Embrace Me

by Rebecca Turley

  “You really hate doing the budget, don’t you?” she smiled.

  “Is it that obvious?”

  “Yeah, but I think there is something else. You seem really distant today.”

  “I’ve got a lot on my mind,” I sighed, pulling the papers closer to me. Grace knew me pretty well, which, at this moment in time wasn’t the best thing.

  “Does it have something to do with Mac?” Grace watched my reaction and her eyes widened. “Crap, it is to do with Mac.”

  “No…no…really, it’s not!” I screeched when I realised she might have gotten the wrong idea, but that reaction made her even more alarmed.

  “Shannon, what about Charlie? He loves you so much. It will break his heart.”

  “It’s nothing like that, Grace! Trust me—you have the wrong idea,” I laughed nervously. “Nothing in my world means more to me than Charlie.”

  Grace put her hand on her chest. “You scared me for a moment.”

  “I am finding it hard to be away from Charlie, and well, Mac is just an ass that wants to get into every girl’s pants. I can handle that, though.”

  “I thought Charlie was going to hit him when he saw you two dancing at the party,” she grinned

  “Charlie has too much control for that,” I smiled.

  “You are lucky to be so in love that you know what your future holds,” Grace sighed.

  “Is Danny not the one then?” I asked with a smirk.

  “That’s the problem. I think he is, but he doesn’t want to leave Texas. He loves it here, while I want the adventure and bright lights,” she sighed.

  “Trust me, Grace, if it is meant to be, love will find a way. It’s all about fate. I believe we are all destined for one love…we just have to keep our eyes open so we don’t miss them or the opportunity.”

  “You really are a hopeless romantic, aren’t you?” Grace giggled.

  “I sure am,” I smiled as we carried on with the figures even though my whole body just wanted to crumple to the ground.

  At some point, I would need to face the mess in my head—just not today.

  Chapter Thirteen

  I had been in the shower for what seemed like hours. So many thoughts were rushing around my head. The hot water jets massaged my neck as I stood there letting the water wash over me while calming my nerves.

  I knew I had to talk to Rachel, but where did I start? Was it really any of my business? When it came to Charlie, it was my business. No matter what had gone on in the past with Rachel and Charlie’s father, Charlie had the right to know he had a brother.

  The steam created a thick blanket in the bathroom. I had to wipe the condensation from the mirror before I looked at myself. How had things gotten to this point? Why did I have to overhear the fight with Mac and Rachel? Was God punishing me for being too happy?

  I got dressed in a daze. I knew my mother and Rachel were leaving for Russia today, so I couldn’t put it off any longer.

  I found Rachel reading the paper in the main kitchen area, so I took a deep breath before joining her at the table.

  “Shannon, I haven’t seen you in a few days,” Rachel smiled, putting the paper down. “Charlie said you weren’t feeling too good. How are you now?”

  “I’m better, thank you,” I smiled. How was I going to begin?

  “Is something wrong?” she asked, watching me closely.

  “Rachel, I don’t know where to start,” I whispered, taking her hand in mine.

  “Is it Charlie? I…”

  “Charlie is fine,” I interrupted. “I heard the fight you had with Mac at the party. I know, Rachel.”

  “What are you talking about?” she chuckled, pulling her hand away while shrugging off my comment.

  “Is Mac really Charlie’s brother?”

  Rachel snapped her head at me in utter shock. “How do you…?” she couldn’t finish her words as tears swelled in her eyes.

  “I told you, I heard the fight. You were lucky Charlie didn’t.”

  “Shit,” she muttered to herself. It was really unlike Rachel to swear—completely out of character for her.

  “He needs to know, Rachel,” I whispered, putting my hand on her shoulder.

  “No he doesn’t!” she screeched, pulling away from me. “Please promise me you won’t tell him. It will kill him to know that I have lied to him all these years.”

  “You can’t ask me to do that. I can’t hide something like that from him,” I replied sadly. “You have to tell him.”

