by D. Griffith
"That’s amazing, why did I not know of this? Jared, not to sound heartless, but does that mean you only went for me because I remind you of your mother?" He laughs.
"No! Don’t be silly, that would just be weird. I didn't know it was you did I? There was something about you when I saw you in Rome in my lounge, with your sarcasm about me being a billionaire, not even knowing who I was. That pretty much shocked me because everyone knows who I am, but you didn’t. From that moment, I was hooked. I couldn't get you out my head at all and I kept getting my words wrong every time we spoke. That just never happens to me. So from then, I knew you where the one and I was right. I often wondered if you had the same effect about me, so I’d question myself a lot, if I was good enough. It was just strange, as I’ve not once in my life been like that."
"Wow! I’m speechless, that’s crazy. I didn't know obviously, I thought I wasn't good enough."
"Off course you are, you’re probably too good for me. It’s me that doesn’t deserve you."
"Awe Jared, don't be silly, of course you do and you’re an amazing guy. Tonight, let’s not think about it. Let’s just enjoy the rest of our night and try and forget the outside world because come tomorrow everything is about to change.”
Chapter Eleven
Jared
Do you ever feel like life is meaningful? I do, it’s like my life is one big fucking rollercoaster. You think I would be happy because I’ve got everything I could possible want, but yet I struggle with this emptiness I have deep within. Not work, not family, not even sex helps; I keep going from one obstacle to anther and yet still end up in the same position. I bury my head in it all, hoping the outcome will be different and fill that pit up, but no luck. Maybe I’m just as cold as ice inside and this is what I’m supposed to be? I’m knocked out of my cold thoughts, with my cell ringing. It’s my good friend Alex. I’ve known him since we where kids back in the US, but he moved to the UK, he said he wanted to expand his option and try a new life to forget his old one. It worked, because he met the woman of his dreams and later on got married. I answer my cell and before I even say hello he’s straight in.
"Hey, dude! How are you doing?"
"Yeah, I’m great mate! What can I do for you?"
"Well, I’m just checking to see if it’s still alright for us all to be coming up and using the villa? I know its a few weeks away, but I need to double check, just in case we need to cancel plane tickets?"
"Of course mate, you know I wouldn't let you down last minute. I’m actually looking forward to seeing you guys, how many of you are coming?"
"Well, there’s Andi and I, Darla and Carl, Katie and Jay and Andis little sister Danni."
"Seriously dude, you’re bringing a single girl on holiday, with a bunch of couples? Harsh!"
"She needs it, she had a rough time, she could do with the holiday, it’s the only reason why we’re coming and it’s her family and close friends, so she’s happy with that."
"Ok, fair enough! I’ll meet you guys there, as I’ve just invested part of a business over there, so I have to head out two weeks before hand. It’s going to be a couple of busy weeks for me, you know how it is."
"Dude, do you ever stop? Business, after business, you invented inet, that should have settled you for life. Then it's all the charity work, then it’s the woman, seriously dude, you need to take a break, you’re going to end up in a mental hospital."
"Hey, you can never have too many business and you know why I do all the charity work, I try and help as much as I can and wouldn't ever stop and as for the woman, I’m single man, you sound like my mother, it de stresses me, plus its fun. I’ve tried the settle down thing, it didn't work out, maybe one day when I eventually meet the right one, If there is such a thing called that but in the mean time, a bit of fun never harmed anyone."
"Yeah, be glad Andi never heard you say that, my wife would kill you for saying anything like that about any woman."
"Ha-ha! Anyway dude, I’m going to go, I’m meeting up with tiffany.”
"Tiffany? What happened to Elizabeth? You know what, don't tell me dude! You go through a different girl all the time, I lose track. I feel sorry for the woman; they probably catch all kinds of shit from you. See ya dude."
