beautiful green eyes. She was even more beautiful than I remembered. I had to speak to her, away from everyone else. I longed to have her all to myself again.
The lounge was quiet, with most of the guests in the dining hall. Lauren and I sat at the same table we sat at the night we met.
“You look happy, Lauren,” I commented, wanting to kick myself afterward. What a lame line.
“You look well, too, Chris.”
The barman brought our drink. A double tequila with OJ for Lauren and a whiskey for me.