by D. M Midgley
“It’s okay. I know it was a lot to take in, given we hardly know each other.” He laughs and shakes his head.
“Yea.” He frowns. “How are you feeling? Have you got a doctor’s appointment?”
“I’m feeling much better. My appetite is back and I haven’t been sick in a few days. I haven’t made an appointment yet, but I will make one for this week. Would you like to come with me?” I nervously play with my fingers in my lap while I wait for his reply.
“I would like to, yes. Hand me your mobile.” I grab my mobile of the coffee table and pass it to him. He types something in and seconds later his mobile rings. He passes it back.
“I’ve programmed my mobile number in and rang mine. I have your number now for whenever you need me or have an appointment. Send me a text and I will be there.” He smiles a real smile… finally a real smile and it’s directed at me. He’s being so good about this and I’m happy it’s going this well.
Maybe this could be a turning point for us?
“Okay, well, I have to go meet Tammy, so I’ll give you a call later to see how you are?” My good feeling plummets.
He’s going to meet Tammy!
I’m consumed with jealousy that he’s going to meet her.
But then I have to remind myself that he isn’t mine. He shrugs on his jacket that he hung on the coat rack and makes his way to the door.
“See you later.” And with that, he disappears out the door.
I slump back in the armchair with my arms folded across my chest. I can’t expect him to not see anyone. At least he wants to be involved in the baby’s life, even if he doesn’t want me. A single tear rolls down my cheek. I decide to grab an early night. Tomorrow is a new day and hopefully everything will look better in the morning.
I will never forget meeting Annabelle. I knew she was the one for me the minute she stepped into my office. The only way I could see her every day was to give her the job as my PA. It was a bonus that she’s good at what she does. Before her interview, I had two mediocre ones. Tammy was Tammy. I couldn’t employ her because I used to date her and to top that off she is a complete bitch. Yea, she broke it off with me, but she was so much like a child that I thank my lucky stars she did break it off.
Madison seemed lovely, but she was a bit too perfect. How can she be too perfect, you ask? She has no personality and seemed like a bit of a dud. I know that’s harsh to say, but I knew it as soon as Annabelle walked into my office, she was the one. She affected me like no other ever has. My heart was fluttering, my palms were sweating and I had to give myself a pep talk about remembering to breathe.
What an idiot I am!
So when I saw her at Sienna’s, I had to speak to her. I never let on that I own the place. I got this job because I took over from my dad when he passed away, but the nightclub was mine. Something I’ve worked for on my own. I’m really proud of the work I put into it.
I miss my dad. He had an accident when we were on a skiing holiday in Switzerland with my mum and my younger sister, Danielle. My dad was very adventurous as well as a very successful businessman. There was a big chute that my dad thought would be great to ski down. He wasn’t an experienced skier and I knew he shouldn’t go down it. The chute was steep and narrow and was surrounded by rocks on either side. He seemed to be doing great when he started, but then he was getting too near the edges and the next thing we knew he had gone over.
My dad hit his head on a rock and was unconscious. He was airlifted to a hospital and we were told he was in a coma and they weren’t sure if he would make it. When we could, he was flown back to London to the London Bridge Hospital, a private hospital. He was there for months, not showing any signs of improvement. The dreaded day came when the doctor told my mother that he wasn’t going to regain consciousness and it was her decision about what to do. I remember the pain I felt, knowing this was it.
My dad was never coming back. My mum and Danielle didn’t take it so well, and I had to step up and look after them. It was a month later before my mum could face the decision to turn the machines off. It was the hardest day of my life. My mum and Danielle were sobbing uncontrollably and all I felt was numb.
Not long after that, I stepped up and took over running Lynn Publishing. I knew my dad wanted me to take over the company one day, so that was what I did. I did it for my dad and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What happened that night at Sienna’s was earth-shattering. I wanted Annabelle and I flirted with her all night. I was slightly drunk, but I knew what I was doing and I couldn’t help it. Ending up at her apartment… I didn’t mean to, but when she looked at me and asked me in, I couldn’t say no. I hated how I treated her afterwards. I regret the things I said. She was my new PA and it was unprofessional to sleep with her even though I wanted to.
