The Golden Collection

by Kam Carr

  “Good, because I do feel I’m sort to blame” his eyes remained firmly on his glass.

  I raised an eyebrow. “How?”

  He shook his head and gave a little laugh. “The whole kiss in the bathroom... I’m really embarrassed about that, George. Your my friend and have been good to me.” His hand waved around the room. “Without you I wouldn't have this.”

  I felt a wave of happiness overwhelm me, as least one person appreciated me. Shame it wasn't the man who had agreed to spend his life with me.

  “It’s not your fault” I placed a hand on his knee and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “I guess no one can change. Maxwell will always be Maxwell Thomas the business man and womaniser.”

  I realized I was still holding on to his knee, quickly I took my hand away and played around swirling the wine in my glass. A silence fell upon us and I actually felt comfortable with it.

  “How is Maxwell dealing with it?”

  I gave a little laugh. “In the good old Maxwell Thomas fashion” the pain in my stomach began again. “I do love him” I cried. “It's just...” I cringed at the thought. “Makes me wonder what else has he done behind my back?”

  Riley placed a protective arm around me and pulled me into him. I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. Right now for some unknown reason I started to feel homesick for Caitlyn, Dee and my Dad.

  “Don't upset yourself any more. Let him stew for a while and before long he'll be begging you to go home and admitting exactly how sorry is he.”

  “Do you think so?” I asked not feeling very optimistic, as after all it was me who had walked out on him. What if suddenly he realized we were better off apart?

  I suddenly became filled with dread. Maybe I had actually gone about it the wrong way. My head was now pounding and I really needed sleep. I downed the rest of my drink and handed the glass back to Riley.

  “Another?”

  “No, I think I should just go to bed.”

  “Okay” he smiled, he began to stand up and I tugged at his arm. He turned to face me with wide eyes.

  “Could you stay with me?” It just came out and I couldn't face being alone, especially in a strange place.

  “Sure” he smiled, placing the glasses down. He lay down next to me and pulled me into him. His arms wrapped round me tightly. For the first time in a while I felt cared for, I had missed that feeling. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

  I knew my baby was safe with Maddy, there were no worries there. The aching feeling for Maxwell still remained. Maybe one day the Maxwell I had married would return to me. I needed my Mr Golden Rule back.

  The next morning I woke up startled, I looked around the room and finally it hit me what had happened. I ran my hands through my hair and turned to face Riley. He was still tucked up against me, I began to study him. He was a very handsome man, he should have had his own girlfriend and not be worrying about me.

  “Morning” he yawned, opening his eyes and looking straight at me. I felt my cheeks blush at the fact he must have worked out I was staring at him. Riley sat up and roughed up his hair, his t-shirt rose a little and gave me a little peek of his toned stomach. I quickly diverted my eyes to the other side of the room.

  “You want some breakfast?” He asked, jumping off the bed. I shook my head. “Coffee?” I nodded in response and he quickly left the room. I wondered how Maxwell was feeling this morning. How was Bailey?

  Maybe I should ring... And then what would happen if he refused to speak to me. I lay back down and closed my eyes. This was a huge mess.

  ***

  Blake

  Riley emerged from his bedroom and ran straight into the kitchen. He had be hauled up in his bedroom all night, no doubt he had a lady friend stay over, as I heard her voice as I had walked passed last night.

  The bedroom door opened and someone else stepped out. Everything went in slow motion as I realized who it was. She hadn't changed one single bit. She was still as beautiful as when I had met her in the café. Were her and Riley an item? Her blue eyes widened as they focused on me. I gave a little awkward smile and she returned it surprisingly.

  “Blake?” She laughed slowly coming towards me and plunked herself down on the sofa next to me. “What are you doing here?”

  “Just on holiday” I sat back to admire her more. Her boobs looked a lot bigger, but everything else was exactly how I remembered; perfect curves in all the right places. Long legs and that perfect blonde hair that enhanced her sparkling blue eyes.

