by Shae Mills
Will stood tall and shoved his hands into his pockets. “You may be right about that. The way she looks after everything, she’ll think I’m keeping a mistress somewhere.”
Chelan smiled. “See? I need a job.”
“Why don’t you just lie low for now, Chelan? I’ll find a way to take care of you through the firm if need be.”
Chelan shook her head. “No. Money aside, I want to work. I need to keep busy and pass the time.”
Suddenly, William’s face illuminated. “Listen, don’t say a word until you’ve heard me out. Let me get in contact with Jim—”
“No!”
“You’re not listening, sis. God, I don’t know why I didn’t think of this right off. I just assumed you would come to New York with me, but I have an apartment in Chicago also. The firm has a lot of clients in the vicinity and I often stay there when my services are in demand. Sometimes I even bring Marion with me.”
Chelan looked skeptical. “What does this have to do with Jim?”
“Well, not only could I easily put you up in my place, but you could also get in touch with him. He’s always kept in contact with the family, and he supported me immensely after Mom and Dad died. He has his own very successful company in Chicago and does consulting work for companies like Qualcomm and Apple. He has contacts all over the world. In fact, he could probably employ you directly and make some arrangement for your pay.”
Chelan shook her head. “First of all, I don’t want to strike up a relationship with him again. Secondly, how do I explain myself? And thirdly, he’s always been too high-profile. That won’t work. But the apartment sounds like a wonderful idea.”
“Okay, the apartment is a done deal, but as far as work connections, what else are you going to do? And whatever you choose to do, you should have a friend. Make up a story. Christ, you’ve got enough to draw on. And besides, you know he’ll turn cartwheels for you. You were the love of his life.”
Chelan put her cup down and looked at Will suspiciously. “He’s not married?”
William shook his head. “He wanted only you, little sister. He dates plenty, but no one so far has compared. I fear that even in your supposed death he holds a torch.”
Chelan rolled her eyes. “Mom and Dad always hoped I would marry him, though I can’t imagine why.”
William frowned. “He’s a powerful man, Chelan. He’s brilliant and handsome to boot. Not many women would have turned him down like you did.”
“Powerful is a relative term, big brother. Besides, he was pushy.”
“He was used to getting what he wanted.”
“I wasn’t another one of his contracts. I had feelings, and he didn’t always respect them.”
“Well, my point still stands. And he has far more professional contacts in your area of expertise than me. Plus, you said that you did remote sensing for the Empire. He has ties to that in the communications industry too. In fact, knowing his resources he could get you set up with an alias and get you into the business himself. I wouldn’t necessarily condone that, but your situation is unique. I know he has the clout and can do anything he sets his mind to.”
Chelan rubbed her brows. “I don’t know. When I decided to come back here, I expected to simply spend my time with Mom and Dad. I haven’t had time to think this whole thing through. I never expected to have eight months to kill on my own.”
“Come on, Chelan. Unless you’re going to go south of the border to work in some greasy spoon, your alternatives are bleak.”
Chelan groaned. “Too many of his friends know me.”
“I doubt that. Since he moved his company to Chicago and got whole new contracts, I think he has very few of his original friends. I know he flies around and visits some, but none to my knowledge reside near him.” Will raised his brows. “Actually, he revamped his whole company a couple of years ago and tossed out all the deadwood. I’d stake my life on the fact that you would be unknown. And you know that he’s a very circumspect person. He doesn’t talk about his personal life to anyone. Besides, he could probably set something up for you where you can work from home.”
Chelan brushed past him, not so sure she liked the fact that her brother was trying so hard to sell her off to her old flame. She sat down on the couch and shuffled through the newspapers. “Even so,” she said, “he will probably expect me to come running back into his arms. I don’t want that.”
“Well, Chel, it’s the best suggestion I have right now. You can hop on the plane with me today and give it a try in Chicago, where I can visit you regularly, or you can come stay with me in New York and we can work something out, or you can stay here and sort things out yourself. I have one hour to get to the airport, and that’s how long you have to make up your mind. I have the company jet waiting. I’m on it with or without you.”
Chelan let her head fall back and she stared at the ceiling. “I should have stayed within the Empire,” she lamented.
William looked down into her troubled eyes. “I’m glad you didn’t,” he confessed. “It’s wonderful to have you back.”
Chapter 15
Chelan looked out the window as the jet soared through the clouds. Then she reached for William’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I want to thank you for me inviting me to stay with you in New York. I would love to meet Marion, but I need some time to think everything through.”
William squeezed her hand back. “I more than understand. I will keep your confidence indefinitely unless you indicate otherwise.”
Chelan smiled. “Thank you. A little time at your place in Chicago will give me the seclusion I need. I’ll keep in contact with you the whole time.”
“You make sure you do. You have come all this way after all this time, I don’t want to be away from you more than I have to be.”
“I absolutely agree. You are my family. As soon as I sort things out, we will be together as much as your work allows.”
William smiled. “Well, even with work, I know I’ll be in Chicago soon, so we can spend time together then.”