My dad never liked employees dating in the workplace, and always frowned upon it so when I took over the company I applied the same rules. I never thought I’d be the one to want to break my own rule. That’s why I was cold toward her. I wanted to keep her at a distance. To me, she was a distraction. I know it sounds harsh, but since my dad passed away I’ve managed to build this company into what it is today, and I never thought I’d want a woman in my life as much as I do Annabelle. So I was rude and cold toward her.
I hate thinking about the way I was with her. I went to Sienna’s on the last night of the two week holiday, got completely drunk and woke up the next day with Tammy in my bed. I still can’t remember what happened, but I can’t seem to get rid of her now. That morning she came into work with me, was the day Annabelle walked in on us in my office. It looked really bad with Tammy sitting on my desk and me standing between her legs. She was only telling me that she was glad we were friends again and that she missed me.
I told her that I didn’t want anything else to happen and she was really good about it. I was so relieved, but when Annabelle walked in and saw us, my heart stopped. I saw the smirk on Tammy’s lips and I knew she did it on purpose. I was so rude to Annabelle again because I was ashamed to be caught like that with Tammy. I didn’t know what Annabelle thought, and I cared what she thought. Things just got worse from there. Tammy kept turning up at the office, and every time Annabelle was around she would be touching me or kissing my cheek. I saw the disappointment on Annabelle’s face and I hated it.
When I noticed how sick Annabelle was, and I was so worried about her. I didn’t know what to do, and I was really concerned about the amount of times she was being sick. When I called her into my office, it was to find out what was wrong and give her a few days leave or even a week. Whatever she needed to get back to full health. When she told me she wasn’t sick, I was confused.
She looked scared and she wouldn’t talk to me or tell me anything. The way she was chewing on her lip made me nervous. She was physically sick countless times and she looked very tired. I don’t know why, but I asked if it had anything to do with the night we’d spent together. I don’t even know why I asked… really I don’t? When she nodded her head, my heart stopped beating and I couldn’t control my breathing.
I knew… I knew she was pregnant.
My reaction was screwed up. I can’t believe I blamed her, and I feel awful for my reaction but it was such a shock. I wanted her so much that night that I wasn’t thinking. I’ve never slept with anyone without protecting myself. It was my fault as much as hers. I needed time to get my head around it. I stayed away from her and gave her space. I pretty much avoided her at work by taking work home with me, and I had a couple of days off as well. I realised how pathetic and stupid I was being, so when I turned up at her apartment I was ready to have a chat. When I saw her again, she was even more beautiful, even in her baggy trousers and tank top. I was worried about her and talking to her made my day. Knowing she was doing all right was brilliant to hear.
I gave her my mobile number in case she ever needs me. It may have been a shock, but I’m the father of this baby and I want to be there. I’m going to be th
ere for both of them. I’m making my way right now to see Tammy. I had a date with her, not a romantic date. It was just a meal with her at this new restaurant that she wanted me to take her to. I’m going to make her realise tonight that we will never be anything else, and if she can’t accept that then we can’t be friends. I may not know everything about Annabelle, but she’s carrying my child, and I will make sure that Annabelle and my baby are looked after. I don’t know what will happen with Annabelle, but if I have anything to do with it, I will win her heart too.
Joshua never phoned me like he said he was going to. Probably too busy with his big busty, bitchy, cleavage showing girlfriend… not that I’m jealous or anything. I gradually crawl out of bed, shower and change into my navy suit skirt, white blouse and navy jacket. I twist my hair into a braid and drape it down on one shoulder. If I’m going into work to face Joshua, then I will go in there looking my best. I apply a bit more makeup than I usually do and put on my navy heels. Tracy bought me a pair of earrings for my birthday ages ago, that I’ve never worn, so I pop them on. They’re little round pearls in a gold setting. I grab a cereal bar, my bag and head out the door, hoping the day will be good even if I do have to plaster on a fake smile for Joshua’s benefit.
