by Carrie Stone
Picking up the large manilla file of documentation for the hotel launch, I flicked my way through the various notes and emails. Everything was more or less prepared and in place for the trip to Marbella in five days time. The flights had already been arranged for both Ronnie and I, whilst Sam would stay behind and oversee the office.
Dread filled me at the thought of having to explain to my mother that Edward and I were no longer an item. Despite her recent supportive attitude, there would still be a degree of satisfaction that she had forewarned me of such a situation arising. He sounds too good to be true, were the words I could recall from the limited conversations we'd had in Spain. Perhaps my mother's intuition would be given more attention and credit in future discussions.
With Mel away, Stella was my only option of receiving a balanced argument as to how I should proceed with Edward. She didn't have Mel's straight talking, no-bull attitude, but she did have good judgement. Stella would know what to do.
Arriving home to an empty house brought a new level of depth to my despair. Alone in the large rooms with no plans to fill my evening, I began to question whether I had made the right decision. Had I over-reacted towards Edward? He wouldn’t have said that he loved me if he didn't mean it. What did he have to gain by lying about his feelings? Nothing. A man who didn't care about a woman wouldn’t call her continuously throughout the day leaving messages. Neither would he spend every spare moment with her. Had I been a fool and thrown away the best chance of a successful, healthy relationship that I was ever going to have?
The house phone rang just as I switched on the television to avoid muddling my mind any further with counteractive thoughts. Eagerly grabbing the handset, my hands shook as I pressed the answer key.
'Edward?' my heart thudded in my chest as the sounds of its beat echoed in my ears. This was my chance to make things right. To clear the air and to reason with him.
'Lizzie? It's me, Stella.' My sister's familiar voice sent ripples of disappointment through me. I bit down on my lip in dismay.
'Oh. I thought you might have been Edward' I said closing my eyes and taking a deep breath to stop my voice trembling.
'You sound upset. What's happened?'
Holding my breath in the hope of controlling the overwhelming barrage of tears that lingered behind my eyes, I struggled to compose myself.
'We've split up. Me and Edward. We've split.' The words hit me with their full force and the emotion I’d been squashing all day came rising up from deep within, bringing with it a breathtaking realisation of horror. There was no longer and Edward and I.
The cry that escaped from my mouth didn't sound as if it belonged to me as my body racked with sobs.
'Oh honey, stay right where you are. I'm coming over' Stella instructed in her forceful tone as I replaced the handset and curled myself into a ball, letting the emotion overtake me and grateful that my older sister would be there to comfort me.
By the time Stella had arrived, complete with two bottles of wine and a box of chocolates, I was a wreck. Filling her in on the situation took little encouragement. I wanted nothing more than to speak about Edward. To have the opportunity to once again attempt to decipher if my actions had been hasty and impulsive.
Stella listened patiently, not daring to interrupt as, in between sobs, I informed her of a word by word account of the exchange.
Sitting back nervously against the sofa, I took a gulp of the generously poured glass of wine and waited for her verdict. If anyone would know what to do, Stella would. Finally, she began to speak and I listened eagerly to her advice, succumbing to the numbing effect the wine was having upon me. Stella would make things better.
CHAPTER FORTY TWO
My stomach churned as I neared the entrance of the hotel in which Ronnie was staying. Despite reassuring my mother that preparing me breakfast wasn't necessary, she had insisted.
Both Jemima and I had been forced to endure homemade granola bars and root vegetable smoothies, part of my mother's attempt to reinvigorate and energise the household. Except it was having the opposite effect, combined with my nerves.
Although I was pleased to be back in the Spanish sunshine to attend the launch, albeit only for a few days, there was a rawness to my emotions. Stella's skilful advice to ignore Edward's calls, resulting in making him want me even more, had backfired. The past five days having no contact with him, had been both gut-wrenching and heartbreaking. Even more so once his calls had stopped two days prior to flying to Spain.
