by Kam Carr
"Right, all sorted" Blake beamed. "Mum is going to see the vicar and set a date. All you need to do is tell your family and choose a dress."
Great, now the witch was going to be in charge of the best day of my life. I grabbed my phone, I needed my best friend. I had to get away from everything. A few hours with her would make everything seem better.
Want to meet up. Need to talk x- I texted.
"Who's that you're texting" Blake asked suspiciously.
"Amy! She can help me with a dress." I lied and maybe help me make sense of all the recent events. Within seconds she replied....
Yeah meet you outside M&S in an hour x
"I see" He leaned over and kissed my cheek. "As long as it is Amy."
I gave him my phone. "Check if you don't believe me."
He stood up and threw the phone down next to me. "Oh... I believe you, Georgina. I'm just not sure I can trust you."
I stared down at my hands. Trust me? That was a blow to my pride, no doubt I deserved it. I couldn't wait to meet up with Amy and for the first time in weeks have a decent conversation. She was going to have a few cross words with me. I needed it. Anything to help bring me back to planet Earth.
At the precise moment I felt much removed from anything I would class as normality.
I waited outside M&S. She was late!!! I thought about turning round and going home. Then the idea of spending a whole afternoon with Blake going on and on about weddings would just get me depressed. I wanted to stay out for as long as I could. I was just about to go when I heard her yelling up the high street.
"You were going to fucking leave, weren't you?" She hissed, trying to get her breath back. I shook my head in a mocking manner. "Let's go and get some coffee. I am so hanging today it is unbelievable."
We sat down at a table with our coffees. "So, what's been going on with you?" She asked raising an eyebrow. "I know something is wrong as I haven't heard a single word from you in about two weeks."
"You wouldn't believe if I told you." I took a sip of my coffee. Amy dashed for my hand and admired my ring. I almost spilt the hot coffee all over myself. Her mouth was wide open. She would glare at me and then the ring.
"What the fuck is that?" Pointing at my engagement ring.
"I'm getting married" I murmured. It wasn't exactly something I would scream off a roof top now. In fact, it didn't feel how I thought it would. I thought arranging the best day of your life was every little girls dream. I had the witch doing all my work and that was very frustrating. All I had to worry about was my dress. At least it would be down to me.
"To who?"
"To Blake!" I yelled. I noticed a few OAP’s glaring at me. I sunk into my seat and leaned over. "Who else would I get married too?"
"To your hot boss," Amy giggled.
I rolled my eyes. "No, I told you it's over." I looked down at my hands. I had that numb feeling again. "He... Err... Err... Broke up with me yesterday."
"Yesterday?" Amy looked shocked. "I thought you said that it was over last time I saw you."
"I thought it was, but stuff happened and well it is definitely over now" I coughed and shifted in my seat. "It has to be. Blake knows."
"Blake knows?" Amy yelled. It was now her turn to get the evil OAP stares. "How the fuck did he find out?"
"My mother gave him a clue" I spat.
"How did your mother know?"
"When Maxwell took me to London."
"What the fuck was Maxwell doing taking you to London?" She sat back in her seat and stared at me. "For the love of god, Georgina. Why is there so much I don't know? What have you done with the real Georgina? Where has that loved up waitress gone?"
I felt a pang of sadness run over me. Where had she gone? Since meeting Maxwell I really didn't know who I was any more or who I wanted. Well, he didn't want me. He had made very clear. It's funny what a little alcohol can do to you.
"When are you getting married?" She asked ending my thoughts. I looked up and she was smiling.
"Blake wants to get married within a month." I placed my head in my hands. "What am I going to do?"
"You want to marry Blake. Don't you?"
I thought about that question... A month or so ago I would of screamed yes. Now I wasn't sure. Was I actually grieving for Maxwell? Like he deserved any of my grief. He had hurt me more than anyone before. I was confused, everything had happened really fast.
One minute I was madly in love with Blake and then I was madly in love with Maxwell..... Gees, my head was beginning to spin. Why had Maxwell gone cold like that? I looked up at Amy.
