Broken Truth

by Beth Ashworth

  “Quit staring,” Callum laughed, neatly putting his shoes and socks on the floor before pulling off his trousers and boxers.

  Flicking her eyes over his gloriously naked body, Charlie paused as her breath caught and a sudden rush of heat flooded her face and spread thighs. Placing a hand on both sides of the table next to her, she let her eyes drink in Callum’s very aroused and erect state.

  “Fuck me,” she demanded.

  His eyes widened momentarily with surprise at her unusual boldness before the darkness slowly crept back in. “Lie back,” he commanded, roughly gripping her legs. “If fucking is want you want, then I am more than happy to oblige, Baby.”

  Six

  “Wake up, Baby.” Callum lightly nudged Charlie with his elbow.

  Stretching her arms above her head, she lazily opened her eyes to see the fuzzy frame of Callum looming over her. “Glasses,” she mumbled, turning her head towards the bedside table.

  “Here,” he smiled, putting them on for her before leaning back to sit cross legged on the bed.

  His early morning happiness had her feeling a little wary. It wasn’t like Callum to be awake first, and it certainly wasn’t like him to be this upbeat and perky.

  “You’re awfully happy this morning?” She nodded curiously towards his dimpled cheeks and rather large smirk. “Should I be worried?”

  “Am I not allowed to get up early and make my beautiful girlfriend a cup of tea?” he shrugged, leaning across to pick up the steaming mug from the bedside table.

  Taking the mug from him, Charlie eyed Callum suspiciously. “Ummm... Thanks?”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Something was definitely up, Charlie could sense it. The fact that he had made her a drink in bed was evidence enough. She couldn’t remember the last time he had made her a cup of tea, let alone bring it upstairs.

  Partly this was her own fault and she knew it. As a tea-o-holic, she had very particular standards when it came to her drinks. As for most Brits, tea played an important part of Charlie’s day, so she had to make sure that it was the right colour for her liking. With a weak tea tasting like a cup of wee and a strong builder’s tea tasting suicidal, it was all about the right shade for the right taste. Callum had attempted and failed on many occasions to make her tea correctly. In the end he just gave up due to her damn pickiness.

  Taking a small sip, she was surprised that he had come so close. “Not bad,” she praised, taking another sip and putting it on the bedside table.

  He grinned. “I made five bloody cups before I was satisfied.”

  “Five?”

  “Yep, the milk had gone funny. It wasn’t until cup number four that I actually realised this though.”

  She laughed out loud.

  “That’s fine. You sit there and laugh at my misfortune and pathetic tea making skills,” he pouted. “I was in that little Sainsbury’s down the road at seven thirty this morning buying fresh milk for you. I can’t even remember the last time I went into a supermarket like that with all the other early risers.”

  She took in his tousled bed hair along with the black pyjama bottoms and plain white vest he wore to bed last night. Smiling to herself, Charlie lifted her mug and took another sip of her drink. The funniest image of Callum walking along Deansgate in his pyjamas popped into her head. Although she knew there was no way in hell that he would actually walk down the street in his pyjamas, the thought put her mind in a happy place for the time being.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” he interrupted.

  “Huh?”

  “You’re thinking... Did he actually go out in public wearing his pyjamas?” He lifted a questioning eyebrow at her.

  “Well,” she prompted, bringing her mug back to her lips. “Answer me the question, Mr Ellis. Did you go outside dressed like that?”

  He paused and gauged her reaction before a beaming smile stretched across his beautifully sculpted lips. “Yes,” he answered as Charlie choked back the sip of tea she had just taken.

  A warm glow lit her cheeks as she looked at him in surprise. To most, his gesture would appear small and insignificant, whereas for Charlie it was a step in the right direction.

  After months of trying to get through to him, she finally felt like she was breaking down his walls and making progress. With such a privileged and wealthy lifestyle, Charlie was keen to ensure that Callum kept in touch with reality rather than expecting others to run around after him.

  Brought up in life with a silver spoon in his mouth, Callum had never experienced life from the other side of society.

  Born into a wealthy, upper-class family from London, he had received an upbringing not so similar to hers. Raised by a full-time nanny along with his two brothers, his childhood lacked the caring and love of a devoted mother. Instead of time and affection, he and his siblings were bought with lots and lots of gifts. The implications of his parent’s generosity contributed largely to his stiff and upper-class persona which she was hoping to change.

  Coming from a struggling working class family in Manchester, Charlie had seen firsthand how hard it was for the average household to survive in this world. With her father working day and night to keep them afloat, she had witnessed the uphill battle her mother had faced to keep food on the table and clean clothes on their backs.

  Looking back on it now, she was extremely grateful for everything her parents had done to set her up in life. Learning from an early age that not everyone was blessed with money in this world, Charlie always made sure to give back to those who needed it when she had the opportunity. Usually after an expensive afternoon of shopping in Manchester, she could more than likely be found sifting through her vast wardrobe picking out items to be donated to their local Cancer Research shop.

  Although Charlie wasn’t proud of her overly expensive taste, she knew that regardless of what life had thrown at her over the years, she would still be the same with or without Callum and the money she now had access to.

