by Nicole Casey
The next morning I felt better, I would show him that I didn’t need him, that I was good at my job and my colleagues would see me rise on my own merit.
I actually felt fantastic as I headed out the door and jumped into my car. I was the first one in and I got straight to work. In fact, I didn’t see anyone until about ten; when Fiona stuck her head in the door.
“Hey,” She said softly. “You okay?”
I nodded as I said, “Yes, great.” I paused looking at her, “Why?”
Fiona looked awkward. “I know you weren’t doing anything with Simon, I was just winding you up. I didn’t realize you would take it so badly.”
I smiled at her; she didn’t need to know the truth. “Don’t worry about it; I was having a bad day yesterday.”
It was just ten minutes later that my phone rang. “Hi Kate.” Ellie’s soft, almost musical voice came down the line. “Simon needs to see you, please.” Her voice sounded apologetic. “No worries,” I said brightly. I wouldn’t be letting him off that easily though!
I strolled along the corridor until I reached the elevator. A moment later I was smiling at Ellie as she said, “Go on in.” I pushed open the door, suddenly feeling like a naughty schoolgirl again. Thoughts of Simon punishing me flooded my mind; I could feel the desire welling up in me again.
“Kate, close the door please.” Simon’s voice had an authoritative edge. “I have been reviewing the financials and the forecasts and have to say the company is not doing as well as it could.” He paused, shaking his head for emphasis. I suddenly had an idea where this was heading. “I’m afraid we can’t afford two specialists in your field and I am expecting Stacey back in another week. Therefore, as you are on a probationary contract I will be finishing it at the end of the contract and not renewing it.” He smiled softly at me as he added; “It will give you time to find something else. If you need time off to look then please feel free to take it.”
I gasped, the shock of his words taking a moment to sink in. “You are firing me because I split up with you?” I managed to choke out. Simon laughed, “Don’t be silly,” His eyes narrowed as he said “Just don’t let me see you in the office again.”
Too shocked for words I walked out of his office and back to my own. For a moment I stared at the screen, my mind both blank and whirling. I didn’t know what to do or say. It took me just a few minutes to realize that this was a good time to take a walk; no one would prevent me or question what I did now.
Somehow I found my way to the exit, the fresh air hit my lungs; feeling like icicles striking my body. I headed down the road. I wasn’t ready to collect my stuff or even drive my car; in fact, I wasn’t even sure where I was going. One thought kept going round in my head, “Now I know why it is a mistake to date your boss.”
The more I thought about it the more annoyed I became. How dare he have the audacity to fire me just because I had broken up with him? It was his fault I had needed to end it. As I walked I could feel my anger building, a flame started to burn deep inside and I knew it wouldn’t be extinguished until I had taken my revenge. I had ten more weeks before my contract ended; I would use them to extract my revenge; I would take his company apart from the inside.
I stopped, looking left and right. I didn’t recognize this part of town. I suddenly felt invigorated, there was nothing that would stop me; Live Enterprises and Simon in particular would rue the day that they had dismissed me so easily. Anger quickened my pace; whatever I thought I felt for Simon didn’t matter anymore. He had dismissed me like a piece of dirt.
For a moment I dwelled on his piercing ice blue eyes, the squareness of his jaw line and the affection he had shown me. I could still feel the heat of his body as I ran my hands across his chiseled torso. For a moment I had seen a happiness that I thought I would never have again. Now, I knew that was true; it had all been a game, one that rich and arrogant men always play; until they get what they want.
I had to acknowledge the strength of my feelings for him; I had been falling for him; that was why it was so important to make sure he paid. There had been too many men in the past taking advantage; Simon would pay the price for all of them.
I turned, feeling more determined than ever to see this through to the end. It was time to get back to the office. “Watch out miss!” I heard the man call and glanced to my left. All I could see was the front end of a car only inches away from me.
Simon
“Ellie, could you get me the new access codes for the staff logs please,” I called to her, not worrying about using the phone system. It took her less than five minutes to bring them in. I had to admit that she was efficient. She was also quite pretty, but there was no spark; not like Kate had given me. It was the first time in a long time that I had allowed myself to feel something and it would be the last time for a long time. What I had with Shaun was too fragile to risk losing.
Slowly I typed in the login details and accessed the staff logs. It took me a few moments to find Kate’s. I have to admit I felt disappointed when I saw she had logged out ten minutes after our chat. I thought she had more gumption than that. It was also interesting to note that it had been nearly three hours and she had not logged back in. Had she decided to leave already?
I didn’t want to contemplate never seeing her again, not yet. That was the real reason I had given her the extended notice. It would allow me to let go of her slowly. I also assumed it would give her time to come to terms with it; maybe leave on amicable terms.
