The Golden Collection

by Kam Carr

  "You have a wonderful home?" My mother gushed as she made her way into the living area. I didn't even bother to reply, I just carried on downing wine out of the bottle. She took a seat on the other sofa. "You’re Blake?" She asked, I could tell by her voice she was flirting. Some things never changed.

  "Yes" he smiled. "And your name is?"

  "You can call me Tilly" she laughed. I watched as she looked around the room and took it all in. It was more impressive than her place in London and she had nothing to do with it. Surely it must be a horrible thought to think your daughter was doing better than you were.

  The wine was bringing out my bitchy side. I placed the bottle down on the coffee table. I shouldn't drink any more for the sake of Blake. He was right, it didn't help. She was still here and now I had to bite my tongue.

  "You must be starving, Tilly. Our dinner has gone cold. Why don't I order us all a Chinese and we can watch a DVD. This is going to be a fun week."

  I gave him a dirty look. I know he was trying to make light of the situation, but my mother staying here was not going to be fun. Blake went off to order dinner and I glared over at my mother.

  "Why are you really here?" I spat.

  "To see you" she gave a half smile. "And to say sorry for how I was a few weeks ago."

  "He didn't show up, did he?" I snorted.

  "No," she looked down at her hands. "How's the job going?"

  "I left!"

  "Oh, I see.” There a few seconds of awkward silence and finally she spoke again. “You're still really angry with me, aren't you?" I looked over and her eyes were low with sadness. For the first time I actually witnessed that she had a guilty conscience – she should have. No decent mother would do what she had done.

  "I really am sorry Georgina and I promise this week I will make it up to you. Hang on,” She got up and ran out of the room. What was she doing? A few seconds later she ran back into the room holding a bag. "This is for you."

  I reluctantly took the bag off her. It was a Tiffany and Co's bag. How could she afford to shop here? I looked at her with caution. "I sold a few of my paintings to an art dealer" she answered my unspoken question. "Open it!"

  I pulled out the box and opened it up. Inside was a bow pendant. The bow was made out of diamonds and it looked like white gold. How on earth could she afford something like this?

  I was shocked, I looked over and she was smiling from ear to ear. "I can't take this" I gasped. "This is too much. Surely you need the money?"

  I went to hand it back, but she stopped me. "No, Georgina... I want you to have it. I haven't been much of a mother." She looked down at her hands and her voice lowered. "I've done some terrible things and I need to make it up to you. Please, take it and wear it on your wedding day. Please, I beg you."

  I got the urge to hug her. Never before had she admitted she'd done wrong. I wrapped my arms around her and I hugged her tight. My mother... How could I possibly hate the person who gave me life? If she was willing to do what she had just done, then I guessed I had to forgive her. The only person we had to worry about was my Dad and that was not going to be fun.

  CHAPTER 18

  Maxwell

  Family dinner!! What a joke, I had better things to do on a Tuesday evening than sit around here watching Amber draped herself all over Brett. What was he even doing here? Didn't he have a business to run somewhere else?

  I looked down at mum's traditional family roast. I felt sick and pushed it away. I looked over at my other two brothers Tim and James. I was the oldest, and then Tim, then James and the baby of the family was Amber. Spoilt brat!

  "What's wrong with your food, Maxwell?" my mum asked, brushing her red hair out of her face. I shrugged and looked back down at the table. I hadn't eaten or even slept since last Thursday. I kept thinking about getting in contact with her, but something kept telling me not to.

  The Temp I hired was useless. She couldn't even write a simple letter. The place didn't feel the same without Georgina and I missed her like mad.

  "He's probably still crying over Georgina?" Amber laughed. I gave her a dirty look. What did she know about anything...? Nothing!!

  Just because she had a boyfriend now she thought she could shove it in anyone’s face. Brett would do a runner as soon as he knew what a spoilt selfish mouthy little brat she was.

  A little smirk came on my face. "How's University, Amber?" She didn't reply just returned the dirty look.