  “I can’t. He will hate me. Everything I told him about his father was a lie. How do you think he will feel when he learns he was a stupid, unwanted mistake?” My heart ached for Charlie having to come to terms with it, but I would help him every step of the way. I’d spent the last twenty years of my life thinking exactly that.

  “It could be worse if Mac tells him first,” I commented.

  “Mac wouldn’t dare. He knows Charlie would never believe him, anyway.”

  “Has Mac always known?” I asked, remembering the hostility she constantly had towards Mac.

  “No. He only found out when his parents died. His wonderful father left the news in his will.” Rachel rolled her eyes. “Even in death, that man is still ruining my life.”

  “Charlie will come around. You know you can’t hide this, though, Rachel. I mean…he has a brother.”

  “I need time, Shannon, please. I know I am asking too much, but I need to get the timing right. He is working in London on the biggest contract of his life. I can’t drop that bombshell on him right now. Just imagine what it would do to him and his career?” Rachel had a point, but it hurt knowing that I would have to spend the next few months lying to him. “Please, Shannon, all I’m asking is for a little more time.”

  “As soon as Charlie is finished in London, you need to tell him or I will,” I replied firmly.

  “That’s only fair,” she smiled sadly. “I’m sorry to bring you into all of this.”

  “I’m not happy about this,” I sighed. “I never wanted to keep anything from Charlie. I hope you realise what you are asking of me.”

  “I’m so sorry. You have enough going on without me adding to it,” Rachel muttered solemnly.

  It wasn’t going to get any easier over the next few months, but as long as I knew Charlie would hear the truth in the end, I would try to live with the guilt.

  Rachel was right. It was all about timing. Charlie was in the middle of the biggest project of his career—now wasn’t the time to tell him. Although it ripped at the core of my heart to lie, I was doing this for him. I was only delaying the hurt for a little while so he could concentrate on his career.

  I found a familiar envelope at my door a few days later and sighed happily. It had been a while since Charlie had sent me a letter, and they still sent lightning bolts to my heart.

  Shannon,

  Was reading this poem and thought of you. I miss you.

  Because She Would Ask Me Why I Loved Her by Christopher Brennan

  I love you now until I die.

  For I must love because I live

  And life in me is what you give.

  I love you

  Notice Me xxxx

  I would never get bored of his words or how he always managed to find the perfect poem or quote to express his love. It just hurt that at this moment in time, I didn’t deserve them. I was lying to him and it destroyed me.

  “You’re getting pretty good at that,” Frank laughed as he watched me hit one of the cans with my stone.

  “Well, I’ve had a lot of practice,” I smiled, throwing another stone that skimmed over the top of the remaining can.

  “Is Grace with Danny?”

  “Where else?” I smiled.

  “We need to go over the procedures for New York next week,” he replied, crossing his arms.

  “God, I can’t wait to do some actual work,” I sighed.

  “It’s going to be crazy. The press got wind that you are going, so it will be a battle to g
et you there in one piece.”

  “I’m sure you can handle it, Frank,” I teased. “Look how well you coped at the party. There was no trouble at all.”

  “That’s what you think,” he mumbled to himself. “Your mother invited half of New York and expected me to be happy about it. Doesn’t she realise the dangers of inviting these people into her own home? Anything could have happened.”

  “But it didn’t. My mother trusts you with her life…and so do I.”

  “Thank you. That means a lot,” Frank said with a smile before strolling off.

  I could hardly control the excitement of being able to go to New York for the weekend—to be able to work from my own office—I had almost forgotten what colour the walls were.

  I had sent a few emails over to Charlie, but he was knee deep in work with Straton. I knew he wouldn’t be able surprise me in New York, as much as I wanted him to.

  Grace and I took the private jet. I was practically bouncing in the seat with excitement.

  “Do you think Frank will let us go to a bar tonight with Lorna?” I asked Grace.

  “No he will not! Your mother has given me orders!” Frank commented before Grace even had the chance to speak.

