My bossy, enigmatic Englishman kept me trapped in his embrace for an eternity. When he finally let go, he gave me one gentle order: to alert him if Nathan stirred up any problems. Not wanting to bother him with that nonsense, I nodded to appease his request, but had no real intention of following through. He had his own pressures to deal with; he didn’t need mine.
I finished out the work week on a mediocre note. On Saturday, all hell broke loose.
“This is crazy," Stephanie lambasted me as she paced through her living room. “You can’t go to London.”
“I’m sorry, did I ask your permission?”
“Be smart. Take a step back and really think about this.”
"I've thought about it. I'm going." I folded my arms, glaring at her. “He offered to fly you out, too. Darren will be there.”
Stephanie muttered something under her breath. Her harsh reaction to my decision was unexpected and unwelcome.
“I have a bad feeling about it.”
“It’s a garden party, not a rave,” I refuted. “Why is this such a problem?”
“You really want to know?” she asked, focusing a laser stare at my head.
“Yeah.”
“Since the night you passed out drunk, you haven’t told me one thing about what’s going on with him. Nothing. This isn’t like you. I get that you clam up about the other one, but please don’t keep me in the dark about Alastair. I don’t want to see you fall into the same traps.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
She sighed. “You said it yourself in Scotland. This is how it started with Nathan. You fell hard for him and look what happened. You were so lost in your desperation to please him that you ignored his shitty side. You made excuses for him. I saw how he treated you. You weren’t his girlfriend, you were his trophy.”
I shook with rage, clenching my teeth so fiercely it set off jackhammers in my head.
“I am not that weak, Stephanie,” I yelled. “You have no idea what being with him was like. He knew everything I did. Everything. What was I supposed to do? He’s the senator’s son. It’s not like I could make a clean break.”
“But you did make a clean break,” she countered. “What really happened?”
I swallowed back my anger. How had this turned into a fight about Nathan? Why was he still controlling my goddam life?
“I’m done with this conversation,” I said, grabbing my keys to leave.
“That’s it, Lia. Avoid the problem. Start dating another controlling man. That will solve everything.”
Her words stung me, stopping me in mid-stride.
“This was supposed to be a fun surprise for you,” I said, shaking. “Why are you doing this?”
“Don’t you dare turn this on me. Of course I’d love to go and see Darren. That’s not the problem. Alastair isn’t even the problem. It’s you, Lia. You’re shutting me out. You have been since January.”
Dropping my keys to the floor, I cracked. All the hyper emotional craziness I’d been through the past few weeks finally took their toll. I couldn’t hold the tsunami behind my weakened barrier anymore. Stephanie’s eyes overflowed as she watched me crumble in the middle of her living room.
I make him feel? Look what he’s done to me.
“You’re right,” I sniffled. “You’re right.”
She ran over and yanked me into a bear hug.
“Don’t lose yourself again,” she pleaded. “I can’t take seeing you go through that with another guy.” She broke our embrace, holding me by the arms. “When I first met you, I was so impressed by how self-assured you were with everything. Especially with your career. I couldn’t be bothered with all those needy, high maintenance personalities. You’re like a breath of fresh air. You don’t put up with anyone’s shit, mostly mine.”
I laughed, although it sounded more like a seal calling out in distress.
“All those great things about you are the reasons why Nathan wanted you. I always assumed he was threatened by your strong personality and that’s why he used charm and seduction to wear you down. You’re human, Lia. You have a weakness for sultry guys who like to assert themselves. I’m not surprised. I’d never peg you to end up with a wishy-washy dude who yessed you to death.”
“Ugh, I’ve become the wishy-washy one,” I lamented, wiping my eyes.
“No, you haven’t. You just have a huge soft spot for really hot guys who have control issues.”
“Have I thanked you recently for being my friend and kicking my ass when it’s needed?”
She snorted. “Don’t thank me. Just, you know, put yourself first this time. Summon that brazen chick I met on City Walk who tore a new hole in some guy’s ass because he thought grabbing your boob was the cool way to hit on a girl.”
“I forgot about that guy.” I wrinkled my nose. “What a douche.”
“Ah, there she is,” Stephanie squealed and hugged me again. “Come on. Grab a water or something and tell me all about that hot fucking kiss in the photo.”
* * *
MONDAY
To: Alastair Holden
From: Amelia Meyers
Subject: Press Release
I’m sitting at my desk, staring at a press release about some guy who is the new CEO of Holden World Media. Do you know him? He sounds persnickety.
Lia x
To: Amelia Meyers
From: Alastair Holden
Subject: Hmm
He’s actually rather posh. I hear he drives a sexy little car and has a thing for American girls who trip over carpets.
Yours,
Alastair x
To: Alastair Holden
From: Amelia Meyers
Subject: Re: Hmm
Is that so? Sounds like he thinks quite highly of himself.
How was your weekend?
