“I take it they are your friends?” She nodded. “Look, you have my card. Think about it. If you decide you would like to meet him, just give me a call.”
Grabbing my bag, I eased myself out of the seat just as the two girls arrived. “Hello,” I said with a smile.
“Hiya,” they both said, looking towards Julie with a frown.
“I was just off. It was nice to meet you, Julie. Have a great day, ladies.”
They all waved goodbye, and as I was leaving, I heard one of the girls ask who I was. I just smiled. It was up to Julie to make up what she wanted on that front.
Walking briskly back to the office, my head held high, I went back to my desk with a beaming smile. Louisa was right there, waiting for me, and she didn’t look too happy.
“You’re fifteen minutes late and the boss wants to see you.”
I checked my watch and it was only then I realised just what the time was.
Shit, there goes my happy smile. “Does he want to see me because I’m late?”
Louisa gritted her teeth and clasped a hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry, Tyler.”
Louisa didn’t like slackers, but I knew she was genuinely sorry for the bollocking I was about to receive. And I knew that’s exactly what it was going to be.
Taking the walk of shame, I thanked Louisa and timidly knocked on Andrew Walker’s door.
“Come in!” he boomed.
Closing my eyes momentarily, I breathed in a lungful of air before opening the door. Mr. Walker was sitting there, looking rather stern underneath all his facial hair.
“Sit down, please, Miss O’Shea.” I did as I was told and braced myself.
“You do realise what time it is, don’t you?”
I nodded. “Yes, sorry. I was with my parents having lunch, and we—”
“I don’t care if you’re having lunch with the fucking queen of England. Your hour for lunch is just that. No taking five minutes here and five minutes there, with a two hour lunch in between. You’re here to work and you will do just that. It wasn’t that long ago that you were off with the flu. And then there was that stomach bug a few weeks ago. Not only that, you’re off on leave for the next few days. It’s got to stop. Just because I give you your own column now doesn’t mean you can come and go when you see fit.”
I nodded. I felt guilty about taking that week off because I wasn’t really ill. However, I was really ill about four weeks back. That was actually a genuine couple of days off work. The next few days was simply so I could spend time with Jeremy and settle him in at home.
“You can go back to work, but I don’t want to hear about you being late again. Do you hear me?”
Clasping my now sweaty hands together, I nodded. “Yes. I’m very sorry. This won’t happen again.”
Mr. Walker sighed and sat back in his chair. “Good. Now, if you have any issues outside of work in the future, I suggest you come to me first. Can you do that?”
I nodded. “Of course. Certainly.”
Seeing the calm radiating over him, I knew he was feeling more in control of his anger now. “You’re a great worker, Tyler. Let’s keep it that way.”
Nodding again, I got up. “Thank you,” I said as I opened the door. “And I’m very sorry for being late.”
Andrew Walker nodded and I swiftly walked out the door. Shit, that was intense. I looked towards Louisa and Ian, and they both gave me a sympathetic smile. At least I still had my friends. I knew they would support me. Everyone knew what a hard-ass Andrew Walker really was, but I never got to see it for myself…until now.
I don’t think I want to do that again.
Scurrying back to my desk, I went straight to work getting the column ready and sorting out all the necessaries for when I’m off. I would still need to work on it, but at least I could do it from home and spend as much time with Jeremy as I could. A couple of hours at the hospital never seemed to be enough.
Just as I was closing everything up on my desk and getting ready to visit Jeremy, my phone chimed alerting me to a text message. When I looked down, I saw it was a number I didn’t recognise. I opened it and, to my surprise, it was Julie.
If the offer still stands, I would like to meet him. Let me know when and I’ll see if I can make it.
Gasping, I typed back.
Sure, no problem, Julie. That’s great news. I will be in touch as soon as I can.