  “You haven't changed” I blurted out.

  “Lucky I guess... Look at you” she beamed. I had to admit I had changed a lot. No longer did I have my early Brad Pitt look. I worn my hair shaved now, stubble was my favourite accessory and I had bulked up a lot from my regular visits to the gym.

  “How come you stayed over?” I asked out of curiosity.

  “Complicated” she replied looking down at her hands. I watched as her rose bud lips began to tremble and she began to blink rapidly.

  “Your here” Riley said sounding shocked as he entered the living area. He handed Georgina a cup of coffee and I watched as the pair exchanged meaningful looks. “What you doing?”

  “Just catching up” she smiled in my direction and then back at Riley. Her eyes went dreamy, I knew that look too well. That’s how she once looked at me. “I better sort myself out” she stood up and smiled at me once more. “Good seeing you, Blake.” She walked over to the bedroom.

  I waited till the door had closed and turned to look at Riley. “What are you playing at?” I hissed. “Maxwell will beat the living hell out of you.”

  If there was thing I had learnt, it was not to cross Maxwell. He was a very dominating man and could serious damage your life.

  “What about your job?” I hissed. He not being bothered was starting to get to me. “Please tell me nothing happened?”

  Riley rolled his eyes. “It's not like that” he shrugged. “She’s my friend and I was just giving her some support.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “She has a husband to give her support!”

  “He doesn't deserve her” he spat.

  I gave a little chuckle. “And what, you do?”

  “Yes.”

  I shook my head at his stupidity. I was right. Georgina Dawson or Thomas or whatever she was calling herself now, hadn't changed one tiny bit. Although, this time it was different. She had a husband and children. I couldn't approve of her or Riley's behaviour. Why was I taking Maxwell's side?

  Well, I knew only too well what it was like to be cheated on, especially by Georgina. “You’re a dumb twat” I said, leaving him standing alone in the room.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Maxwell

  I stood outside her office trying to prepare myself for what I had planned. I took in a deep breath, but my anger was beginning to build intensely. I wanted to explode and I'd been holding it in all day. I rubbed my lip. Why?

  The woman I had married would of never of lied to be before. No! I had to do this, I was Maxwell Thomas and no one made a joke out of me. Even if they did give birth to my child and taken my name.

  I banged my fist against the door and waited a few seconds before I entered. My heart spilt apart as her mesmerizing face looked up at me. My Wife... My true love....My Life!!

  Fuck, this was not the time to start getting sentimental. In spite of all the love I had for her, this had to be done. She had betrayed me and I couldn't let her get away with it.

  Maybe she had fooled me all long. I always had a funny feeling she would do to me what she did to that shit brick!

  Had to admit she was a good actress, especially in the bedroom. All of a sudden I felt trapped and used. It was a whole new experience for me. Normally, this would’ve been the other way round.

  “Maxwell,” she smiled sweetly and innocently. I slammed the door and walked a little further towards her. She stood up from her desk and made her way towards me.

  I had to hide my despair. “Georgi
na,” I replied coldly.

  “Is something wrong?” She asked, tilting her head and pretending she cared. I felt a little smirk appear on my face.

  IT WAS SHOWTIME!

  I slowly began to walk around her office and I could feel her eyes watching me. “Where did you stay last night?” I asked casually.

  “A hotel just liked I had told you.”

  I stopped in my tracks and spun round to face her. I tilted my head back and gave a little laugh. “Hotel?”

  “Yes” she squealed.

  She really did think I was a fool. I watched as she folded her arms and gave a cold stare at me. I could tell she was beginning to feel uncomfortable and anxious.

  Slowly I walked back over to her, not once taking my eyes away from hers. “Then how come Jay followed your taxi and YOU ended up at that PRICK’S place?” My mouth twitched a little and I scooped down to her eye-level. “Busted, sweet heart.”