"Your head is fucked, isn't it?" I couldn't of put it better myself. Amy took a sip of her coffee. "Tell me everything, right from the start. I want to know everything. I want every sordid detail. I want what he said, you said and most of all...." She gave a little wicked smile. "I want to know what Maxwell Thomas looks like naked."
I laughed. "Amazing" as I thought back to the night at his place. The first time I had ever seen him naked and the first time he ever said he loved me. Only a week later he took it back broke my heart and now I was in an M&S café being glared at by OAP's
Monday morning came too quickly for my liking. I had more than the Monday blues. I sat down at my desk. What was I actually doing here? I should of took Blake's advice and called in sick. Then HE would have won. He might have messed me around the last few weeks.
However, I-- Georgina Elizabeth Dawson was a professional. He could make things as difficult as he wanted to. I was not going to give in to his charms. He could beg to sleep with me and I would be as cold as steel.
"Morning, Miss Dawson" I looked up and he was standing there. All suited, booted and giving me that smile. I couldn't look away. It was that fucking mouth again. I felt my cheeks blush a little and I looked back down. I pretended to go through some paperwork.
"Mr Thomas," I croaked. "I'll bring your coffee in soon."
"All in good time," He sat down on the edge of my desk.
What was he playing at? Did he have some mental problem or had everything just been erased from his memory?
"Did you have a nice weekend?"
I looked up and my eyes narrowed. Now he was just taking the piss. Guess what two could play that game. "Oh yes," I faked a smile. "Wonderful. I met up with a friend and spent a lovely evening in with Blake." The smile vanished from his mouth. Ha! How did that feel? Taste of your own medicine!
"Glad to hear it. Coffee when you're ready" he got up and walked to his office.
"Certainly, Mr Thomas" I sang as he entered her office. He closed his door and I collapsed on to my desk. This was going to be harder than I thought. I took in a deep breath, but I could handle him.
***
Maxwell
I closed the office door and leant against it. It was either that or fall head first on the floor. She looked amazing and I looked a complete mess. I laughed to myself at the thought of what I said. Shit, I wondered if she thought I had mental problems.
I tried to gather myself together, but it was harder than I thought. How the fuck was I going to get through today? I told myself it would get easier, but seeing her made the hurt worst. I remembered her face when I drove her to the airport. Her crying and pleading to me. Watching her get on the plane and saying “Maxwell, I love you" had haunted my dreams. Right, I am Maxwell Thomas am the owner of this company. It didn't work.
I was crazy about her. This was more about keeping one's pride. It didn't help that my heart was ruling my head! Allowing her to go and be with Blake was something she wanted. I was no good for her. I was a hard face business man and I didn't need any distraction or drama.
There was a knock on the door. Fuck!! I ran over to my desk and jump into my chair. I grabbed my phone and put it to my ear. She knocked again as I got into position.
"Yes," I called out.
Georgina graced the room with a coffee in hand. I began my fake phone call. "Really baby..... Last night...... Good for me too." I looked over at
Georgina, she placed the coffee on my desk and her eyes were like daggers blazing into me.
The look was sexy especially knowing she was giving me my own special knicker combustion smile. My eyes never left hers. "It was hot...Again? Tonight, be there. Talk to you soon" I put the phone down. Georgina gave a little chuckle. "Something amusing, Miss Dawson?"
"No, Mr Thomas" she sweetly said. "Anything else?"
"No, that will be all for now" copying her sweet polite tone. She fluttered her eyelashes and left the room. I waited for the door to close and I let out the breath I had been holding in. Why the fuck did I just do that?
That was such a childish thing to do. Pretend conversation was such a teenage stunt. No wonder she was laughing at me? I bet she knew what I was doing. I rubbed my hands through my hair. Fuck! What sort of dip shit was I?
I left my office and looked over at Georgina working. "I am just going to my lunch meeting." It startled her and she gazed up. Her eyes focused on my tie. She rose from her desk and walked over directly in front of me.