I jumped up I said my goodbyes to Louisa and Ian, and ran towards the lift. I couldn’t stop the stupid grin now plastered on my face at the thought of telling Jeremy I had met Julie, and she wanted to meet him properly. Jeremy would be over-the-moon when I tell him. It would, hopefully, be enough to brighten his day. He had been looking awfully pale lately, and I questioned him a number of times about whether he was really ready to leave the hospital. Jeremy didn’t seem to care. All he wanted was out of there and I didn’t really blame him. He’d been at the hospital for far too long now.
Getting in my car, I wasted no time starting it up and heading for the hospital. All the way there, I had this huge grin on my face as I sang “Happy” by Pharrell Williams at the top of my lungs. It was such an apt song for my mood right now.
Once I got there, trying to find a space took a little while, but I managed to nab one the minute someone pulled out. I was feeling impatient and excited. I just needed to get in there and tell him the fantastic news. Jeremy was going to be so happy to hear Julie liked him, too. That was plain to see by the look on her face and the glint in her eye when I spoke about him. She was just as smitten.
Pressing the button on the lift about a hundred times, I impatiently waited for the doors to open. After what seemed like an age, I, along with a couple others, stepped in. I pressed the button for the third floor and stood there tapping my foot, still with that stupid grin on my face.
As the lift doors opened, I inhaled a deep breath and rushed out with the immense relief of being close enough to tell him. But once I got through the door, I froze. Jeremy was lying in bed, looking very stressed and upset. Around him were a half-dozen reporters firing questions at him about Julie and what it was like being raised in foster homes. The nurses were there and trying to round them all up so they could get him out of there. Jeremy looked up, saw me, and the look on his face nearly killed me. “How could you?” he asked, tears in his eyes. “I thought you were my friend.”
I walked forward, but he put out his hand to stop me. “I swear. I didn’t know anything about this.”
The reporters were all looking from me to Jeremy with an air of apprehension. This was what I hated about the job. Some of them fed off of other people’s grief. They just itched for gossip, any story that they knew would sell. They started trying to fire questions at me, but the three security guards came rushing in to help the nurses clear the reporters away.
“How could you?” he whispered, tears pooling in his eyes. “I trusted you. You told me you wouldn’t breathe a word to anyone.”
I couldn’t stop the tears from falling down my face. I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong, but seeing Jeremy looking so betrayed cut me deeper than anything I’d ever known. This pain was worse than when Dean left.
“I swear to you, Jeremy. I didn’t have anything to do with this.”
All was quiet now as the reporters were sent away. One security guard came back in. He looked at Jeremy and me with an uneasy expression on his face.
“Can you please take her away, too? I don’t want to see her.” He motioned towards the security guard and completely ignored me.
The guard grabbed my arm, but I yanked it away. “Jeremy, you have to believe me. I would never do this.”
Jeremy turned his face away and I could tell he was crying. I wanted nothing more than to scoop him in my arms and convince him beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was not behind any of this. The only people I told so far were my parents. I just couldn’t believe they would do such a cruel thing as this.
“Miss, you need to go before you get arrested.”
The guard looked sternly at me and I knew there was just no way I was going to be able to sort this out today.
Nodding, I dejectedly turned around and walked towards the door. As I neared it, Rachael came over to me a sympathetic smile on her face.
“I swear I never did this,” I whispered. I was feeling panicked. My heart was racing a million miles an hour and the tears wouldn’t stop.
“I know,” she answered, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Don’t be too upset. Jeremy has been so used to people letting him down that he’s been finding it hard to trust anybody. Give him a couple days. I’m sure he’ll come round. I’ll have a word with him once he calms down and I’ll call you tomorrow morning.”
I felt slight relief, but it still cut me to the bone to think that Jeremy thought I had done this. The look on his face was something I’d never forget.
Nodding, I grabbed Rachael for a hug and thanked her. She was always one of the few nurses here that took their job seriously. She cared deeply for her patients and it was a joy to see her at work.
“Don’t worry,” Rachael smiled, patting my face. “Everything will be fine in the morning. He just needs to calm down a little.”