It seemed fairly clear that this was not her intent. I doubted she would be back for the rest of the day now. With a sigh, I decided it was time to call it a day myself. Just once, I could let the others take care of the day-to-day stuff.
Chapter Six
Simon
I drove aimlessly in circles for two hours, every fiber of my being wanted to drive past her flat and say hello. But I couldn’t. She had made her bed and I had to accept it. Plus, I couldn’t forgive her for the way she had behaved at my house and at work.
Glancing at the clock I realized it was time to pick up Shaun; that at least would give me a distraction. “Hi Dad!” Shaun bounced into the car. “Do you know what we made today?” He was fired up and ready to talk. In fact, he never stopped talking the entire way home; despite the fact I refused to play our usual game. Shaun paused just twice, both times I caught him looking at me funny but it wasn’t until we were in the house that he asked me directly. “What’s wrong dad?” His voice was quiet and determined. He suddenly seemed like 27, not 7 years old.
I sighed softly, “Women problems young man, that’s why I try to stay clear of them nowadays.” Shaun nodded slowly, “Has Kate upset you?” He asked cautiously. “I hope you can fix it because I really like her, she was fun, nice and beautiful.
I couldn’t help but laugh at that, “If only it were that simple.” I said to my son. Shaun smiled back at me as he said, “It should be dad. You meet someone, fall in love and then stay together forever.” I managed to grin, or at least put my lips in a straight line. “I wish it was that easy,” I said, gently ruffling his hair. He was very perceptive when he wanted to be.
For a moment he was silent, and then Shaun looked at me. “Dad?” He asked. “How do you know if they are the one?” I paused, this was a grown up question but I had always treated Shaun as a grown up.
“Well, son.” I started, trying to formulate my thoughts. It was an interesting question. Was it actually possible to sum up that moment you thought they were the one for you?”
“I think it’s when you realize that someone is on the same wavelength as you. They make you happy, smile and laugh. But, more than that, they make you a better person.” I paused, surprised at my own insightfulness. “Perhaps the best way to put it is that you feel whole when you are with them; even if you didn’t realize you weren’t whole before.”
Shaun nodded at me, his face very serious. I struggled not to laugh as he attempted to take it all in. “So dad?” He asked again, I wa
s used to this now. “Why are you and Kate no more; she made you a better person.”
I was shocked for a moment; what had Shaun seen that I had not?
“How do you mean?” I asked gently. “Well,” He replied. “She made you calmer and you were happy; I’ve never seen you that happy. You were also very kind to strangers.” As an afterthought, he added, “I liked it.”
Stunned I ruffled his hair again. “Thanks but sometimes it’s more complicated than that.” Now come on, let’s eat. With that I picked up the phone; this was definitely a take away night.
By the time the pizza arrived Shaun had his favorite program on. Not having the heart for an argument I simply let him have it on the couch next to me. The children’s channel on the television couldn’t hold my interest. My mind kept thinking about what Shaun had said. “Was he right?” I wondered; in that short space of time did Kate make me a better person? Well, she certainly made me a happier one.
“Shaun,” I asked cautiously, “Why do you think Kate didn’t like the necklace I picked out for her?” I paused, looking at him. “I mean, surely if she loves me then she would want any gift from me.” Shaun laughed. “I’ll have any gift.” He said, “Especially if it’s a toy.” He looked at me for a moment and I could see how much he looked like me. “I don’t think she likes expensive things.” His attention immediately returned to the television, leaving me to consider what he had said.
I had to concede he might have a point; Kate had said she had bad experiences in the past; what if they had all given her gifts in order to get something? With a jolt I suddenly saw how it looked to her. The gift was after our lovemaking; it was almost like payment. I hadn’t meant it that way but it had probably been received that way!
“Thanks son.” I said rising from the couch. Shaun smiled at me, “It’s just as well one of us is clever, isn’t it dad?” His cheeky grin melted my heart, as always.
I had nearly reached my phone when it rang. My heart raced. Maybe it was Kate! I scooped it off the side. “Hello?” I asked excitedly. “Hello, is that Mr. Live?” Came the reply. “Yes,” I responded. “Who is this?” The voice continued; “It’s Dr. Barrie. I have a patient in here that is delirious and keeps asking for you. Her ID says she is Kate Badurn.” He paused, allowing the information to sink in before asking. “Do you know her?”
“Yes,” I said, my voice sounding like it belonged to someone else. I crashed down onto the stool; “What happened?” Dr. Barrie replied; “She was in a car accident, nothing too serious but she has been heavily sedated all day; it’s the first time we have got any real information from her.”
“I’ll be right there, thank you Dr.” I could hear myself saying as I hung up. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion as I turned towards the living room.
