Scattered Thoughts (Betrayed by Love Book 1)
Page 7
When the dinner mess was all cleaned up, I kissed the kids goodnight, thanked Sara again, with a big hug this time, and headed upstairs to get ready for bed, more than exhausted now.
I picked up my phone to do a final check of email but thought better of it and dropped it on the side table. Turning off the light, I laid my head on the pillow. The moonlight flooded my room, enveloping me like a blanket, soft and comforting with a gentle ease. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.
• • • • •
The next morning I woke up early, relieved I hadn’t had another nightmare. After washing up I pulled on my running clothes then headed downstairs for a cup of coffee. Sara was already up and had the coffee brewed. We made small talk while I drank my standard morning cup before I headed out for a run.
Faint shades of orange and blue slowly chased the night away as I ran along Beachview Drive. The pain in my ribs was all but gone now, so I pushed myself harder than I had in days. It felt good to work this hard. The sound of my feet hitting the pavement soothed me like nothing else could. The faster I ran, the harder I worked, the more relaxed I became.
I sprinted up the stairs to shower as soon as I got back. There were several things left for me to do before my trip and I didn’t have all that much time. Grabbing my phone from the bedside table I glanced down at the screen to see exactly how much time I had.
Shit. I’d already missed three calls. Quickly, I ran through caller ID: Tim, Tim, Jonathan. Given it was barely after seven o’clock in the morning I decided whatever it was they needed could wait until after my shower.
I dried off then slipped on a pair of linen pants and a long sleeve t-shirt. I’d change for my flight later but there was no reason I couldn’t be comfortable now. Pulling my hair into a loose ponytail I headed downstairs to my office.
My phone rang again before I could even sit down at my desk. “Good morning, Jonathan. What’s up?”
“Have you talked to Tim today?”
“Not yet. What’s going on?”
“There’s a picture of you and Mr. Payne on the home page of the Daily News and he’s on the warpath about it.” We all knew the risks of taking on such a high profile client, so I couldn’t imagine what the big deal was all about, not to mention the Daily News was nothing more than a glorified gossip rag, with reporters following around high profile business professionals and local celebrities to garner higher advertising dollars. Tim should be more embarrassed to admit he actually read the trash they call news.
“What is it, exactly, that he’s mad about?”
“A picture is worth a thousand words, Izzy.”
“Alright, give me a second. Let me pull it up.” I fired up my laptop and pulled up the webpage. Shit. Sure enough, right on the home page, there was a picture from Hopjacks. Alec was whispering in my ear. I was biting my lip, a wine glass in hand.
“It’s not what it looks like.”
“You don’t have to convince me. I know you’d never cross the line. Tim’s the one who’s freaking out.”
“Thanks,” I said, feeling more than a little guilty, knowing how dangerously close to the line I’d been with this client. “I better give him a call.”
I hung up the phone and stared at the picture that was splashed across the page as I waited for the article to print. Now you’ve done it, my inner voice snarled.
“Alec Payne, billionaire entrepreneur, reportedly in town to finalize the purchase of the Bayfront Stadium, spotted having a romantic lunch at a local restaurant yesterday with an unnamed female companion,” the headline read. Good, they hadn’t mentioned my name. I quickly scanned the article. “The two were later seen in what could be described as an intimate embrace outside the Theisen building,” the article said. Double Shit!
My phone rang again. I took a deep breath then answered it. “Good morning, Tim.”
“Have you seen the picture on the Daily News?”
“I’m reading the article now.”
“What the hell happened after I left you two yesterday?”
“Nothing. I finished the glass of wine Mr. Payne ordered for me and then he walked me back to the office. End of story.”
“Yeah, well, this picture tells a much different story.”
“I can see that,” I snapped, annoyed by his assumptions. “Fortunately, my name isn’t mentioned and neither is Dimarco’s. And now we know to watch out for reporters when Mr. Payne is around,” I added, doing my best to minimize the issue.
“I’m having second thoughts about you taking this trip now, Izzy. Maybe you should have Steve run point on this project.” Triple shit. He wasn’t just mad, he was pissed. Tim had never pulled me off of a project before.
“Are you serious?” When Tim didn’t answer I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. “If that’s what you really want I’ll email Ms. Roberts and Mr. Payne today to notify them of the change.”
“Let me know when it’s done.” He slammed the phone down in my ear and I had my answer. I ran my hands through my hair, unable to believe this was happening. I’d told Alec I was only interested in a professional relationship. I told him there were strict guidelines at Dimarco. I even tried to ward him off but I’m the one in trouble?
“It’s so unfair!”
“What’s not fair?”
I looked up from the article only to find Drew standing in front of my desk. “It’s nothing, just work.”
“That doesn’t look like nothing,” he said pointing at the picture of me and Alec. I rubbed my forehead, not him too.
“Pictures can be deceiving, Drew.”
“So you’re telling me you’re not having a glass of wine and biting your lip as that man,” he leaned over my desk a little farther, “that billionaire, pushes a strand of hair off your shoulder?”
“Drew, please—”
“Answer me, Mom. Were you on a date with that man? Are you cheating on dad?”