*****
The Lear jet touched down at O’Hare Airport and eventually came to rest near the terminal. As William and Chelan exited she glanced back over her shoulder at the jet. “Primitive technology,” she teased with a smile.
Will chuckled. “Oh come on now, we’ll get it right someday. Just give us a chance.”
Chelan trotted alongside her brother through what seemed to be miles of crowded airport corridors. Finally, they reached a car rental agency. Will looked at her. “Do you still remember how to drive?”
Chelan hesitated. “Um… I guess so? I’m not sure.”
“Well, look—I’ll rent one for you.”
“No. I’d prefer, actually, that you didn’t. If I had any trouble, it would put me in a bad situation. I don’t have a license, and all hell would break loose if I got stopped.”
William concurred. “Okay, then. I’ll phone ahead to the apartment security and inform them that I have a guest arriving.” He reached into his jacket and pulled out a key. Then he opened his briefcase. “And here are Jim’s business and home numbers.” He picked out a business card, wrote the home number on the back, and handed it to her. Then he stared at her intently. “Now look. If you need any kind of help, just call. Phone me at work any time. Just tell my secretary that you’re Susan, and I’ll take all the calls.”
Chelan smiled but then saddened. She was not sure she wanted to let her brother go so soon. Will reached for her hand as if reading her thoughts. “You’ll be okay, Chel. And if you change your mind, my home is always open—you know that.”
Chelan nodded and then gave him a big hug. “Thanks for everything. I love you to death, big brother.”
Will held her tightly, his eyes watering. “I love you too, Chelan. You take care. I have to run now. The jet’s waiting.”
Chelan waved to him as he began away from her. “Bye,” she whispered.
*****
Chelan settled into William’
s apartment immediately, lounging in her newfound luxury. Will had spared no expense, and the place was lovely. Obviously, he was doing very well, and her heart swelled with pride.
She spent the next couple of days recovering from her abrupt reintroduction to her world while enjoying her peaceful surroundings. Will had an extensive library for her to peruse, but despite all her Earthly options for entertainment, she found herself captivated for hours upon hours by the television. She simply could not get enough of the world’s current events. It was as though she had been living in a time warp, and while in that suspended animation, a decade of her world’s history had escaped her. She was mesmerized.
Will called her every day he was able to from his office, just to check on her, and through their brief conversations, she found her heart longing for his company. But first she needed to figure out a comprehensive game plan.
She had thought about travelling, but without sufficient ID, she scrapped that idea. Besides, if something happened to her and she needed help, her situation could get complicated fast.
Finally, one week after arriving at the apartment, she couldn’t help staring periodically at Jim’s phone number. She spent the evening trying to think of how to approach him, but eventually she called it quits. No matter how often she rehearsed her lines, she knew the simple sound of his voice would throw her completely off any train of thought. So, off to bed she went.
Chelan slept well, and in the early morning she dressed and sat on the bed holding her cell. She stared at the number, punching it in several times and then hanging up. Finally, she bolstered herself and entered in the number again. If she didn’t call now, he would be off to work, and she would have to spend another day worrying about the whole thing.
The phone began to ring. Chelan tensed.
“Hello,” came the deep, groggy voice.
“Jim?”
“Yeah. Who’s this?”
Chelan almost hung up, her palms beginning to perspire. “Jim, it’s Chelan. I need to meet with you.”
There was silence. Chelan held her breath, but still nothing. “Jim?” she asked tentatively.
“Look, you sick bitch! I don’t know what kind of prank you’re pulling but—”
Chelan hung up quickly and jumped to her feet, her heart pounding. She began to pace. Whatever had made her decide that returning to Earth was a good idea eluded her. And how was she going to cope with eight long months here while remaining in anonymity?
Suddenly, she was startled to stillness. The phone rang and all she could do was stare at it. Finally, she dared to answer. “Hello.”
“Oh, Christ, Chelan, it is you. God, I’m so sorry. I just talked to Will. You stay put. I’m taking the day off and I’ll be right there.”
“Okay,” she uttered, and carefully put the phone down on the bedside table. For reasons she did not care to understand, she felt suddenly comforted, his familiar voice filling a void within her chest. Then her lip quirked. Seeing him again was actually going to be kind of interesting.
Not more than forty minutes had passed before Chelan heard a knock at the door. She tucked her T-shirt into her jeans and then ran to answer it. Taking a deep breath, she opened it a crack. She looked up and finally allowed a small smile. “Jim.”
Jim pushed the door open, his eyes wide as he beheld the apparition before him. He circled her slowly scrutinizing her from the tips of her bare feet to the top of her beautiful head. “My god, it’s true. You’re here.”
Chelan finally shut the door and turned to face him. He was taller than William and more powerfully built. He had always worked out at numerous fitness centers, and loved racquetball. His hair was short and dark, flowing in waves that would undoubtedly curl if he let it grow. His eyes were a compelling emerald green with an intensity that had always unnerved her. Reflexively, she almost crossed her arms across her chest, but instead she remained still, waiting for him to speak.
