“Chris-”
“I am sick of him flirting with you, Hollie!” I exclaimed angrily and ran my fingers irately through my hair. “I should go tell him to fuck off!”
I stormed toward the door, but Hollie stepped in front of me, blocking the door.
“Chris, please-”
“Get out of my way, Hollie,” I growled. “That piece of shit should know that he can’t just do whatever the fuck he wants to, or objectify and disrespect you like that!”
“Chris, listen to me, please,” she said firmly, and I glanced at her. “Technically George didn’t lay a finger on me.”
“It doesn’t matter, Hollie. I saw the way he looked at you, and you were insanely uncomfortable. You should report this to Human Resources.”
“Hold on a second. I can’t do that.”
“What? Why?” I exclaimed.
“I need this job, and if I report George, then I am going to get fired. I can’t afford to lose my job, Chris. Not right now. I’m still paying off Hunter’s medical bills,” she explained.
“So in the meantime, you are just going to let him treat you like a piece of ass?” I asked.
“I don’t have a choice.”
“No, I won’t allow that. You’re my girlfriend and I don’t want him to even look in your direction,” I said through gritted teeth.
“I appreciate that you want to protect me, Chris, but just leave it.”
“Leave it?” I exclaimed. “You want me to just idly stand by and watch him look at you like that? Hear him talk to you in such a suggestive way?”
“I can handle George. I won’t let him touch me, but I can’t tell him to fuck off. He’s my boss-”
“And he shouldn’t be taking advantage of that privilege, Hollie!”
“Listen to me, Chris,” Hollie said to me and placed her hands on my shoulders. “I’m a big girl, and I can take care of myself. You’re a sweetheart for wanting to kick his ass, and I appreciate that so much.”
I glanced down at her and my jaw eased a little.
“I am only being tolerant of him because he is my boss, and I just want you to know that I am not allowing it because I have no interest in him. There is no-one I want except you, Chris. Do you hear me?” she said sincerely.
“I hear you,” I answered. “But I would give anything to just punch him the fuck out.”
“I know. Me too,” she admitted and bit her lip.
“You don’t even know how hard it was to see him with you in the kitchen,” I sighed. “Just the thought of him touching you. It drives me fucking insane.”
“I know, and it’s hard for me to keep a straight face, but as I said, I am not in the position to just quit, or report him to HR. He’s the boss around here and it’s his word against mine.”
“And mine,” I pointed out. “If I ever see him touch you, I swear to god, Hollie-”
My words were drowned out by Hollie’s lips pressing against mine, making me forget what I wanted to say completely. Her arms wrapped around my shoulders, her body pressing up against me. I raised my hands and placed them on her waist, allowing my anger to melt away by the taste of her lips.
22
Hollie
Friday
I felt as though I was on top of the world as the entire senior management of Lamont Industries gave me a round of applause as Chris and I finished our presentation. I smiled happily as Chris joined in the applause, wearing a proud smile on his face.
I pursed my lips and shrugged shyly. “Thank you so much.”
The CEO of Lamont Industries, Joel Lamont, stood from his chair and applauded me even harder, which was a tremendous honor. The applause died down and Joel cleared his throat.
“Miss Jameson-”
“Please, call me Hollie.”
“Well, Hollie. Your presentation was the best I have ever seen for as long as I’ve owned my company,” he told me.
I pressed my hand against my chest and drew in a slow breath. “Thank you, sir.”
“I just love the way you think, and the way you and Mr. Kinnison laid it out so well. Well done,” Joel said with a satisfied smile.
I couldn't stop smiling even after the conference room cleared out and I glanced at Chris.
“That was amazing,” he said as he approached me.
“We were amazing,” I corrected him.
“No way. This was all you,” he said with a smile. “I was just the sidekick, but you deserved to get all the credit. It was your idea, and it was fucking amazing.”
“It was, wasn’t it,” I chuckled.
Chris put his arms around me and hugged me. “I am so proud of you, Holl. I knew you would pull this off.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you, Chris. You allowed me to spread my wings and take on this project with my idea. So thank you for trusting me with it,” I said to him.
“I should have done this a long time ago, so it’s about time, right?” he shrugged.
“Right,” I let out a laugh and hugged him again.
“Let’s celebrate tonight,” Chris suggested.
“Celebrate? How?”
“I’ll cook dinner and you and Hunter can come around at seven. I’ll make my masterpiece dish.”
“Oh, really? And what exactly is this masterpiece you’re so gallantly referring to?” I asked, filled with intrigue about this mystery meal.
“You’ll just have to wait and see,” he winked at me.
“That sounds good, celebrating with my favorite people,” I said with a nod. “There’s something that I wanted to talk to you about, but since we’re going to your house tonight anyway, I’ll just talk to you then.”
“Is everything okay? We can talk in my office,” Chris replied, a hint of worry on his handsome face.
“No, everything is fine. It’s just something I wanted to run by you, and the kids, obviously. It really can wait,” I fobbed him off.
“Are you sure?” His eyes were now filled with concern, but I placed my hand on his arms.
“I am sure, babe.”
“Babe?” he said with a smirk. “That’s new.”