“Thank you,” I said, taking her hand. Rachael smiled and I knew that was my cue to leave. Jeremy needed some space and time to think things through. I didn’t know whether he would ever believe me, but it just didn’t make sense I would go to all this trouble setting up a home for us just to turn around and betray him.
Grabbing some tissues from my bag, I wandered to the lift aimlessly, then towards my car. The tears kept coming, but I didn’t care. People were probably so used to seeing people cry at hospitals anyway. What difference does it make to see one more poor, dejected soul.
As I fumbled with my keys, I opened the door, threw my bag in, and took a seat. All I could see was Jeremy’s face and how broken he looked. The pain in his eyes was unbearable.
It was then that the floodgates opened. It was then that the immeasurable pain of not knowing if we would get through this took over. Burying my head in my hands, I sobbed. By the time I was finished, night had fallen. Lights were twinkling overhead, and people were leaving to go to dinner or meet their friends and family. Music was playing in bars and clubs, girls were scantily dressed and ready for their night out of booze and dancing.
And I was left feeling completely and utterly heartbroken.
Chapter 36
Dean
Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot that it do singe yourself.
William Shakespeare
I was at the mansion waiting on a call from Jimmy. I couldn’t understand what was taking him so long. I was contemplating whether to call him when Humphrey walked in.
“Aidan Carmichael is waiting for you in the lounge, and he doesn’t look happy.”
Fuck, I didn’t need this shit. I had more important things to be worrying about right now. “Fine. I’ll be there in a minute.” Humphrey nodded and walked out the door. I was completely unsure of myself now. I have never felt that way in my entire life, but now? Now I was doubting every single fucking thing I said or did, and I put it all down to that witch in fucking sexy high heels.
Staring at my clock, I noticed it was after eight. Maybe Carmichael would be a good distraction to get me out of this funk. Once I’m done with him, I’ll give Jimmy a call.
Getting up from my seat, I went towards the lounge where Carmichael was waiting with a drink in his hand. He looked pissed off about something, but I’ll be damned if I’ll let him be pissed off with me. He’s caught me on a bad day.
“Scozzari, why is it I’m being told my wife is visiting you? What the fuck are you doing with her?”
Carmichael virtually catapulted towards me, but I was faster. Moving swiftly, I got behind him and gripped my arm around his neck. “First of all, don’t you ever fucking come into my house and shout at me like that again. Second of all, your wife visited me, not the other way around. And third of all, if you don’t get your shit together, you’re going to lose the most important thing in your life.”
Carmichael’s face turned red as he cowered beneath me. This was the first time he had ever seen me this angry and in control.
“I-I don’t know what you mean,” he spluttered.
I let him go.“Sit your ass down. I need to talk to you.” Remarkably, he did as he was told and sat down, a confused look on his face.
“Did Cynthia tell you she came to visit me?” I had to know. I was suddenly getting paranoid that he was having me tailed. I didn’t think I was being followed, but from now on, I would certainly be on higher alert than normal.
Carmichael shook his head. “No, it was one of her bitchy friends. She was coming back from playing tennis at the club and passed by your mansion. She was just fucking itching to tell me she saw her going in.” He had a look of disgust on his face and, for the first time, I could agree with him there. If that story’s true, Cynthia didn’t need friends like that.
“Cynthia loves you very much, although I can’t understand why.”
Carmichael’s posture straightened as he glared at me. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
I could almost feel myself rolling my eyes. “Oh, come on, Carmichael. For fuck’s sake, you have a beautiful wife and kids at home who adore you, but all you’re concerned about is screwing around.”
“Well, you were the one who introduced me to those girls.”
He had me there, but he didn’t need much encouragement. “Aidan, you’ve been screwing around long before Samantha and Katie. Don’t try and act like you’re innocent in all this. You’re far from it. Yes, I placed the temptation there, but you certainly didn’t need any persuading.”