"Hater! Bye man." I hang up and shake my head, typical Alex, he’s such a buzz kill. I remember being at his wedding, the stag do was epic; I sit there for a second, remembering the night of the stag do and laugh to myself with the flash backs. I’m kicked out from the thoughts once again with my cell going off. "Hello Mr. Hall speaking."
"Hello sir, its Robert! I have a bit of bad news; you know that ferry you have booked for the charity event in Rome? Well they’re saying you can't use it anymore. Apparently someone else has booked it and the bookings crossed, that’s all I know, they didn't give me that much information just that we need to find another ferry."
"Are you kidding me? Can they even do that? Well can't you sort it? Offer them more money or something? It's an important night, the heartless pricks?"
"No sir, I tried that, they said no matter how much money you offer, you can't use it."
“For fuck sake, seriously? What douche bags. Right, well I pay you to sort this kind of thing out, so do your job and sort it. Go and try booking us another one, than get back to me bye." I slam the phone down in aggravation and run my hands through my hair, I try and have a look around my office, to ease of the sharp stabbing feeling I’m getting through my temple. I suffer from server headaches and sometimes, either walking around the room, or just looking helps. I suffer from headaches a lot, mainly it’s through stress. A slight jingle comes from my cell, which makes the pain worse. I really need to change my text tone.
"Hey Mr. Hall, are we still meeting up tonight? We could always skip the meal and just go to your place? From Tiffney xxx"
Well I could do with the de stress and sex is a great help. Why not! I text back.
"You’re on, but not at my place. You’re not welcome there. I’ll book us a hotel, I will text you with the details. From Jared..
I don't like anyone coming back to my house, especially women. They’ll try and nest; it’s what they always do, that’s not happening.
Finally, I’ve been able to book us a room in a place called Dave’s hotels, only one I could get hold of last minute, not the best but it will do. I head to my room not feeling so upbeat, I’ve lost all my motivation. I go and dig out my silk blue shirt and my striped smart pants and smart shoes, they’ll do. I get dressed; check myself out, squirt a bit of aftershave on, One million, it’s my favourite kind and head out the door. As I’m heading out, I take my phone out too text Tiffney.
"Hey Tiff, meet me at Dave’s hotels in forty five minutes. From J."
I get to the hotel, it’s not the nicest, it’s a normal size room with a double bed, thin sheets, hard pillows and really bad orange walls, this actually looks disgusting. I should have gone to a better hotel, but unfortunately this was all I could get. Suppose if I wanted something better I could have but I couldn’t be arsed, oh well it doesn’t matter, not if it’s for something special.
Where is she? She should have been here twenty minutes ago. I hate waiting. Finally, there goes the door. I walk over to the hotel door and open it.
"Get lost?"
"Sorry, I got caught in a bit of traffic; I’ll make it up to you." She says walking in with great confidence, acting like she owns the place. She’s tall, slim, blond, bright blue eyes, absolutely striking.
"So, how are you planning on making it up to me?"
"Well.." Seductively she walks slowly towards the bed, the wiggle of her firm round ass when she walking catches my attention. She twirls around in the blink of the eye and she drops her jacket and reveals a laced red bra, with matching suspenders and stockings and really high heeled shoes. They’re stripper shoes, just the way I like. I stalk her up and down as if she’s my prey and I just want to pounce.
"That’ll do." I walk up to her and grasp her o
n the ass and throw her on the bed ready to have my wicked way with her, as I plan to devour her in every way possible.
*****
The next week seemed to fly by; I had a business partner back out of a new franchise that we were starting, which was not good, I lost half a million on that. I’ve also got to fly to L.A later to see my mum, then from there to Rome, where Alex and his mates are all up for the week. Hopefully, it’ll be fun; I could do with the stress free week. Right I need to get packing but I’m starving.
"Julia." I shout.
"Yes sir?"
"Could you fix me something quick to eat please? While I go and pack ready to go to my mother’s?"
"Sure sir! What would you like?"
"A wrap or something, I can always get something on the plane."
"Okay sir." That’s Julia, she’s my maid, cleaner and cook, the one that keeps everything going smooth around here. I’d be lost without this girl.