Accepting the fact that I had ruined our chance of a relationship together was a bitter pill to swallow, especially as my heart had skipped a beat each time his name had flashed across my mobile screen. It had taken everything within my willpower not to press the answer key and admit that I wanted nothing more than to put aside our differences, and pick up where we had left off. I hadn't wanted to give up on what Edward and I had. However since his contact had ended, I was left with two choices. Continue life without him in the hope we would cross paths again - or call him and apologise.
Everything within my being was telling me to put aside my pride and make the phone call. But what if he rejected me?
Explaining the situation to my mother had only complicated the matter and my feelings. Of the wise advice that Stella had given me, my mother's words had surprisingly been the ones to resonate. Staring in disbelief at me as I'd recalled the argument, her comment had been sickeningly accurate. Why hold Edward responsible for doing what he felt was in the best interest for his daughter?
I had suddenly begun to view his actions in a different light. He was a man new to fatherhood, trying to protect his child from pain and misunderstanding. What right did I have to judge him? Would I have not acted in the same way had the roles been reversed? It was a question I honestly couldn’t answer.
Readjusting my loose bra strap beneath the blue shift dress I was wearing, I headed towards the reception area. The months of hard work that both Ronnie and I had contributed towards the advertising campaign would rest upon the outcome of the launch today.
Despite the adapted and pre-approved feature we had created to run in this month’s Time and Travel magazine, we were both hopeful the press launch would generate other positive reviews. The press interview and coverage for the winners of the RJ funded prize weekend break, would also be taking place later in the day.
I had noticed Ronnie's anxiety had been building steadily, more so evident at our dinner the previous evening. Sasha had informed us that Teddy would be present at the launch, much to Ronnie's relief. Meeting his son for the first time in sixteen years wouldn’t be easy for him. My only hope was that he hadn't set his expectations too high. There wasn't any guarantee that Teddy would be aware of the campaign his father had undertaken on his behalf, especially given the fact that all of my dealings had been through Sasha.
The information I had received from her that Teddy was only one of many investors involved in the project, had been kept to myself. Too much work, money, time and effort had already been in-putted. Ronnie needn't know his son's involvement was slimmer than originally anticipated.
Ronnie was waiting by the reception area looking distinctly suave. With a slight tan, newly trimmed hair and chinos, he looked a very different man to the one I was used to seeing on a daily basis. Almost attractive if sixty year old men were my thing. Fortunately they were not.
'Morning Lizzie, you look wonderful as usual' he greeted me warmly.
I noticed he'd parted his hair to one side. It reminded me a little of how Edward chose to wear his hair. Taking a deep breath and ignoring the pain that lingered in my chest, I pushed the thought of Edward aside. There wasn't anything I could do to immediately resolve the situation between us. Furthermore, the launch was too important on a work level to allow my love life and emotions to dominate the day.
'Thanks Ronnie. Beautiful weather for today at least' I replied brightly, noticing Ronnie's anxious demeanour and fixing a smile of encouragement on my face. 'Ar
e you ready to go?'
Ronnie breathed in deeply. 'As ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s do this' he said as he took the lead and headed towards the exit and queue of waiting Taxis.
I only hoped that everything went to plan for both Ronnie's sake and my own. The responsibility for overseeing that the RJ's prize winners were looked after and cooperated with the publicity team, was with me. Given that the Real Estate opportunity Ronnie had presented to me had become a viable option now that my relationship with Edward was finalised, it was vital I proved my worth.
Ronnie would be expecting an answer to his proposition shortly after we arrived back in London. Knowing that the next forty eight hours would be my catalyst for important life decisions made me even more nervous. I hadn't yet discussed the offer with anyone, instead keeping it to myself through fear that I would be coerced into making a decision I wasn't comfortable with. The only person that would have given me an honest opinion without a selfish agenda was Mel. But it wasn't fair to burden her travels with my life hysteria, so I’d purposefully kept our weekly communication upbeat and light.