“Of course not!” I stood in protest. “I was at lunch. Alone. I had no idea Mr. Payne was even there.”
“So you admit you know him.”
“Yes. He’s a new client. He was having lunch with my boss when he saw me eating alone and he stopped to say hello.”
“Has dad seen this?”
“There’s nothing to see, Drew. Now I just told you what happened and I’m not going to discuss it anymore.” I sat back down, staring down at my desk. “Why aren’t you in school anyway?” I asked, desperately wanting to change the subject.
“Ya know, I’m not as blind as you think I am.” Drew stormed out of my office, slamming the door behind him.
“This is so unfair!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. Drew was mad at me and my boss had asked me to step down, all because of one stupid picture. We weren’t even having lunch together. And I certainly wouldn’t call it romantic.
Leaning back in my chair I took a deep breath, and typed out the message. This was out of my hands and I was just ready to get this over with.
Date: April 16, 2015 07:45 AM
To: Alec Payne; Lily Roberts
Cc: Tim Howard; Steve Lange
From: Isabella (Izzy) James
Subject: Personnel Change
Mr. Payne and Ms. Roberts,
Effective immediately Steve Lange will be running point on your project. Steve has been involved with the project from inception and I expect a seamless transition.
Sincerely, Izzy James
Issues & Reputation Management
Dimarco
Maybe this was best. My life had gone from bad to worse since meeting Alec Payne. His words rang in my ear again. “Dangerous, dangerous game,” he’d said. I wondered now if this was what he’d meant.
That familiar tone announced a new email. Great, it’s from Tim. I’d already done what he asked. What could he possibly want now? I double-clicked on the message and braced for the worst.
Date: April 16, 2015 07:50 AM
To: Isabella (Izzy) James
From: Tim Howard
Izzy,
Perhaps I overreacted. You’re still running point.
Use caution.
Tim Howard
VP Issues & Reputation Management
Dimarco
Just when I’d convinced myself this change was for the best. Silently I wondered if Alec had anything to do with Tim’s sudden epiphany, until the tone sounded again.
Date: April 16, 2015 07:52 AM
To: Isabella James
From: Alec Payne
Subject: Personnel change
Isabella,
In case you haven’t already heard, your request is denied.
I’m sorry about the picture. Preston will pick you up at seven thirty.
Until then,
Alec Payne
CEO, Payne Enterprises
“He’s sorry about the picture?” I said out loud. My boss was furious. My son thought I’d betrayed his father. And Alec was sorry? I shook my head, unable to believe this was happening.
I should’ve known Mr. Control Freak would object to the change. After all, he did revise the contract so I’d be forced to come to Tampa every week for a status update, a task that could easily be accomplished with a phone call. I tossed the newspaper into the trash, hoping for an out-of-sight out-of-mind kind of thing.
Pulling myself to my feet I headed into the kitchen for another cup of coffee. It wasn’t even eight o’clock and I was already exhausted. All these ups and downs, I was ready to get off this rollercoaster ride.
After the fresh pot of coffee had finished brewing I poured myself a cup then went straight back to my office. I buried myself in work, not emerging from behind my locked door until I heard Anna and Sara in the kitchen several hours later.
I walked out of my office, doing my best not to think about that unfortunate photo op, praying Anna hadn’t seen it too. “Hey,” I said as I entered the kitchen.
“How was work, Mom?” I couldn’t help but notice the clipped tone in her voice but didn’t call her on it.
“It’s work. I’d rather hear about your day.”
Anna tossed a copy of the picture from the article on the counter in front of me. “Well, I want to hear about this!”
Shit. I closed my eyes and took a steadying breath. “Anna, it’s not what you think.”
“Then what is it?”
“He’s a client. I ran into him at Hopjacks yesterday when I was having lunch. That’s it. There’s nothing else to tell.”
“The article says you were having a romantic lunch.”
“Anna, I have no control over what’s published on that site, but I’m telling you, he’s just a client.”
“Mom, look at this.” She poked the picture with her index finger. “Look at the way he’s touching you. Look at your face. Don’t sit there and tell me he’s just a client!” she screamed.
I’d never seen Anna this angry before. I opened my mouth to speak, but closed it, afraid anything I said now would only make matters worse. She stormed out of the kitchen. I called after her, but she didn’t stop. Sinking down onto the stool at the breakfast bar I buried my face in my hands.
“She’ll be okay, Izzy,” Sara said, handing me a glass of wine. “Drew’s mad at me too.” I took a long drink from the glass Sara gave me. Both of my kids thought I betrayed Spencer.
“It’s so unfair.”
Chapter Seven
The rest of the afternoon was a disaster. Drew refused to look at me and Anna couldn’t look away. Her stare so intense, I thought her eyes would burn a hole right through my heart. They barely spoke to me either, and what they did say was so painful I didn’t want to hear it. Drew and Anna were convinced I was having an affair and there was nothing I could say that was going to change that. I wanted to tell them the truth about the divorce, to tell them this wasn’t my fault, that I hadn’t done anything wrong. But I couldn’t. Not now, not right before I left on business, not with Spencer out of town too. It wouldn’t be fair to them.