Lia x
To: Amelia Meyers
From: Alastair Holden
Subject: Mundane
It was boring. Filled with meetings and boardrooms and old men in ties. I’ve only just arrived back in Glasgow this morning. Want to come over for dessert?
Yours,
Alastair x
To: Alastair Holden
From: Amelia Meyers
Subject: Tempting
I am hungry…
To: Amelia Meyers
From: Alastair Holden
Subject:
They don’t feed you at work? Or do they, and you’ve been banned as a result of your voracious appetite?
To: Alastair Holden
From: Amelia Meyers
Subject: Smart-Ass
This must be that British humor I keep hearing so much about.
That’s enough out of you. I have to concentrate on my show. Isn’t it late over there? Or are you up taking over the world one media outlet at a time?
Lia x
To: Amelia Meyers
From: Alastair Holden
Subject: Saucy
I'm fairly certain you meant to say humour.
I’m not interested in taking over the whole world. Just yours.
Alastair x
To: Alastair Holden
From: Amelia Meyers
Subject: Not So Fast
Sticking an extra 'u' in the word only makes it look funny. It doesn't make *you* funny.
I won’t be conquered that easily. Stop emailing me. I need to finish these scripts. Talk to you tomorrow.
Lia x
To: Amelia Meyers
From: Alastair Holden
Subject: Good Night
br /> Don’t work too hard. Please message me when you get home so I know you’ve arrived safely.
Yours,
Alastair x
TUESDAY
To: Amelia Meyers
From: Alastair Holden
Subject: Morning
I’m assuming since I never heard from you last night that you fell asleep at work. Good morning, Amelia Grace.
Yours,
Alastair x
To: Alastair Holden
From: Amelia Meyers
Subject: Comfy
For your information, I’m snuggled in my bed. I’d never sleep on that hard desk. No need to worry. Good morning, Alastair Reid.
Lia x
Sent by my DROID
To: Amelia Meyers
From: Alastair Holden
Subject: Jealous
You've just made it very difficult for me to concentrate on this very important conference call. All I can picture is you curled up under the blankets.
Yours,
Alastair xx
To: Alastair Holden
From: Amelia Meyers
Subject: Don’t Blame Me
Focus, please. I’m off to run a few errands. I’ll talk to you later.
Lia x
Sent by my DROID
To: Amelia Meyers
From: Alastair Holden
Subject: I Can’t See You
I'm watching your live news stream online. Feel free to pop in front of the camera and wave hello.
Yours,
Alastair x
To: Alastair Holden
From: Amelia Meyers
Subject: Not A Good Show
Did you happen to catch the colorful language our meteorologist used in his toss back to the desk? Wait. Shouldn't you be watching YOUR station? What you're doing is against CEO protocol.
Lia x
To: Amelia Meyers
From: Alastair Holden
Subject: Protocol Expert
Well, Amelia Grace, you of all people should know that keeping a close eye on the competition is rather important. After observing your station's blatant disregard for language on live television (frowned upon by your FCC), I will be more than happy to instruct my employees not to follow down that path of destruction.
ARH xx
To: Alastair Holden
From: Amelia Meyers
Subject: Muppet
To: Amelia Meyers
From: Alastair Holden
Subject: Cheeky
I see your use of British slang is stuck on words you’ve already used. Need a lesson?
To: Alastair Holden
From: Amelia Meyers
Subject: No Lesson Required
Don’t get your knickers in a twist. I know more than you think.
Lia x
To: Amelia Meyers
From: Alastair Holden
Subject: Disappointed
Knickers? The girl who knows fun British slang doesn’t know that guys don’t wear knickers?
To: Alastair Holden
From: Amelia Meyers
Subject: Relax
Don’t be such a big girl’s blouse.
Lia x
WEDNESDAY
To: Alastair Holden
From: Amelia Meyers
Subject: Hi
Hey. I was just having some lunch at my desk and wanted to check in with you. I hope you’re not offended by the big girl’s blouse comment. (Sorry) Also, I was just wondering what time we need to be at the airport tomorrow. You haven’t told me when the plane takes off.
Lia x
To: Amelia Meyers
From: Simone Turcotte
Subject: FW: Flight Info - Meyers/Tempe - Orlando
Hello Amelia,
Mr. Holden asked me to forward you the flight information for Thursday evening. He’s been tied up in meetings all day and sends his apologies for not doing this himself.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Cheers,
Simone Turcotte
Executive Assistant to Alastair Holden
Holden World Media
——Forwarded Message——
To: Holden, Alastair
From: Grimes, Kevin
Subject: Flight Info - Meyers/Tempe - Orlando
Depart (MCO) 02.JUNE.11
20:25
Arrive (LHR) 03.JUNE.11
11:50
Depart (LHR) 07.JUNE.11
14:10
Arrive (MCO) 07.JUNE.11
18:35
PASSENGER: Meyers, Amelia G.