  "Who's Georgina?" James asked. Amber and her big mouth. I didn't want to talk about it. I didn't go round telling everyone my business. My parents knew nothing about my life and I liked it that way. The only reason Amber knew was because she gate crashed the weekend.

  I stood up from the table. "I'm going for a smoke" I snapped and left them mumbling to themselves. I stepped out into the back garden and took in the fresh air. I sat down on the step that leads to the back door. Why didn't I just say I was working? I could have gone home and welled in my self pity. I took out a cigarette and lit it.

  "Hey," I looked up and it was Brett. He took a seat next to me and I carried on smoking. "You shouldn't listen to Amber."

  "I never do" I huffed, blowing out smoke. "What are you doing here? Who's taking care of the bar?"

  "I thought I would come for a holiday, see the parents and have a break from the bar." He gave a little laugh. "Tell the truth Libby is watching it..." I glared at him. "Hey, she comes in handy for something.” He paused and shifted on the spot. “What happened with you and Georgina?"

  I rolled my eyes. He was fishing for dirt again. I shrugged and took another drag of the cigarette. "Didn't work out," I sighed.

  "Is she still getting married?"

  "Yep" I threw the butt down on the floor. "Saturday and I got invited." I gave a hysterical laugh. "Can you believe that? Not to mention the dinner I have been invited to tomorrow night."

  "Are you going?"

  "Am I fuck," I snorted. I really wasn't going to sit in the same room as the fucker who broke my nose. I would rather pull my teeth out. I ran a hand through my hair. I hadn't been the same since last Thursday. My life actually felt like it had no meaning. Yes, I was rich, my business had got that massive contract, but I was lonely. I was still craving Georgina. I kept kicking myself, why did I tell her to leave?

  "I think you should go" Brett chirped.

  My eyes glared at him in shock. Why would anyone suggest that? Was he completely crazy? I couldn't show up tomorrow night like nothing had happened. I didn't want another broken nose.

  "You're crazy" I laughed. "Her boyfriend found out, marched into my office and broke my nose."

  Brett raised an eyebrow. "You're just going to hide away? The Maxwell Thomas I know would stick two fingers up and prove no one gets to him. The Maxwell Thomas I know doesn't have a heart and is not sentimental."

  I gave a little laugh, yeah maybe the old Maxwell Thomas. Georgina had changed me. She had made me realize what it felt to really love someone. I felt that low sinking pain in my heart again. She had changed my life and the way I saw things. I was desperate to see her again. Maybe tomorrow night would be my final chance.

  I looked out into the garden. Here I was in my parent’s garden having a heart to heart with my best friend. Guess there was a first time for everything.

  I shook my head. Brett was right, why was he always fucking right? I was Maxwell Thomas the cold hard business man who didn't give a toss about anyone. I was incapable of love and I didn't want to love. I didn't need the distractions of a girlfriend or her rich boyfriend. I was going to go tomorrow and prove to those two that I couldn't care less about their dumb wedding.

  ***

  Georgina

  I thought this was meant to be a quiet family dinner, but it looked like the witch had gone all out. Decorations, waiters with champagne and many people I didn't know socializing with each other.

  I looked at the clock above the grand staircase. My father was going to be here very soon. Mum was off chatting to
some man in the corner. I had lent her a dress of mine and she looked completely different. In fact, she looked like an older version of me.

  I looked down at my peach dress. Blake insisted I wore the entire outfit he'd brought me for my birthday. I had left my hair loose and my Tiffany and Co's necklace finished the outfit off perfectly.

  I looked around and I couldn't see Blake anywhere. A waiter came over and handed me another glass. I was really worried about my Dad's reaction when he saw my mother. My Dad wouldn't care who was about. If he had something to say he would say it. My mother came running to me with a massive smile on her face.

  "This is wonderful, George" she gushed. "It's like a fairy tale" I laughed looking at her you wouldn’t think she was a paint throwing old hippy. I actually liked spending time with her over the last few days. We had done many daughter/mother things; Shopping, eating, relax in front of the TV, baking and most all gossiping. I felt little sad that it had taken us too long to get to the place we were in now.