“Don’t,” I warned him mockingly. “I’ll see you tonight, okay?”
“Okay.”
“I…” My voice trailed and my heart pounded in my chest as the words nearly spilled from my mouth, but for some reason, it didn’t feel like the right time to say it. Instead, I cleared my throat and corrected myself. “I cannot wait to see you later.”
“Me too, Holl,” he said with a wink.
I turned away and left the conference room, my heart pounding ferociously in my chest. I came so close to telling Chris that I loved him – at work – which would have just been a little inappropriate, and a little mistimed. Work was not the place where I wanted to say it to him for the first time – again. Obviously, I had said it to him in college, and although my parents and my friends didn’t believe that I could possibly love someone being so young, I really did love Chris back then. My heart belonged to him from the moment I saw him at the beer pong table, filling the cups with beer and vodka.
I still recalled the red t-shirt he wore with the university logo on it, and a backward cap on his head. He had gotten a bad haircut the previous day and was hiding it under his cap. Honestly, I didn’t think it looked too bad, but I understood where he was coming from. His face was clean-shaven, and he looked content with himself. I instantly loved his laugh, and together we won the beer pong ‘championship’ of the night.
I recalled how he walked me back to my dorm and how we laughed under the stars. How he kissed me at the front door of the dorm building, and how he was still outside when I glanced out my window. I had loved him ever since that moment, even after everything else that happened. He was the one I wanted to be with, and the only person I had ever truly given my heart to.
I lowered my gaze as I retreated to my office, avoiding the celebrations going on in the kitchen area, and locked myself inside. I suddenly felt overwhelmed with emotio
ns, as I had contemplated talking to Chris about taking the next step in our relationship. Even though I knew that it was still early, I didn’t want to spend time apart any longer. I knew Amelia and Hunter adored each other and that they would definitely not have a problem with what I wanted to suggest.
I wanted to move in with Chris and Amelia, and start living like the family I’d always dreamt of – the four of us. I also didn't want to disturb the amazing balance and harmony we had between the four of us, but moving in was the only thing that made sense to me.
Was it the right thing to do? I thought so.
Would he think so too?
God, I hoped so.
“You look nice, Mommy,” Hunter told me as we walked up the path to Chris’ front door, a few minutes to seven o’clock
“Thank you, baby,” I said with a smile.
Since it was almost Fall, the heat had started to subside, but it was still warm enough for me to wear my summer tops, I opted for one of my favorite outfits. A pair of light blue distressed jeans, and an off the shoulder floral top. I loosely curled my hair and wore my favorite pair of pink pumps.
I rang the doorbell and within a few moments, the door opened. Amelia greeted us at the door with hugs and giggles of excitement, and she led us to the kitchen. Chris was in front of the stove, wearing an apron around his waist, and his face lit up when he saw us.
“Wow, something smells good,” I pointed out as I walked towards him.
“That would be me,” he grinned and kissed me.
“Ew, not so close to the food, Daddy,” Amelia groaned.
“Hey, go finish setting the table,” Chris fobbed her off.
“Okay,” Amelia sighed as she rolled her eyes, and she dragged Hunter along to the dining table.
“I missed you,” he whispered in my ear and held me against him, before kissing me slowly and tenderly.
“I missed you too,” I murmured against his lips.
“I hope you’re hungry because there is so much food,” he said with a sigh, and we chuckled softly.
“I’ll get some wine,” I offered.
“Oh, yeah. It’s in the bottom cabinet, right next to the fridge.
I reached down and opened the cabinet, which turned out to be a mini-fridge, especially for wine. “Ooh, fancy,” I cooed. “What are you in the mood for?”
“The Girlan should go really well with what I’m cooking,” he answered.
“Girlan?” I frowned. “That’s a pinot noir, right?”
“Wow,” he scoffed. “I’m impressed you know that.”
“And I’m not even offended that you just said that,” I chuckled and took out the bottle of Girlan, which was imported from Italy.
“Right, this is all done,” Chris said as he took out a deep pan of roasted vegetables, the delicious aroma filling up the entire kitchen and I inhaled slowly.
“Can I help you with anything?” I asked.
“No, I’m all set. I’ll just take this to the table. The wine glasses are in the cabinet beside the wine fridge.
“Alright,” I smiled at him.
After getting the glasses, I walked to the dining table and placed the glasses on the table, along with the bottle of wine. I opened the bottle, but before I popped the cork, the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” Chris offered and quickly made his way to the front door.
“Is your dad expecting anyone?” I asked Amelia.
“No, it was just supposed to be the four of us,” Amelia shrugged.
I heard a conversation occur from down the hallway, and when I heard a female voice, I automatically assumed it was Lucinda.
“I didn’t know Lucinda was coming over,” I said to Amelia.
“She’s not. She has the weekend off. Daddy said so.”
“What’s wrong, Mommy?” Hunter asked me.
“Nothing, honey. I’m just wondering who’s at the door. Sit down, I’ll see what’s keeping Chris.” I slowly walked down the hallway and caught sight of Chris, having a very serious discussion with a young woman who stood in front of him. As I opened my mouth to ask him if everything was okay, I heard Amelia gasp behind me. I glanced at her over my shoulder, but the expression on her face confused me.
