by Iris Blobel
Innocent Tears
Iris Blobel
Contents
Untitled
Untitled
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
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Epilogue
About the Author
Innocent Tears
by Iris Blobel
Published by Clean Reads
www.cleanreads.com
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This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.
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INNOCENT TEARS
Copyright © 2012 IRIS BLOBEL
ISBN 978-1-62135-078-1
Cover Art Designed by AM DESIGN STUDIO
A big thanks to the readers for your support.
* * *
To Trev, Carleigh & Tara –
My family, my life, my reason to be.
I love you.
1
“My Mum is dead.”
Somewhat startled by this statement, Emma peeked over the reception desk into beautiful green eyes that belonged to a cute little girl with brown curly hair and a freckled button nose. She couldn’t help but smile. There was something in the girl’s eyes that held a hint of mischief and curiosity, as well as some sadness, and Emma was drawn to her instantly.
“Nadine!”
The stern voice of an elderly woman approaching the reception caused Emma to flinch. The girl stiffened with eyes wide open.
“My apologies for that,” the woman said to Emma, though her expression didn’t actually reveal any signs of apologies. The woman’s face reflected a life of bitterness, the lines appearing deep and weathered.
Emma smiled. “No need to.”
An elderly man joined them, and after a brief nod of acknowledgment she asked, “May I help you?”
“Yes. We would like to check in. Gibbs. William and Teresa Gibbs,” the woman replied.
Emma typed the name on the keyboard, and while she waited for the details, she smiled at the girl, and asked, “Holidays?”
Nadine’s face spread into a small smile, but it was enough to show she had her two top teeth missing.
“And I see the tooth fairy has been to see you recently.”
“Excuse me–” Mrs. Gibbs glanced at Emma’s name badge. “–Emma. Can we proceed with the check-in please?”
“My apologies, ma’am.” Emma read the details on the screen, made a few notes and turned around to activate the automated door card in the back office. All the while, she felt Mrs. Gibbs’ glare on her and instinctively pulled on her navy uniform skirt feeling slightly uncomfortable.
Emma sighed inwardly. In her early twenties and she still lacked confidence in what other people thought of her. Tucking an escaping strand of her tawny hair behind her ear, she tried to keep a positive attitude because, after all, she loved working at the All Stars Hotel in Melbourne. It was something she always wanted to do—to greet people to this beautiful city and make their stay as comfortable as possible. And she was often told how popular she was with staff and guests alike for her positive attitude, her generous heart, and kind spirit.
“Ma’am, that’d be room five-o-two. If you go to the right over there, take the lift to the fifth floor and follow the hall to the near end, you will find room five-o-two on your right.”
Teresa Gibbs took the card from Emma and turned it in her hands.
“Ma’am, you slide that into the door instead of a key. I’m happy to ask someone to come with you and show–”
“I’ll be fine. Thank you.” And Mrs. Gibbs turned to go.
Emma leaned across the counter and smiled at Nadine. “Enjoy your holidays,” she said and winked. “And come see me sometime to tell me about the tooth fairy.”
“We’re not on a holiday,” the girl said in almost a whisper. “We’re here to meet my dad.” Then she hopped off after Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs, who Emma assumed were the little girl’s grandparents.
Emma wondered about that remark and then remembered what the girl had said about her mother. She watched as Mrs. Gibbs rushed her husband and Nadine into the lift, and the door slid shut.
A familiar voice startled her. “Emma! Come on, stop dreaming.”
Emma turned around and saw her colleague, Jack, standing next to her. She smiled.
“Jack! Where’ve you been?”
He lifted one side of his mouth. “Morning tea.”
“Are you for real? You’ve been gone for an hour.”
Grinning, he ruffled her hair, leaving her pony tail in a mess. “Another bad hair day?”
She gently pushed him away and rolled her eyes. “You’re avoiding the subject!”
With raised eyebrows he asked, “Which subject?”
She poked her tongue out at him. Why should I care if he gets into trouble!
“Miss Gallagher!” The familiar authoritative voice came from behind them.
Emma winced and with heat creeping up her cheeks she slowly turned, only to see her boss standing behind her. “My apologies, Mr. Morgan,” she said with a tilt of her head, cursing Jack deep inside as she saw him out of the corner of her eye attending to a guest. Typical of him to leave her when she’d needed a bit of help.
Leo Morgan’s square jaw tensed visibly. A man in his mid-forties, he was still handsome with his olive skin. Even though his hair showing the first signs of grey around his temples, it suited him well and emphasised his blue eyes. He took a deep breath and stepped slightly closer.
“Listen Emma,” he whispered. “I only hear good things about you. People like you and you have a good–” he paused seemingly trying to find the right word, “–let’s call it repute. But there’s a certain standard here, and I need you to uphold that. Are we understood?”
She nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“Good. Now, go and do your job and whatever it is between you two, keep it outside the hotel.”
She stood straight. “But there is nothing–”
“Miss Gallagher!”
“Yes, sir. Understood.”
Emma turned around and checked-in the next few guests. It was only after she had finished her shift that she was able to talk to Jack.
“Thanks for getting me into trouble again.”
Jack placed his arm around her, and gave her a kiss on her forehead. “Sorry for that. But you seem to attract this guy.”
“Yes, and his focus lands on me every time I muck up.”
“You’ll be right. How about dinner at my place?”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Jerk!”
He grinned, and held his arms up in defence. “What?”
* * *
* * *
“You’ve got to be joking,” Flynn McCormack said into the phone. “What do you mean you need to see me?” Pacing up and down his office, he finally settled by the window. He looked out, his gaze wandering along the Yarra River, watching people strolling along the Southbank Promenade. He liked the view—seeing the people walking at different paces as they took in the sights, or looking for restaurants, or as they were simply in a rush to get to their next destination. His eyes wandered further up and took in the sight of the Eureka Tower. A small shiver went up his spine as he remembered what he had given up for being there; for making his life in Melbourne and for getting this job — something he often pushed to the back of his mind, because being a lawyer in Melbourne was all he’d ever wanted.
The conversation he was having wasn’t going well, and he let out a long breath. “Yes, I’ll be there. And this better be worth it.”
He walked over to the door and swung it open with such force his assistant, Joyce, almost jumped out of her chair.
“Sorry Joyce, didn’t mean to startle you, but could you please reschedule the appointment tomorrow afternoon with Harry? I’ve got some private business I’ve got to attend to.”
“Not a problem, Flynn. You’ve got your haircut with Richard tomorrow at—”
“Slipped my mind,” he mumbled and cursed. Joyce raised her perfectly arched brows, and he knew she was ignoring his small outburst, patiently waiting for an answer.
He exhaled, and while heading back into the office he said, “No worries, I’ll go by tonight and see whether Richard can squeeze me in.” And he slammed the door shut.
2
Like most Mondays Emma had accepted a lift from Jack, who worked an extra hour Mondays and Fridays to cover for a longer lunch, when he was allowed to use the gym in the basement. Now she was enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel’s café before starting her shift in an hour. She looked up and saw her own blue eyes looking back at her in the reflection of the glass divider between the booths. A strand of hair had escaped her ponytail, and she secured it with a bobby pin. Thinking of the girl from the other day, she hoped the girl wouldn’t get teased for her freckles like Emma did. Her mother had always told her, it gave her a mischievous look, yet in her twenties, she’d prefer to look attractive.
“Excuse me?”
Emma turned and looked into Nadine’s beautiful eyes.
“Good morning, Nadine. It was Nadine, wasn’t it?”
The girl’s face lit up. “Yes, but Mum always called me Naddie.”
“May I call you Naddie?”
Emma filled her glass with more orange juice, all the while studying the little girl out of the corner of her eye. Nadine held on to an oversized doll, which seemed to be dressed in the same outfit as Nadine—pink T-shirt imprinted with My beautiful princess, a denim skirt with a princess on it surrounded by lots of pink hearts in all sizes, and pink shiny sandals. Her brown hair had been done up in a ponytail.
“Where are your grandparents, Naddie?”
“Still in the room. Talking on the phone. Grandmother is always on the phone,” Nadine added.
“Do you think you’re allowed to have a bit of breakfast with me?”
With excitement spreading across Nadine’s face, she nodded her head eagerly and sat down opposite Emma.
“Do they know where you are?”
The little head moved up and down again and with her eyes wide open she said, “Told Grandpa.”
“I like your outfit,” Emma said while she took another glass and filled it with juice.
Nadine took one of the rolls. “Mum’s friend gave it to me for my birthday.”
“I take it you like princesses.”
“Yes!” And that was literally the keyword to get Nadine started. She was bubbling with information about her doll collection and which dolls she had at home, which one she would like to have, and all the princess movies. A kind of dizziness spread through Emma’s head overwhelmed by all the details, but she enjoyed listening to her new friend.
Yet, all of a sudden, a firm voice interrupted them.
“Nadine!”
The young girl’s face instantly lost its spark.
“My apologies,” Mrs. Gibbs stopped in front of Emma. She hesitated. “Emma, I suppose the name was?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“I do apologise for my granddaughter. I have no idea where she gets her manners from.”
“Ma’am, there’s no need to apologise. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed her company.”
But Mrs. Gibbs had already grabbed Nadine by the wrist and pulled her off the seat. Then she turned to Emma again.
