The Principle Of Chance

by M Howson

  ‘Gas station?’

  ‘You want to do all?’

  ‘The waitress at the burger place, but tonight they all have a true ringing story. See what the report will show, and then we will decide.’

  Chapter Twenty Nine

  Amy woke early. She had a lot of work to do. As well as working for Frank, she had her own clients and Mr Carter had called demanding to see her. She had finished working for him, therefore she had no interest in meeting up. Holding a coffee and a heavy file, she walked into her office. The phone rang and interrupted her work.

  ‘Are you up or are you still in bed?’ A familiar voice asked.

  ‘It depends…’

  ‘Depends on what?’

  ‘Why do you want to know?’ She asked cautiously, she hadn’t heard from Justin for weeks and now suddenly he was calling. What was she supposed to do?

  ‘Can you let me in?’

  ‘In where? Where are you?’

  ‘In front of your gate.’

  There he was, sitting in his white convertible just like posing for a magazine cover. She opened the gate. Justin drove in and presented her with a massive bunch of white roses.

  ‘Thank you.’ Amy was so surprised she didn’t know what else to say.

  ‘You look good in your … underwear?’ He watched her intensely.

  ‘I know, I’ve just got out of bed.’ She was still in shorts and a top she slept in.

  ‘What are you doing here Justin? Wait, but I don’t need to know, you want coffee?’

  ‘Yeah, that’s why I drove this far - to have a cup of your delicious coffee served with attitude.’

  ‘Funny.’ She murmured on the way to the house.

  ‘I’ll make the coffee, you get dressed. I bet you can’t wait to do that.’

  ‘Strong, no sugar please.’ Amy said, thinking it was a good idea to put some clothes on.

  ‘I remember how you like your coffee, and more….’

  ‘You do?’ She felt her face redden, for God’s sake, why was she blushing?!

  ‘Every word!’

  ‘Oh, what a poet!’ She left, laughing.

  Amy pulled on a pair of faded jeans and a white chemise. Justin was sitting by the pool under a big white sunshade when Amy returned.

  ‘I have been very busy lately as I told you I would be. We are finishing filming and I am sorting out my own company. This means, I will have more time to spare.’ He found it hard to tell Amy what he felt, words didn’t come easily. ‘I enjoyed our time in Hungary - a lot. If this means anything to you?’ He studied her face for some sign of acknowledgement. Why was it so hard for him to say what he really wanted?

  ‘I had a good time Justin.’

  ‘Good! More coffee?’ He was stuck for words. Amy wasn’t helping him to say what he wanted – but what did she know? There was no prepared speech; he’d thought he might figure something out when he was actually facing Amy.

  ‘Continue Justin. It is getting interesting!’ Amy suppressed a smile.

  ‘Do you want it to get interesting?’

  ‘Maybe I do.’

  ‘Good, that’s what I’m trying to do Amy.’ He said, it wasn’t the time for games. He’d come here to tell Amy how he felt about her, it was proving to be difficult, but he’d started it now.

  ‘All right, but do it without that serious look on your face!’

  ‘I can never look serious Amy! Where shall we start?’

  ‘To make things interesting I would start where we left it, I suppose.’

  ‘Sounds good. How about lunch?’

  ‘You are on.’

  Justin got up. ‘I’ll pick you up around one?’

  Amy stood up too. Did he know he was turning her on?

  He turned around to kiss her goodbye. When he touched her, there was no stopping. The memories came flooding back, but what did he want?

  ‘I missed you so much Amy.’ He murmured into her hair. ‘I have wasted so much time.’

  ‘Glad to hear that.’

  ‘You little witch! Tell me you missed me too!’

  ‘Yes.’ She whispered.

  ‘Yes, as in you missed me too? Or yes, your body is giving you away?’

  ‘Only yes. Do we have to talk now?’

  ‘We do! I wanted to tell you Amy, that I want to see you more...’

  ‘I do too Justin.’

  ‘You do?’ He wrapped his arms around her slim body.

  ‘Yes. Come with me ….’ She pulled Justin towards the house.

  ‘I am not in a rush Amy.’

