by Ford, Mia
“I love you.” I replied as he walked out of the room. I let the tears slide down my cheeks, feeling grief hit me like it did with my parents’ deaths. I didn’t think he was walking out of my life, but Remy was checked out. I hoped that he worked through this and would personally be happy if Amy stopped working there. I turned to face the wall, wondering how I was going to find it in me to work today. My head was racing with thoughts and emotions, tangling up as I cried harder.
I ended up getting up and taking a long walk on the beach for about an hour, trying to work this through my head. I knew that we loved each other and wanted each other but something shifted between us in the last day or so. Maybe it was always there, and I finally saw it. I had no idea.
I walked back into the house and felt relieved when it seemed empty. I hopped into the shower and tried to fix my appearance before I got to work. I dressed in my favorite yoga pants and a t-shirt, setting up my desk just as I liked it, so I could write. I grabbed some cold brew coffee and water, leaving the door cracked so I could hear if someone came home. I was surprised at how well my emotions flowed into the story I was writing, easing my pain slightly. I looked out at the beach and knew that this was why I loved writing. It got my thoughts out and released my emotions, good and bad. I smiled weakly and realized how lucky I was to have that.
I worked all day, eating a salad for a late lunch and enjoying some cookies for energy. I hadn’t heard from Remy all day and it concerned me since there were usually a few texts at the very least. I glanced at the clock and realized that he might be home soon, hearing movement downstairs. I assumed that Melinda was making dinner and moved to help her. I’d gotten a lot of words in and needed a break and perhaps to talk to her about this.
I wandered downstairs and looked forward to see her moving around in the kitchen as expected. “Need any help?” I asked as she looked up at me with a warm smile.
“I wasn’t sure if you were going to come out of there today. Is everything okay?” She asked as I bit my lip nervously.
“Well, I think I had a fight with Remy. Something like that,” I replied as she shot me a curious look.
“What happened?” She asked as I moved beside her to help.
“You know he works with his ex,” I said as she nodded. “I’ve felt like he might have feelings for her or something and it hit me hard last night. She sent a message that suggested that even though he assured me that she was seeing his boss and it was meant for him.” I pulled the potatoes over to me and started chopping them. “Has he told you about her?”
“Not much but I know he’s with you. Completely with you,” Melinda told me as she looked at me. “I can’t say that she might not want him back because he is my son, but I don’t think he’s looking for anything with anybody else. I have seen that version of him.”
“I hope not.” I replied as I focused on the potatoes. I chopped them and boiled them for mashed potatoes to go with the roast she was making, helping with salad after that. Thomas came in just before six and I looked at the clock. Where was Remy?
Melinda moved towards her phone on the counter behind us, typing something out. She set it down and pulled the roast out as I stared at the phone. It chimed, and she reached for it, reading a message, and looking at me. “He’s on his way.”
I wasn’t the kind of girl that expected him to always touch bases with me. I never had been that kind of person but today I would have liked a text or call that told me he was coming home. He had options now, and I felt sick as I tossed the lettuce with the vegetables.
We were sitting down when Remy walked in. He went to the fridge and got a beer before he joined us at the table, greeting his parents and kissing my cheek. I shot him a curious look, but he asked us how our day went as Melinda answered him. She gave me an odd look and as she did, I set my fork down, dreading the end of the meal.
I helped clean the table while Remy excused himself to change. Melinda helped me, and we whispered about the weird dinner. She had no idea what was happening, and I was waiting for Remy to come back as much as I was dreading it. He came into the kitchen dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, looking amazing. He got another beer and looked at me as I wiped my hands on a towel. “Want to take a walk?” He asked, and I nodded with a weak smile.
We left through the back door and headed to the sand. I didn’t say anything, too scared of what he was going to say. I looked down and then at the crashing waves as he cleared his throat. “I spoke to Rick today and told him about how Amy has been acting towards me. He knew that we had a past but not too much more and was oblivious to the fact she was still hitting on me.” He looked at me as I widened my eyes. “Nothing ever happened. I told her to cut the shit or else she was going to be gone, which was probably when she started sleeping with Rick. I was stupid enough to assume that everything would be fine, but she’s screwing it all up. I told him that I needed her gone and broke down what was going on.”
“What happened?”
“He just split up with his girlfriend and he’s a little vulnerable. I asked him if he noticed anything off about Amy and when he thought about it, he had. We got to talking, and he agreed that she was playing him and came here with the plan to find me. As great a worker as she is, being with Rick is against company policy. He’s going to call her into the office in the morning and let her go. She was on probation, so it should be easy.”
“She’ll go?” I asked as Remy looked over the water.
“We’re not going to trash her reputation if she leaves quietly. She’s a good worker and might improve in a better environment.” Remy answered quietly before reaching for my hand. “It will mean long hours until we replace her but we’re going to look at the former applicants again. It will work out.”
“I hope so. I want you to be happy, Remy.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I want that even if it doesn’t include me in your life.”
Remy stopped and turned to look at me. “Celia, I told him I’d quit if he chose to keep her. Does anything about that suggest that I don’t want you in my life?” I started at him, getting lost in his eyes as I allowed myself to smile.
