Different Worlds by Ashley Goss (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

chapter 9: alexander

 

 

“Hey Shawn, what’s going on?”

“You going to that event tonight in NYC?”

“Sure am. Are you?”

“I’m thinking about it. Thought I could stop in town, go to that, and then catch up with you after.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

I am excited. Shawn and I have been friends since high school. We were both geeks. We got picked on a lot and we always stood by each other. When I started my company, I offered him a job and we have been working together ever since. He is one of the best employees I have ever had. I haven’t seen him besides work functions in a couple of months so it will be nice to be able to catch up with him. I could let him meet Ella too. I know he has been wanting to meet her.

I hear her coming down the hallway. There she is in just a t-shirt and panties.

“What might fine sight to see.” I say to her with my eyebrow heightened.

I grab a plate for both of us, load it up, and sit down at the table to eat.

“Babe, I want to ask if you would be my date to a Fundraising Event for the local Children’s Hospital tonight?”

“Alexander, I will go with you because you really want me too. However, I do want you to realize that I might not fit in with the people there but I’m willing to try. That’s how much you mean to me.”

“I want you to feel comfortable being with me, and attending the things that I have to do but I don’t want you to feel pressured. I want you to see what my life is like and I want to see what yours is like too. At one point, we will be combining our lives together.”

I didn’t think about fact that she probably has nothing to wear to the event. I can her to LA VI. They will take good care of her there. They have amazing taste in clothing for these kinds of things.

“I have my driver outside waiting to take you to LA VI. They will help you find something for tonight. There is no price limit but I do want you to be comfortable in what you are wearing. They will be able to help you and you can try on anything you desire.”

“Are you sure, Alexander? You don’t have to pay for my dress. You already paid for so much being with me.”

“I invited you to this which means it is my duty to help you pay for whatever you wear. It will be fine don’t worry about it. I know you will look amazing in whatever you choose to wear.”

I must get ready myself. I should get myself a new suit. I like to have new ones for events like this. After picking out my suit, I call to check on Ella.

“Everything going okay?”

“Yes, it’s fine. I’ll see you in a bit.”

She is acting strange. Maybe she isn’t excited about tonight. I need to remember this is her first event. She has never been to anything like this before. This is out of her comfort zone. I need to make sure to make her feel comfortable. She just needs to be herself and everyone will love her. She has nothing to worry about.

My phone rings.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing man.”

“Oh, I thought you were Ella. I just got off the phone with her.”

“Nope, it’s me.” Shawn says.

“What’s up?”

“Just wanted to call and let you know that I just got into town. I would love to hangout after the event tonight. Is your lady going too?”

“She certainly is. You will get to meet her tonight.”

“Okay, awesome. Look forward to it.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

chapter 10: ella

 

 

Our relationship will never last if I can’t compromise with him on the things that he must do. The girls at the boutique are very nice and flattered to know that they can help me pick out the dress for tonight. They brought me ten dresses to try on and of course the first dress is too revealing. So, I turn it down. The next one is long and is a beautiful lilac color and silk. It feels great against my skin. It’s not too revealing but shows just enough and that’s just what I wanted.

As I twirl in front of the mirror in the dress, I feel beautiful. I feel more beautiful now than in the dress he bought me for our first date when he couldn’t keep his eyes off me. I’m hoping tonight will be the same.

Next, the girls want me to choose some jewelry to wear with the dress and shoes to match. We search the store for some necklaces and bracelets to wear and found a beautiful diamond sets. The boutique worker says, “Wow, this would look amazing with your dress, you’ve got to get it. He said the price doesn’t matter. You are such a lucky lady.”

I didn’t want to look at the price because I knew that it would make my stomach hurt just knowing that I’m about to god knows how much on a dress, shoes and jewelry for an event that I don’t really want to go to. At the same time, I know that I need to try and look the part. If I don’t try then it’s just not worth being in the relationship with him.

I can get thru tonight. I’ll just be myself. I should prepare myself. This is the first time I will be attending an event with him and I don’t want to embarrass him. I know he is a very important person in the world and his career matters to him. He works very hard to get where he is at and I don’t want to be the person to bring him down. I just want him to shine.

After getting my hair done and getting dressed, I’m ready to go. Alexander shows up in his limo to pick me up. I open the door and he looks stunned. At first, I couldn’t tell if it is good or bad.

“I’m sorry, do I look okay? I’m so sorry, I knew I shouldn’t have done this, it’s not nice enough for the event, is it? I’ll take it back and try to find something else, let me just get changed really quick.”

He grabs my hand and says, “No, no, no you look fine, absolutely gorgeous. You did a great job. This dress looks magnificent on you. I am one lucky guy to have you in my life. I can’t wait to show you off tonight.”

He walks me to the limo opens the door and as I slide in, I look back and notice him staring at me. It makes me feel warm and delighted to know that looks at me with such hunger but not in a weird way. He wants me so bad. I know we haven’t had sex yet but we will soon. I know we are taking it slow but it’s been almost six months.