  Her eyes darted away and her mouth opened and then closed. There was no point in her even denying it. I moved a little closer and now she couldn't refuse eye contact with me. I could smell her sweet perfume, but for the first time ever I had to deny my arousal for her.

  This in fuelled me more. I grabbed hold of her face and pushed her back up against the wall. Her big blue eyes looking up at me full of fear and shock.

  “You left me for him?” I said through gritted teeth. She shook her head and still no words left her mouth. “And you stayed there all night.” My grip of her face got tighter and I towered over her. “I hope he was worth it. You know me by now and I don't like looking stupid. That's why I’m filing for DIVORCE” I yelled.

  Her face fell apart and the water works began. “No,” She cried and her hands gripped hold of my wrists. “You can't, Maxwell... I'm sorry...”

  I pushed her away and she fell to the floor in hemp. I couldn't bear to look at her. She had broken my heart and destroyed me. I began to walk to the door with my back still facing her. I stopped and shook my head.

  “You know, Georgina” I began. I could hear her muffled cries in the background. “I love you to death and I know I always will.” I ran my hands through my hair and let out an agonizing sigh. “I would do anything for you and always have done. It’s just a pity that even after everything.... You're still the same SLAG who I fucked during her interview!”

  With that I left her office and walked down the corridor. Once safely out of sight I leaned up against a wall. I thought I was going to pass out as my whole body was shaking. I could feel tears building up in my own eyes. This was it. Miss Dawson and Mr Golden rule were over... Finished – forever!

  I closed my eyes and a single tear fell down my cheek. How? When? Why? I reopened them and quickly wiped the tear away. I still had work to do and I didn't have time to stand around moping after her.

  She deserved everything to be taken away from her. From now on I was fighting to keep everything I had worked for; my business, my home and my children.

  If she wanted him that badly, well, she was on her own. The love I had once felt for her was now long gone. It had been replaced with pure utter hatred. I just had to keep telling myself that.

  ***

  Blake

  “How long has she been in there?” Riley asked pressing his ear against the door.

  “Since she got back from work.” I watched as Riley turned concerned for her. I rolled my eyes, this was MY holiday and here I was stood outside a door waiting for the woman I once lived with to emerge. “She’s not your problem” I hissed, lowering my voice. “Do you remember her husband?”

  “Shut up, Blake” he hissed back. “Something has obviously happened.” He gave me a dirty look and returned his ear to the door. “When did you become such a knob?”

  He was really beginning to annoy me. “This is not your problem” I said again. “You need to send her home back to her husband and kids.”

  The lock on the door clicked and I realized I had said everything too loudly. Well, someone had to tell her straight. Georgina appeared before us with make-up running down her face. I instantly felt bad, she looked a mess.

  “I can't go home” she snapped at me. I watched Riley wrap his arms around her and hug her tightly. God, he had it bad!

  “Why?” I quickly asked.

  Georgina pulled away from Riley and glared at me. “I don't want to talk about it... Especially with YOU!” She stepped back into the bedroom leaving me stunned.

  I looked at Riley with my mouth wide open. “What did I do?” Riley just shook his head. “You know what” I raised my hands up in defeat. “This is my holiday and I can't be bothered with her marriage problems.” I walked back into the living area and grabbed my wallet and jacket.

  “Where are you going?” Riley called after me.

  “To enjoy myself.” With that I stormed out slamming the door behind me. I was no longer Georgina's lap dog and the thought of getting on Maxwell's wrong side filled me with dread. I just wanted a nice quiet holiday and I was not getting involved in other people's shit.

  ***

  Georgina

  I sat down on the edge of Riley's bed. The pain in the bottom of my stomach wouldn't go. I had replayed the whole thing in the office over and over in my head. The coldness from him.

  The feeling of his hand gripping my face and that blank expression on his face. I saw in his eyes pure hatred. He has never looked at me like that before. My tears began to fall again. My Mr Golden Rule didn't want me any more. He had never even let me explain, I had never seen him like that before. He showed no love for me and the hurt deeply.