"It's crooked" she said lustfully, She was giving that look again – Her burning desire look. I took in her scent and my insides almost burst.
She began to straighten it out. When she was finished she slowly rubbed her fingertip all the way down my tie. Our eyes didn't leave one another alone. I had a craving for her. I was missing my fix. I slowly grabbed her hand and brought it to my lips.
"Thank you, Miss Dawson" my lips brushed against her soft skin and she bit her lip in the normal Georgina way.
The lift pinged.
"Get the fuck away from her," boomed a voice.
I froze and looked up. Blake was standing holding his camera bag. He looked mad and his free hand was clenched into a fist.
"BLAKE!" Georgina yelled, spinning round to look at him. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to give Mr Thomas this" he hissed, through gritted teeth. He marched over and threw the bag across the room. "And this!" I felt his fist smash into my nose. It took me off guard and I fell to the floor. I looked up and he was standing over me.
The pain was bad and I could taste blood. The little fucker had broken my nose.
"What are you doing?" Georgina screamed, pushing him out of the way. She crouched down next to me and gave a concerned smile. "I was only straightening out his tie."
"Where in your job description did it say fuck the boss?" My eyes shot up to him.
He knew! I gathered to my feet my hand cupping my nose. She'd told him, why didn't she tell me? I was in shock and pain. My nose really fucking hurt.
Blake grabbed hold of Georgina's wrist. "Get your bag and coat."
"NO, you're being unreasonable."
"Get your stuff or I'll drag you out by your hair. Now that would be unreasonable." Blake and Georgina stared at one another. Finally she did what she was told.
His attention turned back to me. "I will tell you this once... Lay your dirty hands on my girl again, I will hunt you down and make you wish you had never been born." He grabbed Georgina's arm and dragged her in the direction of the lift.
Georgina looked round. I could read her face. She was scared, worried and she still loved me. And I still loved her.
***
Georgina
I threw my bag over the apartment, stormed into the kitchen and opened the cupboard to retrieve my stash. My box was still there. I opened it up and took out the cigarette packet and lighter. Blake slammed the door behind him and followed me over. He slumped down at the breakfast bar. His face was still with holding that angry stony look.
“What you doing?" He snapped, I didn't answer. I just lit it up and took a deep inhalation of nicotine. "Will you put the cigarette out?"
"Or what," I exhaled the smoke. "You're going to punch me in the nose too?"
He slammed his fist down on the breakfast bar. "I did what I had to do. He was holding your hand."
I threw my hands up in rage. What was wrong with him? This wasn't the Blake I knew. He wasn't jealous or possessive or violent. What was with the sudden personality change? Had I changed him into this monster? Was this all my fault? I shook my head. I didn't what to believe it, but deep down somewhere I knew this was my entire fault.
He had no right showing up, hitting my boss and dragging me out. I hoped I wasn't going to get fired. I really loved my job. Not because of Maxwell. I had actually found something I was good at. I could use all the qualifications I had required and I actually knew what I was doing. I know it was selfish, but I would never forgive him if he had destroyed it for me.
"You didn't have to drag me home?" I carried on smoking my cigarette. "That was really embarrassing."
"It's always about you, isn't it?" He laughed. "You're the one who fucking cheated with your boss. When I come in and catch you holding his hand, I'm in the wrong?" He narrowed his eyes. "You're not going back."
We were here again... Him telling me what I could do.” You’re out of order" I spat. "This is my career and no one is going to spoil it for me. You will just have to deal with it."
"Is this about the job or Maxwell? Maybe this is where you two have your fun." I closed my eyes only he would turn this into something dirty.
"It has never been like that. Maxwell has a strong policy of not fooling around at work. He knows it's over and now he knows you know. I doubt very much he will touch me after your threat." Why wasn't this cigarette helping with my stress? I threw it into the sink, there was no point smoking it.