  “God, I might as well have stayed in Texas.” I rolled my eyes at Grace, slumping back into my chair.

  “Try and relax, Shan,” she said before she pulled her laptop out and started checking her emails.

  “Yeah, you try holding a board meeting for a company who hasn’t seen you in months.”

  “Do you want to go over the notes again?”

  “No. I think I have it covered.”

  As the plane hit the tarmac at the airport, I felt as if I had returned home. For once when I breathed in the dirty air of the city, I loved it.

  “I want to get you into the car quickly,” Frank stated, ushering me quickly through the people. I was in the car within minutes, and as we pulled out of the airport, cameras flashed, engulfing us as hundreds of people surrounded the car.

  “I think the press have missed you,” Grace giggled as I sat with my mouth wide open. All these people couldn’t have been here for me.

  As we pulled up outside Headcom, there were even more members of the press. I took a deep breath as I got out of the car, and was pushed and pulled as Frank and his men practically dragged me to safety.

  “That was a little bit scary,” I replied as I straightened my suit out in the elevator.

  “This might just be the beginning,” Frank replied firmly. “People seem to relate to you because you were once an ordinary girl. The press has used your likability to sell papers.”

  “But I have been hiding away. How can people still be talking about me?”

  “It’s Charlie, as well. You two are like gold dust to the press—a modern day Romeo and Juliet. They eat it up.”

  “Wonderful,” I whispered as the lift doors opened.

  All eyes were on me as I strolled down the corridor. It was strange to take in some of their scared faces; I was the boss they feared now…the one able to make or break them. I had been working under some of these people when I first started here, so of course it was a little awkward.

  “Miss Downing, it’s wonderful to see you.” Mr. Caldecott almost bowed as he greeted me. Did he think I was royalty or something? “I must say, you’re looking extremely well. How is your mother?”

  “Good, thank you, Mr. Caldecott. Is everyone ready in the boardroom?”

  “Yes, please walk this way.” He really was bowing this time, and I had to hide my snigger as I looked at Grace.

  I could hear the soft chatter before I reached the boardroom, but as soon as I entered, there was complete silence. All eyes fell on me as I glided over towards the chair at the head of the table. Lorna did a little wave as I took in all the faces, and I couldn’t help but smirk at her.

  I stood there looking at my staff, feeling the power seep into my body. “Firstly, I want to congratulate you on a successful year.” I could feel some of them relax in their seats. “The growth has been remarkable, and I am in talks with my mother to get you all a generous Christmas bonus.” I could hear a few claps and mutters of appreciation, so I continued. “We, however, cannot allow ourselves to become complacent. We market everything that Downing International has to offer. We are the frontline to the success of this business, and I will take nothing but the exceptional. Do I make myself clear?” Everyone nodded in agreement. “Just because I am no longer permanently located here, it does not mean that I am unaware of what is going on and where we are taking losses.” I looked around at all the scared faces. They were like putty in my hands. Was it wrong to be getting off on this kind of power? “I hope you all plan to attend the conference at the Four Seasons Hotel on Saturday. It will be a good experience for everyone. I will be taking a good look at each department over the next few months, as well. If I’m not happy, some major changes will be taking place. Does everyone understand?” The heads nodded woodenly as I got up. “Thank you and have a good afternoon,” I stated firmly before I walked out.

  How good did it feel—to have control of my own company? I loved it. The power was still rushing through my body when Lorna and Grace walked into my office a few minutes later, closing the door behind them.

  “How was I?” I beamed.

  “Jesus Christ, you were just like your mother. It scared me,” Lorna giggled.

  “I was actually shaking, Shannon,” Grace smiled. “That was some scary tone you used.”

  “I have no idea where it came from but I liked it,” I chuckled, leaning back in my chair. “God, I’ve missed this office.”

  “Maybe your mother will let you come back early,” Lorna replied hopefully.

  “Lorna, did you see all the press out there waiting for Shannon?” Grace commented, hanging up my coat for me. “I think Jennet might keep her in Texas longer rather than let her come back early.”