It’s quite busy in the office today. I have to set up for a meeting for 11:00 a.m. and there are three individual meetings with Joshua later on in the afternoon. I grab Joshua’s coffee from the coffee room and head to his office. As I get closer, I can hear a commotion coming from Joshua’s office. I hear a woman screeching. I’m not sure whether to knock or not. My decision is made when I hear heavy footfalls coming toward the door. I quickly head back to my office and pretend to be typing as a very pissed off Tammy comes storming out of Joshua’s office with Joshua following after her.
“I can’t believe you, Joshua Lynn! How can you treat me like this?” She stands there facing Joshua with her fists clenched at her sides.
“Look, I’m sorry Tammy, but I only said I wanted to be friends. I never implied anything more.” He looks very uncomfortable having this conversation in the hall.
“Is it because of her?” She points at me and glares. “She gets knocked up to trap you, and you dump me, to what exactly… play happy families with that piece of trash? She doesn’t even dress well, I mean look at her.” I stare at her dumbfounded.
She knows about the baby?
He told her!
I’m fuming.
How dare he tell her?
“Don’t talk about her like that. It has nothing to do with anyone else. I’m sorry that I’ve hurt you, but I won’t have you talking to my employees like that.”
She glares at me and saunters over to my desk.
“This is all your fault. You had to go and get yourself knocked up.”
She leans down and whispers in my ear so Joshua can’t hear, “If you think for one second that you will get your grubby little hands on him, you’re very much mistaken. You’re nothing but a trashy whore.” She composes herself before walking out of my office. I see her glare at Joshua before she calmly says, “This isn’t over, Joshua.” She flicks her hair over her shoulder before walking toward the lift.
I roll my eyes.
What a bitch!
Once she’s gone, I look up to see Joshua leaning against the doorframe.
“Are you okay?” he asks with concern in his voice. I stand up and round the table to stand in front of him.
“Okay? Are you serious? You tell my business to that bitch. Why? How dare you?” I fold my arms across my chest.
“I’m sorry, okay… it… it just slipped out,” he pleads.
“It just slipped out? Look… I may be having your baby, but that doesn’t mean you use me as an excuse to break up with your girlfriend.”
“She wasn’t my girlfriend. There hasn’t, or isn’t, anything going on between me and Tammy.” I glare at him. “It’s none of my business.” I’ve had enough of this conversation, so I grab the coffee mug.
“Here’s your coffee, might be a bit cold now though.” He takes the mug from me and our fingers accidentally brush. From just that single touch, my breathing picks up and I get tingles all up my arms. He’s still staring at me, but I’m afraid to look at him.
“Is there anything else?”
I hear him sigh. “No, nothing.”
I pick up the files for the meeting. “Well, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go and set up the meeting room.” I brush past him as I make my way out the door. Before I can get any further, he grabs me by the arm.
“Annabelle… Did you make that appointment with the doctor?”
I can’t look at him right now, so I whisper, “No.”
He sighs. “Okay, well when you do, can you let me know, please? I really want to be there.”
I gently nod my head. He releases my arm and I hear his footfalls walking away. I don’t know how to feel. Deep inside, I feel relieved that he’s not with Tammy anymore, but I can’t believe he told her about the baby. I haven’t even told Aunt Sylvia or Tracy yet. I don’t have time to think about it now, so I go and get the meeting room ready for the meeting at 11:00 a.m.
Later in the afternoon, I’m sitting in my office typing up my meeting notes when I’m startled by a knock on my open door. My head snaps up and I take in the tall, muscular guy standing in my office doorway. He has gorgeous blond, wavy hair and big blue eyes. He looks like a stereotypical surfer. He’s very tanned and has the most amazing smile and his big blue eyes are literally sparkling.