Right, I best get a move on, I need to pack. I shouldn't have to pack much; I’ve already got some of my stuff out there. I’m going to have to ring Andrew, make sure he’s ready. Andrew is my right hand man, so to speak. He’s my top security guard, my driver; he fly’s my jet too. He’s also a very close friend of mine; he’s been with me from the beginning. I pull my cell out and give him a call.
"Hello, Andrew! Are you all set?"
"Yes sir."
"Right, we need to be leaving in an hour, so make sure your ready. Oh and don't call me sir, its Jared, you’ve known me long enough."
"Ok sir, I mean Jared."
"Bye, Andrew." I hang up and go to finish the packing.
"Here sir, enjoy." Julia says, passing me a chicken Caesar wrap.
"Thanks Julia." I best eat this quickly and gets my ass moving, I’ll meet Andrew outside. Andrew and his family live in the guest house so it’s easier if I need him for an emergency. Before I even leave the house, my cell goes off again. Seriously, does this phone ever stop?
"Hello sir."
"Yes Hannah?"
"Just a reminder, you still have to sort out a special surprise for the benefit. Also you need caterers, Roberts already sorted out another ferry for you and he also sorted the entertainment out. What type of food do you want? Because we need to have ideas so we can hunt down the best one?"
"Well the mayor is going to be there, so it’s got to be the best, It has to be a three course meal. So instead of looking for a catering team, look for chefs and offer them whatever money they want. It has to be a five star chef? Oh and Hannah, before you go, I forgot to ask, how is your son doing? Is he feeling any better after the accident?"
"He’s doing much better sir; his cast comes of next week, so I want to go and take him out somewhere to celebrate but with him being only seven, there’s not much you can do, he is really fussy."
"Well, Hannah! After today, I want you to take a week off; I’m away for a few weeks now so take advantage of it, I’ll even pay you extra, so you can do something special. Did he get his game by the way?"
"Oh sir, I couldn't take the time off, how would you function without me? He did thank you, he loves that game and it’s what’s kept him sane. Something about minecraft fascinates him. Personally, I think it looks dreadful, but he loves it."
"Good! Well, I won't take no for an answer, take the time off, it’s an order. I’ll see you when I get back, bye."
"Goodbye, sir." Right, that’s done. Hannah is my personal assistant, she is such a lovely person and her son is just adorable. He broke his leg climbing a tree, he slipped on one of the branches, he’s lucky it wasn’t his neck. Typical little boy that. I remember doing the same thing when I was a kid and my gran, ended up looking after me until it became better, as well my mum didn’t want to risk me being in the house with an abusive drunk.
"Sir, it’s time to leave, Andrew’s waiting for you down stairs."
"Oh, right! Ok! Thanks Julia, tell him I’m on my way." I grab my coat and my small suit case and head down the stairs to meet Andrew.
"Afternoon!"
"Afternoon! Travelling alone? No lucky lady today?" Andrew asks,
"No! I’m going to see my mum; no one has ever gone past that thrush hole to meet her. Plus, I’m off to Rome, why bring a girl? When I could just meet one out there, please Andrew, I don't do strings." We head towards the jet, its handy having your own jet in the back. Glad I built a runway here; I hate waiting in other airports.
Me and Andrew board! Normally, Andrew would fly the jet, but not today. It’s a long way to L.A. Luckily, I have a couple of chair beds, mini bar, fridge and everything you need, as if it was a camper van, but in a jet, limit edition this was. It has leather interior, calming effect and peaceful as well. It comes in handy when I travel away with work all the time, I’m yet to find a place I can call home. "Well, Andrew! We have got an eight hour flight, enjoy the peace."