  "Georgina" I knew that voice. I froze like a statue. He was here and she was here!!! I slowly turned round to face the entrance and there he was. He was dressed in a suit and Caitlyn was dressed in a ball gown. She looked elegant like she was a film star. Dad looked over at my mother and I cringed. It was going to kick off now. Dad walked over to me, gave me a big hug and held his hand out to my mum.

  "Tilly, how are you doing?" Mum shook his hand and I looked shocked.

  “You haven't met my wife Caitlyn have you?" Mum shook her head and Dad pushed Caitlyn forward.

  "Hello, Tilly" Caitlyn said politely. I really couldn't understand what was going on here. Everyone was being civil. I grabbed my Dad's arm and pulled him towards me.

  "Why are you being nice?" I whispered.

  "You see all these people?" He circled his finger around the room. I raised an eyebrow. What did that have to do with anything? "They all look very rich and fancy!"

  "So?" I yelled.

  "They might need cars" Dad laughed.

  I felt like slapping my hand over my forehead. Only he would think of my wedding as a profit booster. I downed the rest of my drink. I scanned the room... Where was Blake? Suddenly I felt two arms wrap round my waist. I turned round in shock and there he was with his mum and Dad.

  "Ritchie," my Dad beamed at him, grabbing hold of his hand and nearly shaking it off.

  "Um... Blake" he muttered, surprised by my father's reaction.

  Dad slapped Blake on the back so hard he nearly fell over. "I know, I’m just teasing" He turned to face Blake's parents. "You must be Lord and Lady Waterman." He hugged the witch and she froze in complete shock. I looked at Blake and we had to stop ourselves bursting into fits of laughter. "You have a mighty fine home. Can you believe one day our daughter will be Lady Georgina?" He had a smirk on his face when he looked over at my mother. Money!!!

  The witch's face turned to stone. Don't think she liked the idea of that and neither did I!!

  "Thank you," Blake’s Dad smiled. "We are really glad you could make tonight."

  "Wouldn't of missed my little girls night for the world" Dad placed a finger to his lips. "Just wondering... Do you need a car?"

  "Dad," I jumped in. "Why don't you take Caitlyn and introduce yourself to everyone." Dad glared at me, I glared at Dad and he finally got the message. He and Caitlyn walked off funnily enough with my mother in tow.

  I looked at Blake and gave a sigh of relief. Only my Dad would be so blatant.

  "Your father is quite a character" Blake's Dad laughed. "I like him."

  "Come on," the witch snapped. "Let's check the marquee."

  I turned to look at Blake. "Marquee. I thought we were just having dinner. I thought it was a family do. Why are all these people here and why is there a marquee?" I could feel myself over reacting to everything.

  Blake wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in tight. He smelt lush and he looked too hot in his white tux. I rested my head against his chest. I didn't want to be anywhere else. "Mum is throwing us a party" His finger gently ran through my hair. "There is a dance floor, a band, food and lots of drink!"

  "That's good" I said off key, I really didn't understand what was going on here. Dad was getting on with mum and the witch hadn't said one cruel word to me.

  I hugged Blake tighter. "I was really worried about my parents" I finally gave a sigh of relief at the fact I had confessed.

  "Why?"

  "I thought they were going to argue and cause a scene. I guess they have grown up" Even that shocked me.

  "George! George! George!!!" I heard someone yell. I looked up and saw Amy running towards me. I didn't know she was here. Blake must have invited her. She ran over and grabbed by the arm. "Sorry, Blake" she beamed. "May I steal her for a while?" Blake nodded and Amy dragged me off.

  What was she doing? I tried to get out of her grip, but damn she was strong. Finally out of Blake’s reach she stopped and stared at me.

  "You'll never guess who is here?"

  I didn't know what she was on about. One minute I was enjoying a cuddle with my husband to be and then she was dragging me off. I prayed she wasn't on drugs again... I couldn't deal with her and my parents. That was too much for one person.

  "MAXWELL!!" She screamed.