  Slag? He had never said anything as harsh as that before and now he wanted a divorce. He wanted me gone and out of his life. Any love he had for me was gone and it was my entire fault. Me and my stupid ideas, what was I thinking?

  “What happened?” Riley asked, standing in the doorway. “Blake's gone off in a hissy fit” he laughed. “So, we can talk now.”

  I shook my head. I couldn't bear to even say it out loud. If I did, it would make everything official and I couldn't bare that. I had fought with my stupid self for hours. Why didn't I go to the hotel? Why did he get Jay to follow me?

  “Come on Georgina,” Riley said, with concern filling his voice.

  I looked down at my hands and my whole body began to shake. “He knows I stayed here” I looked up at Riley and panic filled his face.

  “You told him?”

  “No, he got Jay to follow me.” I placed my hands over my face and had to brace myself for what I was about to do. “He wants a divorce” my voice trailed off and my tears took over.

  Riley walked over and sat down next to me. “Shh” his voice sounded comforting. “He probably doesn't mean it.”

  I wiped my eyes again and now they were feeling really sore. My heart had never felt this broken. I couldn't give up without a fight.

  He was my husband and he belonged to me. Everything we had been through and done together. He was a good man and I couldn't allow any other woman having him. I had to speak to him... I had to see him..... I had to make him seem sense!!

  ***

  Maxwell

  I slammed down the phone. Georgina had gone crazy. I had just spoken to Maddy and had been informed Georgina had been there asking to see Bailey and me. I had told security not to let her inside the premises. She had called my mobile none stop and I had refused to answer any calls from her.

  I sat back in my chair and ran my hand through her hair. This was what she deserved, right? She walked out on me and Bailey. Why should we give her any time of day?

  “You can't go in there” I heard my assistant yell. The door swung open and Georgina stormed in. So much for my hiding place! She threw her phone and I had to duck. It crashed into the wall leaving an imprint.

  My assistant ran in after her. “I told her she couldn't see you, Mr Thomas.” I nodded in response and she took it as her clue to leave, closing the door behind her.

  “You can’t do this to me”
she screamed.

  I shrugged and carried on going through my paperwork. “I have no idea what you mean, Georgina.”

  “Why are you ignoring my calls and stopping me from going into our home?”

  My eye sprung up to look at her. “Our home?” I gave a little laugh while shaking my head. She couldn't wait to leave the other day and now she was calling it our home. I began to carry on working. I wasn't going to let her think she was getting to me.

  “Maxwell!” She screamed in frustration. She snatched the paperwork off me and threw it across the room. “TALK!!” She demanded. “I at least deserve that much.”

  “You don’t deserve anything” I hissed. “You walked out on me, Georgina. You left me to shank up with someone prick. I did speak to you earlier and I told you everything I had to say.”

  “I didn't walk out, Maxwell.”

  I sat back in my chair and folded my arms. I could feel an amused smile appearing on my lips. Why did I always find fighting with her erotic? I mentally wiped that idea out of my head. I was no longer allowed to think of her in that manner again.

  “You packed a bag and you got into a taxi. What would you say that was?” I replied, trying to compose myself.

  “Why?” She cried. Her eyes were beginning to do that rapid moving thing.

  “Why exactly” I shrugged, as I began to twirl my pen in my fingers. Why did I always get enjoyment from playing with people? Maybe it was my way of staying in control of a situation.

  “Why are you doing this to me?”

  “I'm not doing anything to you, Georgina. You did all this to yourself. Now, if you don't mind I have work to do.” I looked over at the scattered paperwork lying on the floor. “Well, as soon as I clean your mess up.”

  “For fucksake Maxwell! I know exactly why your doing all of this. Me leaving you was just an excuse for you to end things.” Her hands landed on my desk with a thud. “You want her...” She hesitated and I watched as she finally fell apart.