  ‘I am!’ She was desperately reaching for the zipper on his trousers. Did he know she was turned on big time? She felt she couldn’t wait any longer. Justin’s muscular body was all she wanted at that moment.

  ‘You are in a hurry girl!’ What a relief, Amy was everything he’d wanted for a very long time. ‘You are perfect.’ His eager hands began to explore her perfect body.

  Justin emerged from the bathroom with a towel around his waist. He saw Amy talking on the phone. She smiled and awarded him an appreciative look as she scanned his body.

  He rightly guessed it was Frank on the phone. Justin was ready to tell Frank to get lost for a day. He wanted Amy to himself. Then again, he had neglected her for weeks. He didn’t have any right to demand that she spend the day with him. They hadn’t talked about their relationship, in fact, Amy had kept it quiet.

  Justin put his clothes on and left the room to give Amy some privacy. He heard a car coming up the drive. A young, smooth looking guy emerged from a shiny, black BMW accompanied by an older woman.

  ‘Good morning.’ He said cheerfully.

  ‘Morning?!’

  ‘This is Paco, my driver, and his mother Maria, my housekeeper.’ Amy appeared by his side.

  ‘Nice to meet you both.’ He shook Paco’s hand. ‘Firm grip!’ He commented. ‘I like that.’

  ‘Thank you sir.’ Paco answered, embarrassed.

  ‘I won’t need you today Paco.’ Amy was about to say she was going for lunch with Justin but what if he changed his mind? He wouldn’t.

  ‘Ok, thank you Miss Ronay, Amy.’ He strode off into the house.

  ‘Would you like me to fix some lunch for you?’ Maria enquired.

  ‘I am taking Amy out for lunch. Thank you, maybe some other time.’ Justin informed her.

  ‘Lunch, is it?’ Amy said.

  ‘Don’t tell me you have forgotten girl?!’ Justin took a deep breath. ‘Listen to me Amy, I have wasted enough time without you, from now on you and me are, ehm….in a relationship. Jesus, I sound like my sister!’

  ‘It suits you Justin.’ She said happily.

  ‘Glad you agree.’ He rewarded her with a smile.’ I hope it won’t take you ages to find a dress. You look beautiful in anything darling.’

  ‘Liar, but I like it!’

  Chapter Thirty

  News of Frank Orban with a young girl hit the front pages! Pictures of Frank leaving a restaurant, club or his office were in every tabloid. Nobody knew exactly who the mysterious girl was. Frank Orban was an influential man – the paparazzi kept a distance and used careful wording. This was the news of the season, getting Frank onto the pages of magazines wasn’t an everyday happening.

  Tonight was the night of the Silver Star Artists Awards ceremony. Frank was ready for fireworks! State Of Mind received eight nominations. Did a win matter? Not to Frank. He hoped to get one or two for the guys who’d worked their socks off to pull this movie off.

  Leading up to the ceremony he was pressurised by paparazzi for interviews. The movie’s premiere was only a week ago. It was getting amazing reviews.

  Frank needed time to himself; he spent a quiet afternoon alone looking through photographs Jozsi had sent him from Hungary. The development works had begun in the village and Frank felt satisfied.

  His personal trainer arrived later in the afternoon and his doctor for the usual check-up. Frank wasn’t getting any younger, the doctor kept telling him and should cut ba
ck on excessive training. Tell me that again! Frank wasn’t prepared to cut down on anything – life was too short.

  In the evening Frank dressed carefully, his clothes were laid out as usual. This time he felt a strange excitement, it was going to be the night!

  By the time Jack arrived, Frank was relaxed.

  ‘All set old man?’ He asked, checking his appearance in the full length mirror.

  ‘Are we going to a funeral Jack?’

  ‘I think the tux is too much but we have to follow the dress code.’

  ‘Yeah, a bunch of people dressed up, smiling, pretending to be nice to each other. A great event awaits us!’ Frank chuckled.

  ‘Remember to smile for the press!’

  ‘Frank Orban and his thirty something girlfriend!’

  ‘Tomorrow’s headline?’