  Having initially started out as an apprentice, Charlie was expected to dress appropriately for her job. Her boss, Imogen, had been very lenient about dress codes in the beginning, understanding that as a young girl she didn’t have the money to lavish on such expensive clothing. However, this leniency soon changed as Charlie’s profile grew in a short space of time. As the wants and needs for her impeccable style rolled through the door, she found it harder and harder to get by with such a limited wardrobe.

  Working her arse off during the day for her apprenticeship at the upmarket shopping boutique, I&L (Ivers and Lancer), Charlie had then landed the part-time waitressing job in the evenings and weekends so that she could pick up some extra money to pay her large credit card bills.

  “Baby, please let me pay off your cards,” Callum had begged after five or so weeks of them exclusively dating. He had made no attempt at hiding his growing concerns over the long and tiresome hours she was putting in at the restaurant. He wanted her time focused solely on her growing fashion career, rather than waiting tables for minimum wage.

  Before caving in and allowing Callum to ease her financial burden, Charlie had made sure to put up a long and tiring battle. She wanted him to know that she was strong and independent, and not just looking to take the easy way out with his help.

  “What are you thinking about?” Callum affectionately rubbed Charlie’s lower leg.

  Stealing her attention away from her past memories, Charlie looked at Callum blankly. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

  Pinching her, he shook his head. “I asked what you were thinking about. It looked as though I had lost you. I’m assuming that whatever or whoever it was they must be more interesting than me?”

  “I was day dreaming.”

  “Yeah, I got that,” he laughed. “What were you day dreaming about?”

  “You.”

  “Oh yeah?” he winked.

  “Yeah, I was just thinking about everything you have done for me. You know, paying off my credit cards an
d stuff so that I could quit working at the restaurant.”

  Callum wrinkled his nose at the mention of her previous job. “I never liked that place. They treated you like absolute shit, yet you continued to bust your balls for them. I’m so glad that Imogen finally took you on full-time. I’d of gone bat-shit crazy with you still working at that place.”

  Charlie lifted her cup up to her lips. “Sorry to change the subject, but you still haven’t told me why you are up before me?” She watched as he paused briefly, perhaps calculating his answer before speaking. It didn’t take a genius to work out what he was about to say. The thought alone left a bottomless feeling in her stomach.

  “I didn’t plan on it, but I have to work this morning,” he apologised. “Jared called me earlier. There have been some new developments on the Black Hawk project that he can’t handle. He needs me on a conference call with the clients at nine.”

  “What time is it?” she asked, hoping for at least another hour with him before he disappeared for the morning.

  He sighed as he backed off of the bed and reached for his phone. “Sorry, Baby, but it’s almost nine - I’ve got to go.”

  Hiding her instant disappointment from view, Charlie forced a smile and tried to make light of the situation by reminding him of their later engagements. “Don’t forget we are going out tonight, so you need to pick-up your dry cleaning.”

  “Thanks. I’ll send John out to get it in a bit,” he called over his shoulder as he headed out of the bedroom towards his office.

  With his back to her, Charlie let her guard down, allowing the hurtful feelings to bubble to the surface. She knew better than to think they could ever have a weekend without the interruptions of work. It was a large part of who Callum was and Charlie knew that she would always play second fiddle to that aspect of his life.

  Watching Callum’s shadow disappear along the hallway, she whispered three words that no one but her and the lonely room could hear.

  “I love you.”

  Seven

  Charlie’s feelings were starting to eat away at her from the inside. Having not spoken to Callum at all since his conference call which impressively managed to last all day, she was still feeling quite delicate and sensitive about his clear lack of thought for her. She wasn’t usually the type to hold a grudge against anyone, but today Callum was ranking pretty low in her list of priorities.

  As they pulled up outside of Zachary’s Bar and Lounge in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Callum dutifully paid the driver and stepped out of the taxi. Bracing a hand on the open door, he stretched his other hand inside towards Charlie.

  “Let me help you,” he offered.

  As much as she wanted to ignore him and purposely exit from the other door, Charlie reluctantly held onto her clutch and accepted his help. She figured that it wasn’t worth causing a scene in front of an innocent taxi driver. The world didn’t need to be involved in their relationship as it was better kept behind closed doors. For now she would act polite and make sure to play the doting girlfriend in public, no matter how hurt and upset she was feeling.

  Gripping her hand firmly, Callum helped her to her feet. “Thank you,” she muttered, smoothing out the creases in her outfit.

  Tonight she had opted for a fitted black cocktail dress that fell around mid-thigh. Completing the ensemble with a pair of golden skyscraper heels with the signature red Christian Louboutin sole and a matching clutch, her look screamed upmarket party girl, which was exactly the image she wanted to portray.

  “I’m going to have trouble tonight,” Callum growled as he placed a protective hand on her lower back. “You always look absolutely stunning. Sometimes I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you with me.”

  Charlie rolled her eyes as they approached the large bouncer guarding the doorway.

  “Mr Ellis, Miss Harris.”