“Mommy?”
My eyebrows shot up and I glanced back at the woman talking to Chris. She turned towards me, or maybe it was towards Amelia, and Amelia passed by me on her way to the door.
“Mommy, is that really you?”
The woman nodded and knelt on the ground, urging Amelia closer. "It's me, baby. I'm home."
Amelia ran towards her and hugged her.
I felt sick to my stomach and my body was frozen on the spot, a ringing sounding in my ears. Everything seemed to blur around me, spinning too fast. I glanced at Chris, whose expression was completely unreadable, which made things even worse.
I drew in a deep breath, and luckily the ringing subsided.
Chris and the woman slowly approached me, with Amelia following beside her mother – oh my god, what had I gotten myself in to – and I slowly exhaled.
“This is Hollie,” Chris said, and I hoped to god that he would introduce me as his girlfriend, but he didn’t. “We work together.”
I shot a brief glance at Chris but immediately looked away again. “Hello.”
“Hollie, this is Sherry-”
“I’m the wife,” Sherry interjected and held her hand out to me.
Even though I shook her hand with the fakest of smiles, all I wanted to do was scratch her fucking eyes out, and Chris’ as well.
How fucking dare he?
So now I was forced to sit through a cringe-worthy and incredibly awkward dinner with Chris, Amelia, Hunter, and his wife, Sherry. I avoided Chris’ eyes, and clearly, Hunter noticed that things weren’t as pleasant as they used to be with this strong woman at the table, who had a somewhat vacant stare.
She was really thin with a dark stare and dark brown hair. She didn’t say much or eat much, but her mere presence made me feel sick to my stomach. Clearly, she was back in their lives now – if she was even out of their lives in the first place, I wouldn’t know. She looked fairly comfortable in the house, going to the bathroom on more than one occasion without having to ask Chris where it was located. It was as if she had been living there all this time. Maybe I was just too fucking stupid to notice.
My gaze met Hunter’s and he cocked his head at me. “Mommy?” he said boldly.
“Yes, honey?” I answered.
“I don’t feel so good.”
I knew exactly what he was doing, and I was so grateful to him. My six-year-old was brave enough and smart enough to know when his mother needed him. I placed my palm against his forehead and pursed my lips. “You’re burning up. I think I should get you home.”
“Are you okay, Hunter?” Amelia asked with concern.
“I should get him home, I didn’t bring his fever medication,” I said as I rose from the table. “Come on, baby.”
Hunter stood as well, and we left the table.
“Hollie, wait,” I heard Chris call out behind me, but we just kept walking towards the front door.
Chris caught up to us and opened the door. “Do you want me to drive you?”
“No, we’ll be fine. You have more important things to worry about right now, clearly,” I muttered, trying so hard not to cry, as we pushed passed him.
“Hollie, wait a second. I can explain,” he insisted.
I opened the car door for Hunter and he quickly climbed in. I closed the door and turned to Chris, tears stinging my eyes and already blurring my vision. “You think so?” I asked.
“Yes, of course. This is not what you think.”
“You know what, Chris? Don’t even bother explaining. Go focus on your family, and leave the rest of us be,” I said and whirled around.
“But you are my family, Hollie.”
“No, I’m just someone who works with you,” I spat angrily at him, and before he had the opportunity to re
spond, I climbed in my car, and sped away, leaving him alone on the sidewalk.
I blinked away the tears as I drove, and I looked at Hunter in the rearview mirror. “Thank you for that.”
“Anything for you, Mommy.”
A tear ran down my cheek and even though my heart was shattering with every second that passed, at least I knew that there was one man who would never let me down.
And that man was Hunter.
23
Chris
Monday
I slammed down my phone on my desk in frustration and accidentally knocked over my coffee. The brown liquid ran across my desk and I swore loudly. I picked up my office phone and called my assistant, Kate.
“I spilled coffee everywhere.”
“On my way, sir.”
I slammed the phone down on the receiver and stood from my chair. I was in a foul mood, and clearly, there were two people to blame. Sherry was one of them.
Sherry had arrived unannounced at my door Friday night and had disrupted the whole dynamic between me and Hollie. Hollie stormed out with Hunter, who had developed a fever, and despite my hundreds of attempts to call her to hear if he was okay, she didn’t answer.
I knew why she was avoiding me. The way I had introduced her to Sherry was cold and heartless, but Hollie had to understand my reason behind it. I didn’t want to make it a big deal in front of Sherry because then she would relentlessly go after Hollie. I knew Sherry, I knew what a terrible and manipulative person she was. She was also selfish and bad for our family.
But she was still Amelia’s mother.
Despite my insistence, Amelia had a right to see her mother, but obviously only if she wanted to. She seemed excited – a little wary at first – to have Sherry stay with us, and back in our lives.
Sherry begged me to let her stay with us, as she had nowhere else to go apparently. I was wary, naturally, and called Lucinda, telling her of what had happened. I wanted Lucinda to be at home with Amelia while Sherry was there, just to make sure she wasn’t giving my kid drugs or treating her badly.
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