"Fine," He said. I opened my eyes in shock. He could be such a push over sometimes it made me laugh. A voice laughed in my head. You were angry for him dragging you away. Now you're angry for letting you keep your job. That was true.
"In two weeks time you're going to be my wife anyway."
"TWO WEEKS?" I screamed. I thought he wanted to get married in a month's time. I grabbed hold of the work surface to keep me up. Two weeks? That was quick and not to mention unrealistic. How could you organize a wedding out in two weeks?
I hadn't even told my Dad about the engagement. Now I would have to make a phone call and give both blows.
"Two weeks" he said again. "Mum said she will sort everything out. She gave a big donation to the church and they came up with 26th of May. You don't have to do anything, but choose your dress and your bridesmaids."
"Why is your mum sorting everything? This was our wedding, Blake, and why in two weeks?" I was beginning to pace up and down the length of the kitchen.
What was wrong with him? Surely he thought the same as me? Two weeks was just too soon. I wasn't ready to get married. Even the thought of a month filled me with dread... But two weeks! Bloody hell.
"Because she wants to" He shrugged. "Makes everything easier for us. You better go and ring your Dad to tell him." He stood up and grabbed the phone. "I'm taking a shower. When I get back it better be done and dusted." He placed the phone down on the breakfast bar and left the room.
I looked down at the phone. I had a feeling my father was going to kill me. Guess it was now or never. I grabbed the phone and dialled his number. My heart was racing just by the ringing tone.
"Hello," answered a voice.
"Dad,"
"Georgina, what do you want?" I rolled my eyes, what a pleasant greeting. Then I realized I hadn't spoken to him since that lunch when he was here. That wasn't good, even for my standards.
"Love you too" I laughed. Get on with it ... "How are you?" Why did I say that?
"Don't get me started" he grunted. "Have you heard about your sister? Only gone and got pregnant by that brain washing bastard. Well, if they think I'm going to pay for it, they can think again. I'm not made of money. Is that why you're calling?"
"NO!!" I shouted. Wow, I was going to be an auntie. Not like I would ever see the baby. "I have something to tell you...”
"Oh no, not you as well. Why are you girl’s stupid?"
"Dad, I'm not pregnant" I laughed "IBM', getting married" I cringed. The line went quiet. That was not
a good sign. "Dad? You still there? Dad?" I sat down at the breakfast bar. He was obliviously thinking about it.
"When?" He finally replied.
"Two weeks... 26th of May..."
"What?" He screamed. "Caitlyn, you have to talk to this one." I heard Caitlyn take the phone off Dad.
"Hello" she said. It was nice to hear a friendly voice. "What's wrong, Georgina?"
"I'm getting married on the 26th May and I want you both there" I cried. "Will you talk Dad round and get back to me."
"I'm not paying for it!" I heard Dad say in the background. I rolled my eyes, he couldn't be happy for anyone. Both his daughters were going through life changing experiences and all he cared about was MONEY! Typical everything always boiled down to money with him.
"Okay sweetie. I will do my magic" I could hear her smile down the phone. How I wished she was my real mum. She took great care with me and my sister. Always made sure we had everything we needed and supported us when times got hard. My thoughts turned back to the visit to my mother's in London. She was nothing to me any more. Why had she told Blake? There was no way she was coming to my wedding.
"Thank you, speak soon. Love you."
"Love you too" the line went dead.
I looked at the phone in my hand. There I had done it. It was official. I was getting married to Blake. I wasn't sure how I felt about it. Everything had changed too quickly. My head wasn't catching up to speed. I rested my head in my hands.
It was my entire fault... I had been stupid and greedy. I had hurt Blake and it had affected him. I needed to wake up and smell the coffee. I had to be everything Blake wanted. I did love him dearly, we had history and I couldn't just throw that all away. Certainly not for Maxwell Thomas, who didn't seem to care about me at all.
Ha, he never loved you! Laughed the voice in my head. If he did he wouldn't have gone off with another woman the next day. Just hearing that phone call hurt. I bet he did it on purpose to rub it in my face.