“You did?” I asked as he nodded.
“I was stupid to ignore it. She wasn’t being over the top with it and I assumed that it would fade away. I haven’t been sure how to handle the people from my past, Celia. I’ve never felt like this about anyone and I wanted to keep you private. I hinted at having a girlfriend and it seemed to do the trick until Amy showed up. She gave such mixed signals that I was never sure if she got it or not.” He shot me a guilty look, and we continued to walk. “I will quit if I need to. I know I can work on my own freelancing, but I’d like to build something with a firm after losing my gig in Seattle. I enjoyed that aspect of things but there’s no reason I can’t freelance and do that on my own.”
“I am watching you love working for Rick. You’re growing so much and happy, apart from lately. I want you to stay there, Remy. See where it goes.” I paused and slipped my arms around his neck. “I want to deal with these stupid issues I have. I never realized it until I understood how much I need you in my life, more than anyone else.” I pushed up on my tiptoes to kiss him. “I love you, Remy. I don’t want to lose you.”
“I don’t want to lose you too.” He murmured before kissing me again. We wrapped our arms around each other as we kept walking, discussing future plans as we watched the sun set. Nothing serious or fast but things we might want to do down the line. We headed back to the house and inside, wanting to settle in and watch a movie together.
“Do you still hurt badly?” Remy asked when we were in bed.
“Sore but it’s better. It’s nice getting around again, but it sounds like the insurance company is fighting with the other driver’s company. Melinda keeps it in, but I hear her talking to your dad.”
“They are. Dad’s willing to go all in if they keep it up. He hit you guys, and that’s it.” Remy pulled me against him and kissed me.
“I am just glad we walked a
way.” I snuggled into his chest, pressing my lips against his skin. I was a little worried about the following morning, but it seemed like they were going about it the right way. Remy stroked my hair, and I smiled as I closed my eyes.
Brin popped in over the weekend while Ryan was at a set. It was no surprise that he was an actor. She helped with dinner and we sat down together, laughing, and talking. I felt good knowing that Amy agreed to leave the company. She also agreed to give up Rick after admitting that she didn’t feel anything for him. She was trying to make Remy jealous and when it didn’t work, she got a little desperate. He was working a lot again until they hired someone since she walked out the day they called her into the office.
Brin listened to the short version of the story, shaking her head. “When did you start hooking up with crazy girls?” She asked him, winking at me to show that she was joking.
“She’s it. I have a great girl now.” He boasted, taking my hand. I thought that Brin looked a little distracted even with the laughter and the joking, and she pulled me to the beach as soon as we cleaned up.
“What is it?” I asked as she pulled me down to the water.
“I missed my period, Celia. I haven’t taken any test yet since it’s still new and I need you there.” I gasped as she looked at me. “I love Ryan so that’s not a problem. It’s sooner than I’d want but I think we’re solid.” I agreed. He was one of the best guys she ever dated.
“Let’s go to the store. We can do it in my room.” I told her as she sucked in a nervous breath.
“Oh my God. I can’t believe this. I’ve been so good about taking my pills. I have no idea what happened.” She turned and led me back to the house, telling everyone that she was craving ice cream and we were going to the store. We hopped in her car and headed out, both of us silent. We went to the closest grocery store and picked up two pints of ice cream and a few pregnancy tests. She paid as the older clerk pretended that she didn’t notice what she was bagging for us and we headed to the car.
Brin slipped the tests into her big purse and balled up the receipt. We drove back to the house and everyone was in the living room. “We have dessert!” She called out before excusing herself to the bathroom. I watched as she held her purse over her shoulder and started pulling down bowls to scoop the ice cream in.
Everyone got a bowl and took it outside as I waited inside, getting some water. I watched for Brin and shoved my bowl into the freezer before running back. I opened my bedroom door and then walked to the bathroom door. “Brin?” I asked, tapping on the door. “They might start to wonder.” I listened closely for anyone coming up the stairs as she opened the door. Brin looked shell shocked and held up one of the tests that boasted a bold pink word telling her what her future was.
“I’m going to have Ryan’s baby,” she said softly as I hesitantly hugged her.
“Are you okay?” I asked as she breathed in.
“I know we’ll be good. I’m scared but I can handle this. Right?” She asked as I told her I’d be there for her.
“Girls? Is everything okay?” Melinda called as we burst out laughing.
“Just upstairs. We’ll be down soon.” Brin called out as she looked at me with wide eyes. “Do I just go for it and tell them?”
“She’ll guess. You know how she is.” I reminded Brin as she pressed her hand to her head.
“Come get some ice cream. You’re the one that wanted it.” Melinda called, and Brin wrapped the tests in toilet paper to shove them to the bottom of the trash. I promised that I’d take care of it and we headed downstairs. The kitchen was empty, and she scooped some ice cream into a bowl while I pulled mine out of the freezer. “It’s cold!!” I grabbed a towel to hold the edges with and we headed out to the deck.
Remy looked at us with suspicion in his eyes as we took our seats. “What were you doing?”