“Shaun,” I called. “Kate’s been in an accident, we have to go to the hospital.” Surprisingly Shaun was beside me in less than thirty seconds. She had really made an impression on him. “Are you okay dad?” He asked as I searched for keys and wallet; my mind still dazed.
“Yes,” I said firmly. “Let’s go.”
The drive to the hospital was only fifteen minutes; Shaun kept me distracted. “It’s never too late dad, all the movies show the couple getting together at the end.” I nudged him playfully. “Okay, you old romantic.” I paused before adding, “Perhaps we should see how she is first.”
It was amazing how quickly we were escorted through to the right wing of the hospital. The doctor guided us into a small room. “She is stable at the moment with a broken leg, arm and a large bump on her head.” He said, his face still serious. I nodded, waiting for the ‘but’ to appear. “But,” the doctor continued. “The bump is of concern; she has some swelling and is not completely aware of her surroundings. If it doesn’t improve in the next few hours we will need to operate.”
“Can I see her?” I could hear myself asking, desperately hoping he would say yes.
“Yes,” the doctor said after a pause. “But.” He continued, “It might be best if your son stays in here for a minute while you go in.” I looked at Shaun. “Is that okay with you son?” I asked him cautiously. He nodded, “Don’t worry dad, I’ll wait here with the toys.” I should have known he would have noticed the toys straight away. “A nurse will be here if he needs anything.” The doctor said reassuringly.
Taking a deep breath, I gave Shaun a kiss on the head and headed for Kate’s room.
Kate
My eyes were struggling to focus, my leg appeared to be in a plaster and my head was throbbing. Slowly I turned my head; every movement sent a shooting pain through my skull. I was in a hospital room; there was no one else in sight and I didn’t know how I had got there.
At that moment the door opened and a doctor came in. Behind him was Simon. I gasped, sending another wave of pain through my head.
“How are you feeling?” Asked the doctor, watching carefully as I responded, “Better, I think but I don’t remember what happened.”
The doctor smiled, “At least you are coherent now.” He paused, “You stepped out in front of a car. You are lucky to be alive.” He paused again; “You’re in good hands and the memory will probably come back in the future. Don’t worry.”
With that he was gone, leaving Simon facing me and an awkward silence.
“What do you want now?” I managed to say, unfortunately in my weakened state I couldn’t make my tone hostile. “I might have forgotten the accident but I haven’t forgotten what you did.”
Simon nodded at me. “I’m sorry.” He said softly. I could see it was hard for him to say but I had to milk it.
“Pardon?” I asked.
“I’m sorry,” Simon said much louder this time.
He paused looking at me. “I understand, you don’t like expensive gifts and toys because you feel used or bought. But that’s not why I gave you the necklace.” He paused, his ice blue eyes boring into mine, pleading for me to believe him.
“I gave it to you because I was falling for you.” He stopped and cleared his throat. “I am falling for you,” he corrected himself. Simon continued before I could say anything. “My reaction to your rejection was extreme because I saw it as you being a gold digger. Of course you are not.”
For a moment I said nothing, hundreds of thoughts running through my head. Then I realized the only one that really mattered. “I’m sorry too.” I heard myself saying. “I over-reacted to your gift when I could have explained it better.” Simon chuckled, “Don’t worry, a seven-year-old explained it all to me.”
“Shaun?” I questioned, amazed and grateful. Simon nodded. “I think he is quite taken by you, but then, so am I.” I could feel the smile stretching across my face as I replied, “That’s good because I’m quite taken with you.”
Simon moved slowly round the bed, approaching me. Gently he took my hand. “I promise not to give you expensive gifts or see you as a gold digger, providing you promise to tell me if I am behaving that way.” He looked at me. I could feel the heat of his body again as I nodded, “I will, I promise.” I said. “But,” I continued. “You need to tell me if I am comparing you to the past men in my life. It won’t always be easy for me to accept that you are different.”
Simon laughed, “Deal.” He said as his lips closed gently onto mine. “I love you Kate.” He murmured as our lips separated. “I know it’s early days, but when you know, you just know.” I smiled back at him. “I love you too Simon.” I murmured softly as my lips grazed against his. Suddenly I was feeling much better.
“Yeah!” Came a little voice, as Shaun bounced into the room. I winced as he leaped onto the bed, sending a shooting pain through my leg. “You know,” he said in his most serious voice. “I’m quite taken with you too.” I laughed as Simon looked at him, “How much of that were you listening to young man?” He questioned, pretending to be angry. Shaun just smiled, “Enough, just enough.”
I smiled too.
I hadn’t been looking for love or a family, bu
t there was no doubt I had found both.
###
The End
Author’s Note
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my book. I hope you have enjoyed reading this book as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. Your support REALLY means a lot and keeps me going.
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