  “Jeremy.” Callum dipped his head curtly as the burly man opened the door for them to pass.

  Walking into Zachary’s was like coming home for Charlie. The chic, modern bar was a local favourite for her and the girls during the working week. She could recall plenty of nights over the past year where one or two drinks after work had turned into early morning drunken adventures.

  Split across two levels, the bar held a contemporary and sophisticated vibe which appealed to the younger business professionals around the area. On a busy night, the lower floor was cleared of tables and the space made for dancing and socialising, whereas the upper floor was strictly for VIPs only.

  Centred around a crystal chandelier that cascaded in a waterfall from ceiling to floor, the large glass bar area was one of the dominating features in the room. Built entirely from clear glass, the colourful mood lights around the room reflected brightly off its surface, helping to create an intimate and ambient atmosphere.

  Weaving through the large crowds of Saturday night drinkers, she headed straight towards the far side of the bar where the glass staircase would take her to the upper floor.

  “Name?” A young hostess guarding the stairwell huffed rudely at a rather drunken woman in front of them. Clearly not amused by the answer given, she waved the woman away impatiently with a flick of her wrist before her eyes turned to settle on both Charlie and Callum behind.

  “Mr Ellis, Miss Harris,” she greeted before hurrying to unhook the velvet rope behind her. “Your guests are already seated upstairs in your usual suite. Amanda shall be serving you tonight. Please let me know if you need anything.”

  “Thank you,” Callum replied with a smile as he ushered Charlie towards the stairs.

  She watched as his charmingly perfect smile melted the insides of the young hostess. Her face had flushed a slight shade of pink and her lips had parted marginally. Charlie coughed discreetly as she continued to make her way up the stairs.

  The VIP level wasn’t as large in Zachary’s as some of the other lounges and bars they visited. Holding only five moderately sized private suites that could each seat up to six people comfortably, the VIP area of Zachary’s was more sought after than any other lounge in the Northern Quarter. Stylish sofas and glass coffee tables littered each private balcony that overlooked the busy conversations and dancing below.

  Charlie reached the top of the stairs and looked over to where her friends were sat behind the partition of their private suite. Having texted her a few hours ago to say that they were going to start early, she knew that they were bound to be very tipsy by now.

  Lighting up her mobile phone, she guiltily saw that it was almost nine thirty. They had arranged to originally meet around eight, but an unexpected call from her sister had thrown them slightly out of sync.

  “And what time do you call this?” Lucy slurred as Charlie and Callum scooted onto the empty sofa opposite Jack, Ollie and the girls.

  “Yeah, we started without you,” Amelia scolded as she lifted a rather large glass of champagne to her lips.

  Judging by the size of each person’s glass and the large ice filled bucket on the table that held several bottles of bubbly, the group were clearly out to party tonight.

  “I’m sorry,” she replied. “I had to deal with my sister on the phone before we came out.”

  Amelia’s eyes immediately softened with sympathy. “Was she alright with you?”

  “Surprisingly so,” Charlie said. “She wants me to go to Ben’s birthday party next Saturday.”

  “And... Are you?” Lucy asked.

  Charlie sighed. “I guess I have to. I mean, I love that little guy to pieces, but the thought of being in the same room with my sister and Dr Prick is already starting to make my skin crawl.”

  “Our Cal will go with you,” Jack winked in his direction. “I’m sure he couldn’t think of anything better to do than spend a Saturday afternoon with a bunch of five year olds.”

  “No fucking chance,” Callum laughed.

  Charlie cocked her head to one side and gave him her best ‘are you shitting me’ look.

  “What do you mean not a chan
ce? Don’t you even think for one minute that I’m going into that hell hole on my own. There is no way that I am going to handle both of them and my mother on top. You can definitely come and help me take the heat a little.”

  “But...”

  Charlie fixed Callum with a glare that screamed she meant business. There was no way for him to find an excuse to back out of this one. At least with Callum by her side she knew that things couldn’t get as ugly as they could if she were going alone.

  Conscious that all eyes around the table were now fixed firmly on their little display, Charlie leant a little to the side so that she could whisper into his ear. “Believe me when I say that you have a lot of making up to do to me at the moment. We will just call this a small portion towards you attempting to redeem yourself.”

  Pulling back in confusion, Callum furrowed his brow. “Have I done something?” he asked.

  “Forget it,” she dismissed, reaching for a bottle of champagne to fill her glass. She needed to get some alcohol into her blood stream before she absolutely lost it. Of course she should have known that he would assume his behaviour this morning to have been acceptable. Clearly he thought it normal for boyfriends or husbands to leave on a Sunday night and return the following Friday evening having had barely any contact with their partners all week.

  In Charlie’s world this was not normal. Relationships were about giving your mind, body and soul to the person that you love. It was about sharing your deepest and darkest secrets to the person who could find and connect all of the loose pieces in the dangerous puzzle within our hearts.

  Never in her wildest dreams did Charlie imagine falling in love with a multi-millionaire property developer. Stumbling into her life at just the right time, Callum unknowingly became the knight in shining armour that she had been searching for.