As our Taxi drew up outside the Venetia Plaza, the buzz of the launch was evident. Guests, press and recognisable socialites could be seen littering the main entrance as valet servicemen rushed from one car to the next. The champagne and canapé reception was being held in the beach front area, at the back of the hotel. It offered a spectacular view of not only the sea and Venetian inspired hotel exterior but the inner sanctuary, as it had been named. A large area of exotic plantation, waterfalls, infinity pool and a beauty treatment centre.
Despite being my fourth visit to the hotel, I was still astounded with the finished project. It was the type of hotel I'd grown up looking at photos of and wondering if one day I’d be able to afford to stay at. Interestingly, Venetia Plaza was being marketed as an affordable choice for the mid range holiday maker. Sasha had informed me that the investment vision had been to bring a slice of high end luxury at accessible rates, for budgeting individuals. If this morning was anything to go by, it had already attracted a very mixed and colourful crowd.
We had just over an hour before the presentation of the weekend break winners would take place, after the official hotel opening and unveiling. Two guests were already in transit courtesy of RJ Travel. Sam had been put in charge of arranging the flight details and transfer. I only hoped that she'd remembered to reiterate the conditions of the press photos and interviews that was part of the arrangement. Already agreed with both a travel and lifestyle magazine, both interviews would be reporting upon the prize winner's experience and promoting the hotel.
Ronnie looked on at the surroundings in awe, a hint of pride written across his face. Undoubtedly he would lay the credit for the project at his son's feet. As much as Sasha had been standoffish and difficult to communicate with face to face, I had to hand it to her; she had contributed an astounding amount to the overseeing. I suspected even more so than Teddy.
Spotting Sasha immediately across from us, I nudged Ronnie and indicated my head in her direction as she stood chatting with two well dressed men by the lobby steps.
'There's Sasha, do you want to meet her and see if she knows where Teddy is? Or would you like me to show you around the grounds first?' I asked Ronnie, watching amused as Sasha openly flirted with the smaller of the two men.
I felt Ronnie stiffen next to me, his breathing becoming heavier and rasping. I'd never seen him so nervous before. He rubbed his chin in consideration.
'I'll introduce myself to Sasha and then I think I'll try and get five minutes with Teddy.'
'OK' I said as we weaved our way through the crowd of loitering guests, Ronnie taking the lead.
Keeping a few steps behind Ronnie, I stifled a surprised reaction as he confidently strode within inches of Sasha and rudely broke into her conversation.
'Gentlemen, sorry to interrupt' he said, with an apologetic smile towards the two men who looked on baffled at Ronnie's interference. Ignoring their glances, Ronnie held out his hand towards Sasha.
'Ronnie Johnson of RJ Travel. It's a pleasure to meet you Ms Murphy.'
It took Sasha a few moments to compose her disappointment and annoyance, as her two counterparts nodded their goodbyes and moved away.
'Mr Johnson, how wonderful to finally meet you in person' she said sickly, aware that I was watching her intently. Ronnie gestured towards me.
'And of course you've already met Lizzie.' Sasha gave a small tight smile.
'Yes, Lizzie. Hello again.' Not bothering to return a smile, I nodded towards her, thankful as Ronnie began to make polite small talk about the hotel.
Surveying the other guests as they chatted, I noticed many looking appreciatively at the surroundings. Without doubt the Venetia Plaza would be a success.
Ronnie cleared his throat bringing my attention back towards their conversation as he looked intently at Sasha.
'I was wondering if it might be possible to have a word with Teddy? There's a few things I'd like to discuss' he said, unaware of the perspiration building at the corners of his forehead. I knew it wasn’t solely the heat of the sun. Sasha noticed it too as she fixed her gaze on the trickle of sweat.
'I didn't realise you knew Teddy?' she replied with a questioning look. 'But yes, shouldn’t be a problem. I believe he's in the main boardroom running over things before the presentation. Would you like me to accompany you?'
Ronnie paled slightly at her words as Sasha waited expectantly for him to say something.
Clearing his throat for a second time, he proceeded to wipe his forehead with the back of his hand.
'Sorry, this heat is really getting to me. Thanks for the offer but I know you have lots to do here, so just point me in the right direction.'