D.O.B. 15.SEPT.1983
PASSPORT: USA
PASSENGER: Tempe, Stephanie A.
D.O.B. 10.AUGUST.1981
PASSPORT: USA
I’ll be flying to Orlando Wednesday. You can reach me by mobile if the itinerary changes.
Kevin
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
"Mom is going to be so jealous that you got to see the wedding pictures before her." Dayna scrolled through hundreds of proofs on her computer. "Too bad, right?" She laughed and threw an arm around my shoulders.
"I think this one is my favorite." I pointed to a photo of us in the courtyard. It was candid; not posed. Dayna had her hands on her hips, laughing. I was holding both bouquets and smiling at her. The background was dominated by the castle.
"Aw. That's a cute one. I'll email it to you if you'd like. You can print it out and have it framed."
Andrew walked into the room carrying his iPad.
"She's already roped you into looking at wedding pictures? C'mon Day, she only got here this morning. Don't scare her away just yet." He sat on the chair opposite us. "Have you noticed there are three times as many pictures of her as there are of me? It's like I was a gatecrasher at my own wedding."
"Oh Andy. Please." Dayna brushed off his teasing with a wave.
"So, Lia. What time is this dashing date of yours stopping by to pick you up?" Andrew asked, crossing his legs at his ankles.
"He said eight-thirty. So, soon, I guess."
"Is my big sister nervous? This is so unlike you. You must really like him."
"I'm not nervous.”
“Lies, all lies,” Stephanie remarked as she bounded into the room. “You’re pink in the face, you non-blusher, you.”
“That’s enough out of you,” I grinned. “When’s Darren getting here?”
“He just texted me. He’s out front.”
“What?” Dayna looked hurt. “Why didn’t he ring the bell to come in?”
“He’s hungry,” Stephanie answered. “He sends his hellos and apologizes for being antisocial. Have fun with Alastair, Lia. See you guys later.”
She waved, scurrying out the door.
Turning to me, my baby sister pursed her lips in mock disbelief. "I still can't believe you managed to snag one of the world's most eligible bachelors without even realizing who he was. I wish you’d said something at the wedding.”
“There wasn’t anything to say at the time. He was just some random guy I’d met.”
“Alastair Holden is not just some random guy,” she retorted. “Do you know how many girls would kill to be in your shoes right now?”
“Easy, Dayna,” Andrew gently interjected.
I smiled at him, thankful for his abili
ty to reel her in when she got overexcited about things.
The doorbell rang. Andrew popped up off the chair to answer it. Seconds later, I heard Alastair’s distinct, smooth voice.
The chattering got closer as the two men walked into the living room. Alastair searched the room, honing in on me immediately. He was impeccably dressed, as usual, in faded jeans and a dark green button down shirt. The color accentuated his vivid eyes.
Dayna stood up and walked over to him with an outstretched hand.
"It's nice to finally meet you Alastair. My sister has told me so much about you.”
"All good things, I hope." His animated grin was infectious. "It's lovely to meet you as well. How are things at the magazine?"
Dayna was momentarily stunned, but quickly recovered. "Pretty good. I have several new restaurants to write about in the next issue. Andy and I will be spending a lot of time eating over the coming weeks."
"Not that anyone's complaining." Andrew laughed and rubbed his stomach. "Best thing I ever did was ask a food writer to marry me."
"Thanks, babe."
I stayed by the couch, watching him interact with my sister and Andrew. His guard was up. His whole demeanor was impenetrable.
"Care to join us, Amelia?" he asked, catching my eye. He stared right through me as I walked toward them.
"Where are you guys off to?" Dayna asked, noticing Alastair lace his fingers with mine.
“Haven’t decided yet,” he said, squeezing my hand.
"Well, we don't want to keep you guys from your night out. Do you have the spare key, Lia?"
"I do, Dayna. Thanks. I won't be out late."
"It was nice meeting you, Alastair. We should all go to dinner before Lia has to fly back to Orlando. Maybe on Monday night?"
"That sounds great. Nice meeting you both." He led me out the front door and down to the car. His sporty Mercedes was parked against the curb.
"You drove here from Glasgow?"
"I did."
"Hmm." I slid onto the plush leather seat. Alastair got in and lightly squeezed my thigh. The warmth of his touch seeped through my jeans.
"Did you have a good flight?"
"It was alright. A little bumpy." Familiar piano music filled the car. "Is this what you listened to on your drive down?"
"Part of the way, yes. Do you recognize it?"
"I do. You were playing it at your house. John Field, right?" I smiled.
"Good memory. This piece is called Nocturne Number Five."
We drove past Westminster Abby, over a bridge across the Thames and headed toward the Jubilee Gardens. I saw the London Eye illuminated against the night sky. Alastair found a place to park at the Park Plaza County Hall and grinned at me.