  ‘It will be all over the city before we sit down for dinner Jack. The paparazzi have already filled the gossip columns with rumours about me and Amy – that, I couldn’t stop. They didn’t dare to name me or speculate openly, but you see, tonight they will go ahead!’

  ‘Why do I have the feeling you are planning something Frank?’

  A secretive smile appeared on Frank’s face. That smile was well known to Jack. Frank was planning something again – and Jack was sorry for the receiving party.

  Amy and Monica arrived at the same time. ‘Our girls Jack.’ He said, beaming. Monica was wearing a dramatic, sassy black dress and Amy looked vibrant in a coral, strapless pleated dress.

  ‘You look magnificent!’ He announced proudly.

  Monica and Jack exchanged an intimate look which spoke volumes. Frank was pleased for them. If that was what they wanted – so be it! It was their business.

  ‘You are looking very smart Frank.’ Amy hugged him gently.

  ‘Smart?’

  ‘Powerful, sounds better? What would you prefer?’ She asked teasingly.

  ‘Anything from you darling – but smart would do for now!’

  Suddenly Amy felt an arm around her waist. It sent shivers up her spine! Justin had the touch!

  ‘What are you wearing under your dress?’ He murmured into her ear. ‘I can’t feel anything.’

  ‘Too many questions …. you could find out later!’ She turned to face him and her heart missed a beat, he looked incredible in his tux.

  Justin walked away to talk to Frank, which made Amy wonder if they were up to something. The two men in her life were unpredictable, - but it was what she liked.

  Justin was asking Frank about their escapade the other night. ‘Who did you pick?’

  ‘Not giving up on this?’

  ‘No, I told you, I want to get involved Frank.’ He said seriously.

  ‘All right.’ He watched the doorway.

  ‘Are you expecting anyone?’

  ‘We decided to give them all a chance Justin, we’ll see if it works out.’

  ‘Wow…’ Justin replied but stopped talking as a beautiful woman of a certain age appeared in the doorway. The room went quiet as everyone looked up.

  She had midnight black, shiny hair, arranged in a 1940s style with a middle parting. A long, black evening dress was wrapped around her slim body, and delicate pearls added to the dramatic look. Her red lipstick matched her long red nails. She stood there smiling.

  Frank rushed to greet her, he reached out for her hand, turned back and announced in a strong voice. ‘Let me introduce you to my fiancé, Ellie Chrystal.’

  There was a shocked silence for a second while everyone realised who she was. Everybody knew her as Eleanor Taylor the director of Taylor PR agency.

  ****

  Ellie Chrystal married her man. The man she thought she could learn to love, the man who would provide her with whatever she needed and the man who would love her forever.

  George D. Taylor was a determined young man whose ambition in life was to be a politician. A man in power, as he put it. He wanted to be the man who could help the country grow and prosper, at least that was his motto. George was a charismatic but ruthless man, he craved power and recognition. Money was no object for George, he came from a rich family, – but his political career needed a pretty wife and children. Ellie Chrystal, a pretty young girl, was exactly what he needed – who he would be able to train and mould into the perfect politician’s wife.

  Their wedding was an extravagant ceremony with a long, important guest list. An exotic honeymoon followed and the dreamy Ellie couldn’t wait for her happy life to begin.

  Ellie’s dreams started to fall apart when married life started with an argument. George gave her a list of rules. Ellie couldn’t believe what she was reading. No red lipstick or bright nails and no short skirts. She was to stay at home and attend to the running of the house, be the perfect hostess, entertain ‘his’ friends and their wives. She was to attend countless functions and look pretty, not to voice any opinions but always agree with George.

  At first Ellie thought George was only acting like this because of the political pressure but she soon learned this was only the beginning. The arguments continued and George had no control over his bad temper. Ellie suffered as the years passed. She thought of asking for a divorce but didn’t have the strength to bring up the subject. Until one day, when George asked Ellie to be ‘especially’ nice to one of his influential friends.

  ‘What do you mean ‘especially’ nice?’ Ellie asked.

  ‘Nice, pleasant – give him what he wants Ellie.’ George said, unconcerned.

  ‘I am always nice to your friends George. What do you mean?’