  I froze and my face fell. What the fuck was he doing here? I began to scan the room like a mental person. He was the last person I wanted to see or expected here. I looked back at Amy and she gave a girly giggle, trust her to find this funny. I placed my hands on my hips and glared at her with narrowed eyes.

  This was all I needed...."Don't laugh" I ordered. "This really is not funny. If Blake sees him he will hit the roof. Oh my god, what are we going to do?" The fear was beginning to set in and I found myself shifting from foot to foot. The idea of the two men coming face to face was awful. It could all come out and my father would witness it. Shit, this was a nightmare.

  "Firstly, you should have kept your knickers on” she scrawled. “Then you wouldn't be this little predicament." I rolled my eyes only Amy would make a joke of this mess I called my life. I shook my head. This night was turning into a complete nightmare. I didn't know how long the civil reunion was going to last and now Blake was going to have a fit when he saw Maxwell. I was beginning to get a headache.

  Amy could sense my distress. "It's okay. I'll find him and distract him all night." She gave a little wink and walked off.

  What was she going to do? I hoped she wasn't going to do anything stupid like sleep with him. The thought made me feel sick... I shook my head. Maxwell was not my problem any more and if he went off with Amy... What could I do about it?

  After all this was mine and Blake's party and we were getting married. I closed my eyes. I hoped she wouldn't sleep with him. ...

  ***

  Maxwell

  I looked round the room. She wasn't anywhere to be seen. I felt a little disappointed she was the only reason I was here. Then Brett's words hit me – The Maxwell Thomas I know doesn't have a heart and is not sentimental. I gave a little laugh, his words were very true and here I was acting like a love sick teenager.

  A waiter walked passed and I grabbed a glass. They had gone all out. The marquee at the back looked very impressive. I began to walk round the room, a dark haired woman was appeared before me. I had no idea who the hell she was, but she seemed to know me. I guess that's what happened when you ended up in celebrity trash magazines.

  "Hey," she smiled. "You’re Maxwell Thomas?"

  I tilted my head to the side and gave her my knicker combustion smile. There was no point wasting the opportunity. I saw her blush a little. Oh yes, I still had it.

  "Indeed I am and you would be?"

  "Amy Alexis," she said as if I should know the name. I shook my head and thought about it. Wait... I did know that name...This was the woman who tried to out do me on the American contract. What was she doing here?

  I gave a little laughed and took a sip of my drink. "You're a very impressive business w
oman, Amy. Almost out did me on that contract."

  "You do know who I am” she fluttered her eyelashes. "Did Georgina tell you about me?" I looked at her stunned, why would Georgina tell me about her? "She's my best friend" she added. "We have known each other since Uni. I actually offered her a job with me, but she rejected it." She looked me up and down with a sexy glare. "I can see why."

  I looked away it was nice that a beautiful woman like herself was throwing herself at me. At the end of the day it was still all about Georgina. I looked up and there she was. She was wearing that dress from my screen saver.

  "If you would excuse me, there is something I have to do."

  "Okay" she rolled her eyes she wasn't used to rejection obviously. "But promise me a dance please" her voice sounded almost like she was begging. I nodded and walked off into the direction of Georgina.

  "What are you doing here?" A voice said, blocking me from her. It was Blake and he looked like he had walked out of a Disney film. His blonde hair gelled back and in a white tux. I didn't know whether to laugh or cringe. Who dressed like that these days?

  "Your mother invited me... It would have been rude to refuse." We stood in awkward silence. I really didn't want my nose broken again. At least this time I would be prepared.

  "I see," his mouth remained tight. "Georgina told me about why she left her job...” He held out his hand. "At the end of the day I guess the best man won." I stared at his hand, was he being serious? Georgina wasn't a trophy, but to keep things civil I should amuse him.

  I shook his hand. "Yes, indeed. If you'll excuse me". He nodded and walked off. I looked around the room. She was gone. I was just about to leave when I noticed her by a doorway. Our eyes locked, her face went pale and she looked down. She looked beautiful. Then she didn't know where to look... I urged her to look at me, but she didn't. She left the room and I took that as my cue to follow. I ran out of the doorway and she was making her way down the corridor.