  “It’s you hiding away that’s causing it. Why can’t she see that?”

  “Lorna, Shannon’s safety has to come first. It’s easier for Frank to protect her in Texas at the moment. In New York, he has to make a lot of arrangements. Did you read in the paper about the price on her head?” Grace walked over the coffee maker and turned it on.

  “No, but Frank mentioned it to me a while back,” I responded.

  “You didn’t read it?” Grace questioned. “I left the paper out for you to read last week.”

  I had been a little preoccupied worrying about Charlie and his long lost brother to read the paper. Perhaps I had been a little hasty. “What is the price now?” I questioned.

  “One hundred fifty million,” Lorna all but whispered.

  “Are we talking a bounty?” I asked in bewilderment as everything clicked into place.

  “Yes,” Lorna replied sadly.

  “Can you see now why Frank gets a little stressed?” Grace added.

  “One hundred fifty million…that’s a hell of a lot of money,” I replied, more to myself than them.

  “It is when you think poor Maisy Field was only ransomed for twenty million.”

  “Has there been any further news on her?” I asked, changing the subject.

  “No. There were rumors she had been seen in Brazil, but I don’t think the Fields are any closer to finding her than they were before,” Lorna said solemnly, which wasn’t like her when it came to discussing the Field family.

  “How many months has she been missing now?” Grace asked.

  “It’s got to be at least three.” Lorna looked at me sadly. “I know I hate them, but it must be so difficult.”

  “Bloody hell, Lorna, you’re feeling sorry for the Field family. Are you feeling alright?” I smiled.

  “I know how I would feel if it was you,” Lorna smiled. “Anyway, I have work to do. My boss can be a right bitch if I start to slack off.” Lorna winked before she left my office.

  I really wanted to stay at my apartment while I was in town, and eventually, I got my way with
Frank. He ordered an extra ten guys to patrol the area, but at least he let me stay there. It felt strange walking in to find it empty. Charlie’s guitar was leaning in the far corner of the room and some of his photographs were scattered across the dining room table, but that was pretty much it aside from the large furniture. I ran my hands across the couch, just soaking in the memories from this place. I missed Charlie so much, but in a peculiar way, I was glad he wasn’t here to see the fear in my eyes.

  I was happy to be working this weekend. It was the first time I could push everything to the back of my mind for a little while.

  My phone rang just as I was about to go to bed. I smiled when I saw Charlie’s name on the ID.

  “Hello,” I sang over the phone.

  “Hi, Beautiful,” he breathed. “I didn’t wake you, did I? I know it’s late over there.”

  “I was just about to go to sleep, so no, you didn’t wake me.”

  “Are you staying at the hotel?”

  “No, I am wrapped up in our bed as we speak.” I smiled into the phone, imagining his face.

  “Shannon, don’t tease me like that.”

  “It’s true. I couldn’t stay in New York and sleep anywhere else,” I whispered.

  “God, I miss you. It’s driving me crazy.”

  “Then get on a plane and get your sexy ass over here,” I challenged.

  “I would if I could, Sweetheart, believe me.”

  “I can’t wait to see you. How’s it going in London?”

  “Lonely,” he sighed. “Without you, nothing seems as exciting—not even a job I have longed for ever since I picked up a camera. Do you have any idea what you have done to me, Miss Downing?”

  “Yes, because you have done the same to me.” My body was yearning for him and he was halfway across the world.

  “I will be with you as soon as I can, Sweetheart, I promise. I’ll try and get some time off next weekend.”

  “It’s fine, Charlie. I understand. It’s not forever.”

  “I have to go. I love you, Shan. Sweet dreams.”

  “Bye. I love you, too,” I whispered before we hung up. I snuggled into Charlie’s side of the bed, breathed in his calm, sensual scent, and fell into a deep sleep, wishing he was there with me. Why did it feel as if my world was slipping away so uncontrollably that I could hardly hold on to it?