"Sir, I’m stuck with you! There is no such thing as peace." He chuckles,
"Smartass!" I turn back around to concentrate on my laptop, I need to start typing up a speech and still need to think of a surprise. Well not your everyday normal one, it’s a twist to keep the ball running and a winner surprise, well a bid. This is going to take a while, screw it! I slam the screen down and push it aside; I’ll just lie back instead and relax with something on the television. I can’t be arsed writing that just yet.
Finally, the long journey is over and I’m outside my mother’s house. I had to leave the jet at the airport because it won’t fit in my mother’s back yard.
I have a little glance around her front garden and it is how I remember, perfect cut grass, flower patches around the frame and even the little bird house, that is randomly in the middle of the lawn. Once we approach the front door, before I could knock, the door swings wide open.
"Jared, I’m so glad you’re here." Mum comes running out and wraps her slender arms around me. She’s as small as ever, with her short brown hair, green eyes, wrinkled pale skin, plastered on makeup and her usual day to day clothes, jeans and a netted top.
"Hey, mum! How’ve you been?"
"Oh, I have much to tell you, but wait till we’re inside, it’s freezing out here." We walk linked to each other into her house and wow, she has actually decorated. She’s not in years and it’s always been the same way.
"Hey Andrew, It’s good to see you again, how’s the family?" Mums asks him, as walking over and pecking him on the cheek. She secretly had a crush on him for years, it’s weird, but funny and she makes him go all embarrassed every time. All I hear is thud, thud, thud rushing down the stairs and two small voices shouting.
"Uncle, Jared! Hello." I know them voices; It’s my darling niece and nephew. They both run and pounce on me for a hug.
"Well, how are my two favourite people doing?" I love these kids.
"We’re great, what did you bring us?" I laugh at their forwardness, their typical cheeky selves, but they’re right, I always have to bring them something.
"Here you go Abbey.” Abbey is the spit of her mother, brown hair, brown eyes and a cute little beauty mark above her upper lip, she’s going to be a right stunner when she is older. “I got you this new Barbie dream house, the person at the shop said seven year olds love it. I turn to Jack to hand him his present, unlike his sister, he’s the spit of his farther, pale skinned, short light brown hair and light green eyes. He’s nine, so a couple of years older than his sister. “Jack, I got you this game for your wiiu, Mario party 10, apparently this game every one wants and I’m so game to kick your ass on it, it looks awesome." They’re delighted with their presents, as they’re both jumping up and down with great big grins that are covering their face.
"Thank you, Uncle Jared." They say in unison and run of shouting. "Mummy, look what uncle Jared bought us."
"Oh, wow! They’re amazing, I hope you both said thank you?"
“Of course, mother!" She walks over to me, my darling sister Julie, she tall, has long brown, thick wavy hair, brown wide eye
s like myself and pretty tanned, she has the same beauty mark as Abbey above her upper lip, she is beautiful in and out, she’s also very feisty and not one for let’s say milking things, she’ll tell you as it is. I look up to her.
"Hey! Little brother, you shouldn't spoil them you know." She winks and wraps her arm around me. "How are you doing then, little bro?" I wrap my arms back around her and give her a huge hug.
"You know I can't help myself, I have to spoil them, it’s my job and I’m ok thank you, how have you been? It's been a while?"
"We’re doing well thanks, staying with mum for a while though."
"How come? Is this to do with Justin? That’s why he’s not here?"
"He left us to be with his assistant, I’ve had enough of his cheating."
"Right, why didn't you tell me? Do you want me to go kick his ass? Because I will love to, or, I will get other people to sort him out and they will do a better job, let me get me cell out." I start getting my cell out to make calls and she shouts and grabs my cell of me.
"No, Jared! Don’t."
"I’m not having him do that to you and the kids."
"Jared! Please don't, this is why I didn't tell you and you’re bloody hard to get hold off."
"Sorry! I do try and make time, but you know me, I’m always on the go. Do you need anything, money, a place to stay? Which by the way, he can get out of that house, it’s not his, it’s yours. I signed the deed to you, not him."
"Jared! He’s still the kids farther, so stop it! Don’t make me kick your ass."