“I need someone to look after Nadine this afternoon. Who would be the best one to contact here in the hotel to organise this for me?”
Emma was a bit stumped by the question. She stared at Teresa Gibbs, feeling somewhat intimidated by her. Mrs. Gibbs glared like her old English teacher from seventh grade. She had the same kind of hair, which probably used to be black and had now faded into grey tied up in a bun. Her face read like a map of her past, maybe a hard life or simply exhaustion. Her grey eyes had dulled with age, lifeless and hollow, and her mouth was drawn tight as if a polite word had never crossed those lips. Not to mention her clothes, which Emma thought were older than Emma herself.
“Well I suppose the receptionist, which will be me in about fifteen minutes.”
“Can I leave this in your capable hands to organise?”
“Well… I suppose… I mean… that’s a new one for me, but I suppose, yes.”
Mrs. Gibbs grew impatient. “Emma, is that a yes or no?”
“It’s a yes, ma’am,” Emma replied slightly embarrassed, yet with more confidence this time, even though she had no idea how to handle this request.
“Thanks, Emma. I would need someone between one and two-thirty.” And with that, she left. Emma quickly gave a little wave to Nadine before she was out of her sight.
She finished her breakfast, returned her dishes to the kitchen, and made her way to the reception area where she caught up with Jacqueline before she took over for her at the reception.
Jacqui had worked with Emma for a few months now, and they got along from the very first day they shared reception duty. Until a few days back, anyway. Recent remarks by Jacqui regarding some of Jack’s attributes didn’t sit well with Emma. It was still hurtful and upsetting for her.
Jacqui was in her early twenties as well and had moved to Melbourne from a little town northwest of the state. She was tall and slender, with slim hips and curves in just the right places. Emma had envied her thick dark hair from the very beginning.
It was an unusually quiet morning as Emma glanced across the hotel lobby. The spacious entrance lit up with crystal chandeliers in contrast to the contemporary colours of the sand-coloured marble floor and the walnut panelling on the walls. Again, Emma gazed enviously at the chocolate-brown coloured furnishings, which were, according to management, strategically selected and arranged to allow a visual play of light and space. She loved that slogan. It had so many words, but actually didn’t say anything at all.
Nightshifts at the reception were usually done by Jacqueline, who studied Business Management during the day.
“Hey, Jacqui?”
“Hmm?”
“How do I get a babysitter for this afternoon?”
Jacqui stared at Emma and slowly lifted her eyebrows. “A babysitter?”
"Yes, for room five-o-two. They need a babysitter for their granddaughter.”
“Wow, Em, you’ve just given me a fright.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right – as if.”
Jacqui went over to the office and reached for a drawer where she removed a little folder.
“You should find all the details in here. But good luck. I’m not sure whether they can provide anybody on such short notice.”
&n
bsp; “Great!” Emma said wryly.
Jacqui patted her arm. “You’ll be right. Jack should be here any minute, and I’m sure he’ll happily give you a hand.”
Not sure what to read into the last remark Emma ignored it. She took the folder and quickly flicked through it. “Thanks, Jacqui,” she mumbled, but when she lifted her head she saw Jack standing in front of her and almost dropped the folder.
“Honestly, Jack! You’ve scared the living daylights out of me.”
“A hand with what?”
“I need a babysitter.”
Jack raised his eyebrows and a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “No worries. I will look after you.”
She choked out a little laugh and shook her head. How could this guy come without a license to charm? As he stood there, so devilishly handsome with his spiky short blond hair, which not only showed a certain boldness, but gave him a boyish charm. It was also a contrast to his well-tanned face, and she wondered once again whether her ‘knight in shining armour’ was too good to be true. Jack was in his late twenties and had worked at the hotel for a few years already. With his dark brown eyes, framed by a gorgeous square face, Jack was the one who dealt with the few guest complaints – and most of the time his self-confidence and charm captured their attention to the point that they had forgotten about the initial issue. He was a master at the reception desk.
As she placed the folder next to her desktop and logged onto the computer, she quickly recounted the events from earlier that morning and then attended to the guests who had just arrived. She tried not to put too much thought into how abruptly Mrs. Gibbs had taken Nadine off the chair.
It wasn’t a busy morning, and fortunately Jack took over most of the check-ins. Which meant during her daily routine, Emma was able to ring about every babysitter and nanny service in town – but to no avail. She grew more and more nervous the closer it drew to lunchtime. She placed the folder back into the drawer, grabbed the phone directory, and kept searching. Emma took the pencil from behind her ear and just as she was about to jot down another number, she saw a man in a dark business suit entering the hotel lobby through the big, rotating glass door. Emma couldn’t help staring at him. He came towards the reception desk in quick, long steps.