“Well hello beautiful, I’ve never seen you here before.” His smile is infectious that I can’t help smiling back. “Last time I was here, Wendy was here.”
“Yea, she retired. I’ve been working here a few months now. Sorry, but do you have an appointment with Mr. Lynn?” He bursts out laughing and I’m trying to understand what was so funny.
“As a matter of fact, I have, but it’s not a business meeting. It’s the only way he ever has time to see me. Joshua works too damn hard. I wish he would cut loose sometimes and stop being so business, business, business.” He laughs again. His eyes are really something. “I will go and let Mr. Lynn know you’re here. Mr.—?”
“Don’t worry beautiful. I will go straight in, he won’t mind.” He walks off.
Who is here?
I’m still staring at the open doorway when the blond guy pops his head in.
“My name’s Karl beautiful, Karl Stanford.” He winks and disappears again. He seems quite a happy guy. I wonder who he is to Joshua?
While I have a bit of time, I phone the doctor and make an appointment for later on this week. I’ve been feeling quite well recently, but nervous about going to the doctor and booking my first ultrasound. I hear laughing coming from Joshua’s office and moments later Joshua and Karl appear, laughing about God knows what. It’s great to see Joshua actually smiling. He has such a gorgeous face when he smiles.
“Well Joshua, give me a call when you actually want a night out. It must get boring with all the work you’re doing. You need a night out with me.” He laughs. “What about you beautiful, fancy a night out with me?” I laugh as he wiggles his eyebrows up and down. I look over at Joshua and he’s not laughing anymore. In fact, he’s frowning.
“Thank you, Karl, but I’m looking forward to a nice night in front of the television tonight.” I smile and look at the time. It’s nearly time to go, so I stand and clear all the files away.
“Oh come on beautiful, I will get on my knees and beg,” he laughs. “I will give you a night to remember.” I giggle at his words. He’s a terrible flirt.
“She said no, Karl. Leave it.” I glance up from what I’m doing and see Joshua glaring at Karl.
“Whoa, sorry mate, I was just having a bit of fun. I didn’t know you two—?”
“We’re not,” I blurt.
“It’s complicated,” we both say at the same time. I glance at Joshua and my eyes lock with his. He eyes are full of desire that I’ve never seen before.
Karl laughs. “Okay then you guys… I’m gonna go.” He looks between me and Joshua before laughing and walking off. I quickly glance away from Joshua and busy myself by tidying my desk.
“Uh, Joshua?” I glance up and he’s still standing in my office.
“Yes.”
“I’ve made a doctor’s appointment for later this week if you want to still come?” I nervously chew on my bottom lip.
“Yea, of course, clear my schedule for that day and I will definitely be there.”
I smile. “Thank you.”
Joshua smiles and makes his way back to his office. I can’t help smiling. Things seem to be looking up for me and Joshua.
I hope!
I hate doctors waiting rooms. They are always dull looking with horrible plastic chairs to sit on. Joshua insisted on going private, but I was happy to go to my own doctor. Today is only to have another pregnancy test done, and to book an appointment for an ultrasound at the hospital. They will be able to give me a rough guide of how many weeks I am too. I have agreed to go private for the hospital appointments and the birth of our baby. Joshua kept insisting.
I feel really nervous sitting here, waiting. I feel like we’ve been waiting for ages. Joshua has been really quiet since he picked me up from my apartment. I lied to Tracy and said Joshua was picking me up for a business meeting. I felt so guilty lying to her, but I’m going to have lunch with her tomorrow to tell her. She only has a week left until she leaves for Los Angeles. I don’t know what I’m going to do about the apartment. I’m going to have to look for something a bit cheaper, something that I can afford. I can’t go back to Aunt Sylvia’s because it would mean giving up my job, and I don’t want to do that. Aunt Sylvia still doesn’t know, so I’m going to phone her tonight.
A doctor walks into the waiting room. “Miss Connor?”
Joshua and I stand and follow the doctor to his office. We both take a seat across from him.