  ‘Woman! Don’t you understand, be nice! Get him to the bedroom!’ He shouted losing his temper.

  ‘What?’

  ‘Sleep with him Ellie!’ He said as a matter of fact.

  ‘Are you crazy? Out of the question!’ Ellie was shocked.

  ‘You will do what I tell you to do!’ George said, grabbing Ellie’s arms. ‘Do not dare to call me crazy again Ellie! I am warning you!’

  ‘I will not sleep with your friend, George!’ She said stubbornly.

  The next day Ellie did what her husband requested. She was pretty in a midnight blue dress and her perfect make up covered up the bruises that she received from George.

  Years passed by, Ellie realised she couldn’t have children, which was for the best. She learned to accommodate her husband’s needs and be the perfect timid wife. Divorce was out of the question. George’s political career was on the rise and that was all that mattered - nothing else.

  Until one day her husband introduced her to Frank Orban at a dinner party.

  ‘Be nice to him,’ He whispered into her ear. ‘I need him, he knows everyone in the city.’

  Ellie smiled blankly. ‘I will …’ Then she recognised Frank, her heart began to beat faster and her hands were shaking.

  Frank was surprised to see Ellie again but had no idea what Ellie’s life was like – he presumed she was blissfully married. However, Jack Harvey was also present and he did hear what George said to his wife.

  ‘Ellie isn’t happy.’ Jack told Frank.

  ‘What? She's the picture of the content wife!’ Frank said.

  ‘Watch her, the husband irritates me.’

  It didn’t take Frank long to realise that Jack was right. Here was a situation Frank didn’t know how to handle, he regretted letting Ellie go all those years ago but if that was what she’d wanted to do – who was he to stop her?

  He managed to get Ellie alone for a few moments and when he asked about her life – she blurted out far too quickly; ‘Why wouldn’t I be happy Frank? I married the man I loved!’

  ‘You loved?’

  ‘I love.’ Ellie hastily corrected.

  ‘Tell me the truth Ellie!’ Frank demanded.

  ‘It has nothing to do with you Frank.’

  ‘It has everything to do with me! You know that! You only married this man because I was a fool and let you run off to do that!’ Frank said bitterly. ’There isn’t a day I don’t regret t
hat decision - not one day!’

  ‘Well, Frank we learn from our mistakes and have to stand by our choices.’ Ellie answered quietly.

  ‘We don’t – you can divorce him!’

  ‘I can’t Frank, he has … power!’

  ‘What power?’

  ‘His career is important, he cannot have a divorce.’ Ellie explained.

  ‘Yes he can.’

  ‘No Frank, it isn’t that simple…’

  Ellie and Frank started seeing each other shortly after the dinner party. Frank watched an amiable Ellie turning into a new strong, determined woman who knew what she wanted. Frank recognised that she needed to be independent with her own life, make her own decisions and have her own thoughts.

  ‘It’s a dream,’ she told Frank. ‘I know, one day I will have all the things I am missing now.’

  ‘You can be free tomorrow!’ Frank stated.

  ‘I can’t Frank, not yet. I married him and I have to stay with George – for a little longer.’

  Frank gave up trying to convince Ellie. He guessed there were things she didn’t tell him and he needed to give her time. Years passed and Ellie still refused to talk about divorce until one day George died of a heart attack at home after an argument.

  Ellie called Frank first. ‘He's dead Frank, died of a heart attack, we had a major argument, I told him I wanted to leave….’ She was upset but calm.

  Frank arrived as the ambulance left, Ellie didn’t waste any time, she packed her things, told Frank she was going to the airport and left LA for a six month stay in France. She was desperate to discover who she was – until now Ellie had been someone else’s property. She still kept in touch with Frank but she didn’t tell him where she was. When she was ready to return, she bought a new house, decorated it the way she’d always wanted and created her Talent Agency. She wasn’t in a rush to establish herself as an agent; she didn’t need money or crave power. What she enjoyed was discovering hidden talent that would be her speciality.

  She kept her married name and loved being on her own. Frank stayed away; he understood that Ellie needed space. However, their friendship continued and slowly through the years turned into the perfect secret relationship.