I’d decided to take an earlier flight to Tampa. Drew and Anna needed time to process what they were feeling, plus, I really didn’t want to risk another picture of me and Alec. Especially not one of me boarding his private jet. I shuddered as I considered the headlines of that article.
“Maybe this trip will do you some good, Izzy,” I said out loud. Dr. Leonard had suggested I take some time off. While this wasn’t exactly time off it was time away from the chaos in my life. For three whole days I’d be able to pretend my life wasn’t unraveling at the seams. I could at least pretend I was still in control.
When I’d finished packing everything I couldn’t live without the rest of the week, I headed downstairs where the car service was already waiting. Tears pricked the corners of my eyes as I took one final look around. The house that was once filled with life and love had been forever changed.
Passengers were just starting to board when I arrived at the gate. With this new contract Payne Enterprises was paying for all my travel expenses, so I booked a first class ticket, considering it combat pay for what I was going through because of that picture.
Settling into the roomy seat, I closed my eyes, ready to get this flight over with. My peacefulness was disrupted when my phone rang. After silencing the ringer I caught a quick glance of the screen. Spencer. I wasn’t about to risk a dramatic event now, not with a plane full of people. I sent Alec a quick message so he’d know not to pick me up then powered down my phone and dropped it into my travel bag.
• • • • •
The car service dropped me off outside the Port of Tampa just before seven. Passengers weren’t arriving until tomorrow so the check-in process was quick. The porter took my suitcase and escorted me to my suite, an oversized room with a sitting area, a queen size bed, and a large en suite bathroom with a garden tub and separate shower. And the floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to the balcony made the room seem even bigger than it was.
I thought about calling Alec to tell him I’d arrived, but I wasn’t in the mood to deal with him yet. I needed a little time to get past the fact that he was the reason I was in this mess. Instead, I unpacked my suitcase then headed off to explore the ship on my own.
There was a deck map mounted on the wall near the elevator and I took a few minutes to study it. The ship had nineteen decks and I could easily get lost. “This is gonna take more than a weekend,” I said out loud.
“How long is it going to take then?” I spun around and was immediately frozen in my tracks at the sight of Alec standing in front of me. The porter must’ve told him I’d boarded, but how did he know where to find me?
“Mr. Payne,” I finally managed to say.
“Welcome aboard, Ms. James,” he said with a smile that exposed his perfect white teeth. “Is there a problem with the schedule already?”
“I wasn’t talking about the schedule.”
He tilted his head as if waiting for me to continue.
“I was just thinking out loud about how many things there are to see onboard.”
“This is the Ultimate Fantasy, Ms. James.” He took hold of my hand. “Come with me, we have a tour to finish.”
I pulled out of his grip. “Alec, stop.” He turned to look at me. “This, whatever this is, it can’t happen. You’re a client. Please try to understand that.”
“Are you objecting to a tour of the ship?”
“No.”
“Then what exactly is the problem, Isabella?”
“Alec, that picture, you have no idea the trouble it’s caused.”
He moved closer, taking my hand in his once more. “I’m sorry, Isabella. I should’ve warned you about the press. I feel terrible. Let me make it up to you.”
My luxurious trip to Tampa flashed through my mind making me blush. “Actually, you already did,” I confessed. “You bought me a first class ticket to Tampa.”
A broad smile crossed his face. “Oh, Isabella, I can do much better than that.”
Nervousl
y, I bit my lip. Stop this! Stop this now! my inner voice shouted but I felt almost powerless near him. “Alec, please,” I breathed. “That picture almost cost me my job. And now my kids think I’m having an affair.” I shook my head, wanting to rid that awful memory.
“I’m sorry that your kids got the wrong impression, really. If there’s anything I can do to make that situation better just say the word and I’ll do it.” If only it were that easy. I wish someone else could handle the chaos in my life, but that wasn’t a real possibility and I knew it.
“But Tim—”
“You let me worry about Tim Howard,” Alec interrupted.
“That’s easier said than done, Alec. He’s really mad at me and I’m the one who works for him.”
“Fair point, Isabella, but you don’t need to worry about any of that now. You’re kids aren’t here. Tim’s not here. And more importantly, the press isn’t here.” He moved closer placing his hands on my hips, pulling me closer to him. “Right now nothing else matters but you.” My knees buckled, and at that moment I knew I couldn’t resist him.
“Fine, but just a tour,” I finally agreed.
• • • • •
We spent the next couple of hours exploring the ship. I got to see first-hand the work that went on behind the scenes as Alec escorted me through the staff only areas. Crew members were busily moving about, making final preparations before guests arrived. Alec was surprisingly relaxed and carefree as we strolled from deck to deck, exploring the ship. Not at all the control freak I’d expected.
He pulled his hand to his ear and pressed the Bluetooth button. “What is it, Tina?” Alec said sharply. “Was anyone hurt?” He turned his back to me as he listened. “Thank God. Get Marcus on the phone. I want a full report.” He pressed the button once again then turned back toward me.