He suddenly looked panicked. “Does she know? Did you fucking tell her?” he asked, a hint of spit forming in his mouth.
“No, I didn’t! Now calm the fuck down! I’ve already told you that whatever is said or done between us here, stays here, and I’m a man of my word, Carmichael. I don’t fuck about. I would say the same for your wife, but considering her fucking so-called bitchy friend told you about her visit, I guess I’m going to have to tell you. Cynthia is worried about you. She says you’ve been different around her lately and she thinks you may be having an affair. In fact, she fucking knows you’ve screwed around on her. She feels upset and let down but, most of all, she feels lonely. When was the last time you told your wife how beautiful she looks, Carmichael? When was the last time you took her out for a romantic meal, whisked her away to somewhere nice for the weekend, and held her in your arms? When?”
I couldn’t believe I actually saw remorse in Carmichael. I didn’t think he had it in him. “She came to you and told you she felt this way?” I nodded. “Shit. Why has she never said anything to me about it?”
Sitting down opposite him, I sighed. “Maybe she has tried, but you’ve just ignored her. I’ve got to say, Carmichael. Cynthia is one very attractive woman. If you don’t start taking care of her, she will look for someone who will.”
Carmichael glared up at me with a hint of murder in his eyes. “Don’t you fucking go near my wife, Dean. I swear I’ll fucking kill you.”
I started laughing. Firstly, because he even thought it possible that he could ever get near me. I’d fucking snap his neck quicker than he could register. Secondly, because it seemed he actually did care about his wife.
“What’s so fucking funny? You think I’m not serious?”
Still laughing, I nodded. “You’re deadly serious. I just didn’t think you had it in you. See, you do care about your wife. You do feel that pent-up anger at the thought of another man finding her attractive, or another man touching her.”
“Of course I fucking do!” he shouted, a vein nearly popping out of his neck.
Leaning in closer to him, I grabbed the collar of his shirt. “Then don’t you think it’s high time you fucking told her? I’ve noticed just how sexy she is, and if I’ve noticed, other men have noticed, t
oo. But guess what, Carmichael? For some unknown fucking reason, she loves you. It’s so hard to comprehend, but it’s true, but all you want to do is screw around while she stays at home taking care of your beautiful daughters. Show her some fucking respect.” I forced Carmichael away and let go of his collar. I was mad. I was mad at him, mad at myself, mad at Tyler, mad at the fucking world we lived in.
Once Carmichael adjusted himself, he looked at me with shock in his eyes. “You’re right. You’re fucking right. I’ve been a fucking terrible husband. I need to fix this. How am I going to fix this?”
Feeling myself calm a little, I looked at Carmichael. I actually even felt a little sorry for him, despite the fact he was a dumb fuck who only acted with his dick.
“Listen,” I sighed. “I’ve just bought a few properties on the Costa Del Sol and Costa De La Luz. Properties are going for next to nothing down there. I’ve recently acquired a villa with a pool. It has five bedrooms and is situated on a mountain, overlooking the Mediterranean. Why don’t you take some time off and surprise Cynthia and the kids to a nice holiday? I can get you the keys, and it’s yours for however long you need it.”
I only offered because I wanted to do it more for Cynthia than this selfish prick in front of me. She was lonely and needed the man in her life to show her how special she really was.
“You’d do that for me?” he asked, dumbfounded.
I shook my head. “No. I’m doing it for your wife.”
Carmichael smiled resolutely and I knew he understood. With a deep breath, he placed the glass on the counter and stood up. “I appreciate everything you do for me, Dean. I really do.” He held out his hand and I accepted the gesture.
Tapping his hand, I winked. “No problem. What are you going to do now?”
Buttoning up his suit, Carmichael sighed. “Well, the first thing I’m going to do is pop into work and see about taking some time off. The second thing I’m going to do is buy my wife some flowers and take her out for a nice meal. Then the third thing I would like to do after all that is take you up on that offer.”