“We got caught up talking. She doesn’t live here anymore.” I told him. I still talk to Brin and we sent a lot of messages back and forth. We started to eat, and Melinda searched our faces for a moment before she finished her dish of ice cream. I waited for Brin to drop the bomb, but she headed out a short time after dessert. I walked her further to her car and hugged her as she glanced back at the house.
“I’m going to tell Ryan first. I can’t wait to see his face. I’ll decide how to tell them after that.” Brin smiled at me and ruffled my hair. “Move out by me already.”
“You’re not that far and I’m working towards something.” I assured her, hugging her again.
“Fine. Be that way. I’ll call you tomorrow!” Brin said before slipping into her car and driving away. I walked back to the house and Remy pulled me into his arms.
“Is she okay?” He asked as I smiled.
“Yes. We just miss sleeping in the same house.” I assured him as I lifted my face to his for a long kiss. “I miss her.”
“Has she asked you to move in yet?” He asked as I laughed.
“They only have a two-bedroom. No. I know I could stay there if needed but they need their space.” I didn’t add that they would need that bedroom soon, kissing him instead. We walked inside and cleaned up the deck for his mom before heading upstairs. I could see how relaxed he was now that Amy was gone and never realized how much it bothered him while she was there. We made love before bed and I pressed against him, happy that he was here with me.
Chapter Sixteen
Remy
I showered for work the following morning, feeling like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Amy was gone, and her stuff packed up. I was going to go in and take a look at some other resumes, so we could find someone more suited for the job. I knew that he regretted letting her go entirely after she was gone, but Rick would be better off. She wasn’t with him for the right reasons.
I kissed Celia goodbye, telling her to take it easy today before leaving for the day. She giggled and curled up under the covers again, looking like she was going to go back to sleep.
I drove in and parked, feeling good about this. Heading into the office, I greeted the few that were there and made myself some coffee before going into my office. The sun was bright today, and I smiled to myself as I warmed up my computer. I glanced at the stack of resumes as I sipped my coffee, reaching for them.
There were a lot of fresh graduates but that offered potential. I was willing to train the right person. I admittedly looked closer at the male applicants than the females, still unsure about hiring another one. I never saw Amy for who she was before. I was young and focused on building a design firm, not settling down with a woman. She just happened to be there. I was certain that she wanted Ian more than me but when she showed up, she wanted me back. We both had her blocked from our phones and she was warned not to call.
Rick walked in and I glanced up. He looked tired. “Are you okay?” I asked as he moved to sit down across from me.
“I went out with friends last night. It got in late, and I got sauced.” He replied as I chuckled. “I met someone though. We’re going out this weekend.” I raised a brow, and he smirked.
“She’s a redhead and works for a law firm close by. I got only good vibes and I’m taking this one slow.” He promised before looking at the stack of paper. “How’s that going?”
“I found a few guys that might work. Graduates and eager to learn. If we get the right person, they’ll be willing to put in the work.” I replied as he laughed.
“Guys?” Rick asked as I reached for my coffee.
“I am done working with women. It’s hard enough walking through the building in the middle of the day without having someone over our shoulders, working with us.” I complained as he bent his head forward in laughter.
“It must be hard to be you,” Rick teased me as I rolled my eyes.
“There was a time when I enjoyed it. Hell, I’d feed off it. I’m settled now and not into that anymore.” I’d explained about Seattle and Rick gazed at me thoughtfully.
“I think you’ve always been that guy. It just t
akes a while to get there and the right woman.” I grinned, nodding in agreement. I handed him the applications I found impressive and picked up the others, sorting through them. I knew that Rick wasn’t going to be as open with this new hire. We needed someone good.
We narrowed it down to a stack of five and Rick took them to call. We needed to know who was still available before we could interview, and I nodded at him as he left. I got to a project and started working, feeling the breeze blowing in through the open window. Celia was right when she pointed out that I loved my job. I did.
Rick came back in after lunch and told me that four out of the five were still looking for work. We planned times and days and I called them to set that up, so he could work on something.
I went home all week with a smile on my face, happy with my life. Celia was bouncing off the walls and I pulled her against me, asking her what was up. “What is going on?”
“It was just a good day. Did you make any progress?” She asked as I nodded.
“We have four interviews throughout the week. I think we’ll find a good candidate.” Mom was in the kitchen making fresh pizzas for dinner and I hung my keys on the wall. I told them I was going to change and headed upstairs, smiling at the things spread out on her desk. Celia had been busy, but she looked happy about it.
I returned to make a salad to go with the pizza and get a beer. Dad was just walking in and he got his own beer as Melinda told us we’d be eating outside. It was perfect out today and the breeze would be great.
Celia and Mom brought out fresh slices of pizza and the salad, smiling as they sat down. Mom told me that Ryan and Brin would be over for dinner over the weekend and Celia smiled. I gazed at her as she kept smiling at me, reaching for her slice to take a bite.
We got back to our beach walks at night and seemed to both let go of the idea of an apartment. We loved it here too much. By the end of the week, we’d hired a guy a few years younger than me that was willing to work hard. He was starting the following week.