He finally stopped studying her. Cautiously, he reached out to her pink cheek, touching her tentatively as if to see if she was real. “Oh, man. What a sight for sore eyes.”
Chelan stared back at him. “I’m glad you were able to come.”
“Even after all these years, Chelan, I would have come no matter what.”
Chelan looked away and then brushed past him on her way to a large chair. She curled up in it and drew a pillow into her lap. “Come in and sit down,” she said.
Jim removed his overcoat and tossed it to the side, his eyes never leaving her. He pulled up another chair close to her and sat down. “Where have you been?” he pleaded.
Chelan chewed at her cheek. “I went away. I needed to be on my own.”
“Ten years on your own,” he countered brusquely.
Chelan tensed. “I’m sorry. It just had to be.”
Jim jumped to his feet. “You’re sorry,” he repeated almost sarcastically. He whirled around and peered down at her. “Do you know what you put me through? Do you know what you put your family through?”
Chelan’s throat constricted and she sprang to her feet, throwing the pillow to the side. “I don’t need this right now. I called you because I wanted your help and your friendship, not your venom and your rage. I’m sorry I stirred up old wounds.” She walked over to the door. “Now, if you don’t mind, please leave. Pretend I never came back. Pretend you never laid eyes on me.”
Jim was staggered. He had let the pain of the past edge in on the present, and now he sought to redeem himself. “I’m sorry, Chelan. I didn’t mean to hurt you. This is just such a shock. I’m… I’m just not thinking straight at the moment. I’m so sorry.” And he strode up to her, scooping her into his arms.
Chelan unexpectedly found herself clinging to him, the intensity of the situation sapping her reserves, her anger draining away.
Jim let her down and then led her over to the couch. There he sat her down gently beside him. He looked into her pretty eyes. “I’m sorry once again, Chelan—please forgive me. It’s just that I’m so stunned.”
Chelan’s head hurt and she flopped back onto the arm of the couch. She drew her legs up and closed her eyes. She was so weary.
Jim’s gaze travelled the length of her body, and all his fond memories of their past came flooding back to him. She had always been beautiful, and her intellect had kept him captivated from the moment of their first meeting. Throughout their relationship, he had tried endlessly to make love to her. But due to her insufferable shyness, she had always thwarted his advances. However, now she had returned, and the goddess before him caused his loins to warm.
Chelan finally opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. “Look, I know that I hurt you. I hurt everyone, and I apologize. I never intended to, and I know that is hard to process.” She looked at him. “But I don’t need any hassles right now, of any kind. I went away and now I’m back. You’re just going to have to accept that unconditionally. I don’t want to talk about what happened to me, or where I went or what I did or why.” She propped herself up on her elbows. “You have to accept that, Jim. If you cannot or will not, I will simply disappear from your life again.”
Jim stared at her while he thought. “Okay,” he granted. “I’ll allow you whatever space you need. You can come to me when and if you’re ever ready to talk.”
Chelan let her head fall back down. She covered her face with her hands and dug her fingers into her bleary eyes. “I’m so tired all of a sudden,” she confessed.
Jim glanced around the room. “Chelan?” he began.
“Uh-huh.”
“Look, why don’t you come back with me to my place?”
Chelan sat up abruptly and straightened. “No, thank you. William’s generously offered me his place here, and I love it.”
“No, no. It’s not what you think. I have a three-bedroom condo. I don’t know what has happened to you, but I know you are alone and need some companionship. And for some reason, I really don’t think you should be by yourself.”
Chelan heard
the sincerity in his voice, but she was not going anywhere with him. Though she thought that maybe she could trust him, she did not want to be under a microscope. Besides, she was enjoying her freedom. And the last thing she needed was to feel indebted to him.
Jim became anxious, her silence concerning him. He wanted her with him desperately, and he wanted to pamper her to death, to win her back one way or another. But he knew he had to be patient.
She interrupted his thoughts. “Look,” she began. “I want to stay here, at least for the time being. But I would love to see your place.”
Jim beamed. “Great! No time like the present… if you wish, of course.”
Chelan pondered his offer carefully. Obviously, he had dumped everything at work to come see her, and it wasn’t like she had anything else to do. She stood. “Just hang on. I need a couple of things.”
Jim watched her disappear into the bedroom, her shapely body beckoning to him. He wanted so badly to follow her and to touch her, every part of her. But that would come. He would just have to bide his time. He shook his head hard. Patience was not one of his strong suits. It had never been.
Chelan retrieved her wallet and placed it in a small handbag she had bought on one of her excursions. Then she slipped into a new oversized sweater. She returned to him. “Okay, I’m ready.”
Jim looked around. “Don’t you have a coat? It’s chilly out there.”
Chelan hesitated. “Ah, no. I actually searched for one in the stores nearby, but I couldn’t find anything I liked.” Then she smiled. “I guess you’ll just have to take me somewhere else where I can shop.”
Jim smiled broadly. “No problem. You know I’m good at that.” He grabbed his jacket and pulled it over her shoulders. “Here, use this now until the car warms up.”