Sasha hesitated for a moment, eyes narrowing before pointing across at the right wing of the building, where the conferencing area was situated.
'Last room on the right with the plaque on the door' she said before adding 'It's been wonderful talking to you Mr Johnson, but I must slip away now as I’ve things to attend to before the unveiling.'
I shook my head as Sasha smiled in Ronnie's direction, choosing to ignore me, before walking off towards the beach front.
'How rude' I said indignantly, as soon as she was out of earshot. Ronnie chuckled alongside me.
'She was' he said nodding his head in agreement.
'Do you want me to show you where the boardroom is?' I volunteered helpfully, my heart going out to him as he struggled to control his shaking hands. He considered my offer for a few seconds as I glanced discreetly at my watch, aware that the prize winners would be arriving shortly.
'Yes please, Lizzie, it would be nice to have you there for support' he looked at me shyly. 'I’m a bit hesitant of how he might react when he sees me. Whereas I know he's enough of a gentleman to never make an awkward scene in front of a woman' he smiled. 'At least I brought him up well when it comes to the ladies.'
Inwardly I hoped he was right. The last thing I wanted was to be caught in a standoff, especially as I'd had no intention of being involved in the meeting. It was a personal matter and although I was honoured that Ronnie felt comfortable enough to ask me to share it with him, a part of me was hesitant.
Keeping my thoughts to myself, I escorted Ronnie towards the conferencing wing, deserted except for the few staff busying themselves in anticipation of the grand opening. Continuing down the brightly lit marble corridor, we approached the last door on the right.
CHAPTER FORTY THREE
Standing in the brightly lit corridor outside the heavy dark brown, double boardroom doors, I stood awkwardly behind a nervous Ronnie, waiting for him to knock. Thankful that his back was turned towards me and he was unable to see my impatience and frustration, I breathed out slowly in relief as I heard him finally tap against the door.
We stood in anxious silence for a few moments until we heard the distant grunt of acknowledgement from inside the room. Looking at Ronnie's terrified
face, I gave up a silent wish that all would unfold in a positive way.
Preferably the Ronnie replica would smile happily at the sight of his father and thank us both for all the hard work we had in-putted into marketing his hotel. But realistically I knew that was unlikely to happen.
Ronnie pushed the door open with the purpose of a man on a mission. I quietly followed behind him into the large boardroom, feeling both awkward and out of place.
A tall ceiling and a plush cream and blue interior drew my eye in all directions, it certainly looked different to the last time I had seen it in its unfinished state. This was a boardroom fit for a king. A far cry from the RJ meeting room in which the three of us sat squashed around a Formica table, with the telephones ringing in the background.
Ronnie moved from in front of me and my gaze immediately flew to the man standing by the window. I gasped as my stomach jumped into my throat.
'Son' Ronnie said emotionally, holding out his hand and walking towards the window.
I watched in disbelief as Edward paled and slowly stood up, looking in my direction in utter confusion, as my pounding heart threatened to explode from my chest.
'Lizzie?' he said slowly, looking bewildered from me to his father and back again. Ronnie looked at me questioningly as my eyes flitted between both men, struggling to control my shock.
'Edward?' Why was Edward here and why was Ronnie referring to him as son?
The three of us stood rooted to our positions, unsure what to say or do, before Edward stepped forward towards Ronnie, a tear in his eye.
'Dad. What are you doing here?' Turning towards me with a look of hurt and betrayal, I felt my heart pierce as I looked into Edward's confused eyes.
'Lizzie, you also? What's going on - you haven’t answered my calls and now you're here. I don’t understand?'
Clarity hit me like a bolt of lightning as I tried to breathe deeply to control my palpitating heart and hands, dancing with nerves. Teddy was a pet name for Ted. Ted was used as an alternative for Ed. Therefore Teddy was Edward. Ronnie was Edward's father. Edward was the investor in the Venetia Plaza. Legs shaky, I walked across to the nearest chair and sat down.