We pull up to the event and I notice that there are cameras all around. Alexander gets out first and gives me his hand to help me out of the car. He whispers in my ear, “Just smile, babe it’ll be okay.”

I get a calm feeling from him. He is trying to make me feel better and that means a lot to me. He knows how nervous I am about tonight. I am worried about not fitting or embarrassing him in some way. He just keeps telling me to be myself and people will love me for who I am.

As we walk into the event, everyone is starting to stare at us, it makes me feel uncomfortable like they know I don’t belong here.

Alexander whispers in my ear, “They’re not staring at us, they’re staring at you. You are the most beautiful girl in this room and everyone knows that, that’s why they are staring at you.”

We walk around and spoke to some of his colleagues. He wanders off to talk business with them while I just kind of mosey around. I get a couple of drinks and chat with some ladies that we’re by the bar. It isn’t as bad as I was thinking it was going to be. Nobody asks me what I did for a living or where I live. Maybe tonight isn’t going to be so bad.

Alexander comes to me with his hand out asking me to dance. It’s been so long since I’ve last danced that I don’t even know if I can. He takes me out on the dance floor and twirls me around and puts his hand on the small of my back and kisses my naked shoulder and he whispers in my ear, “I love you.”

I wasn’t quite sure how to respond or even if I should. Does this man really love me or is he just saying that because of tonight? Do I love this man? Is it possible to be in love with someone this fast? It’s been six months. I feel woozy and good all at the same time. I want this man but it seems like it is going too fast. We haven’t even had sex yet and he is telling me that he loves me. Isn’t that a little weird? Although, I guess we are older and it make sense.

I just want to enjoy being in his arms tonight and dancing with him. I’m having fun with him and learning more about him and what he does. I see a man staring at us across the room. I didn’t recognize him. I have never seen him before.

“Honey, do you know him?” I ask as I point to the man.

“That’s Shawn.” He says as he waves him over.

“Hey bud, I see you are having a good time. Nice to meet you finally, Ella.” Shawn says to me.

“Same.”

Shawn is tall and has dirty blonde hair. He is built the same as Alexander. Jesus, are there more of them?

“Are you enjoying yourself, Ella?”

“Yes, I am having fun.”

He is personable. He is very nice. He didn’t have to ask me how I am doing. He didn’t have to care but he did. I could tell her cares for Alexander.

“I’ll see you later, Alexander. It’s about time to take our seats.” Shawn says.

Finally, the event starts and a lady named Ms. Hemingway comes on stage to talk about the Children’s Hospital and what they did. It seems that this hospital specializes in helping kids with cancer. The donations made to this hospital go directly towards helping the children and the parents.

"We’ll begin taking donations and we will also be auctioning off some things that have been donated to us tonight. First thing, an all expanse paid vacation to Paris for two. This will be a four-night package. We will begin bidding at $10,000.” Ms. Hemingway announces.

Everyone rushes to their seats so that the bidding could begin.

A couple of people bid on it and it got up to about $35,000. That’s when Alexander stands up and says, “$50,000.”

“Are you serious? $50,000. Are you crazy?” I lowly yell into his ear.

“It’s for a good cause and you said you’ve always wanted to go to Paris? Why not bid on this, help charity and go on vacation?”

“I’m not having you spend $50,000 to take me to Paris, that’s just insane. Alexander, you are going overboard now.”

“Why can’t you see that I just want to give you everything? I don’t want you to want for anything. You deserve the very best in this world and I intend to give that to you. I intend to show you all of the good things about this world including traveling to wherever your heart desires.”

“Sold to the man in the suit in the back with the beautiful young lady in lilac.”

“Before now, I’ve never gone on a vacation because I’ve had no one to share it with and now I have you. I want to go travel the world with you. I want to enjoy it with someone.”

I could understand that he wants to show the world and that is sweet but is it worth $50,000 of his hard-earned money? If he will easily spend $50,000 on a vacation then how much does he spend on other things? How am I ever going to keep up with him as a housekeeper? I will never be able to contribute fully like he does to this relationship.

Ms. Hemingway continues to give out vacation packages, antiques and other things to help raise money. Every time I hear someone bid, I would cringe. The people here are rich. They have more money than they need. One package went as high as $200,000. Holy crap. I could buy a house for that much. It’s dumbfounding. How was I going to live in this world? Am I able to give in and just let Alexander spoil me? I didn’t want to prove his mom right by using his money.

Finally, the event is over. I am ready to get the hell out of here. The car is waiting for me and Alexander.

“Did you enjoy yourself?”

“Yes, it was a nice event.”

“Everyone really liked you. I told you that everything would be fine.”

He leans in and kisses me. There is that sensation again. I want to sleep with him. What the hell am I waiting for?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

chapter 11: ella

 

 

I woke up to being on Alexander’s chest. This man is great to me. He came over after hanging out with Shawn last night.

“Good morning, baby.” I said shaking him softly.

“Why hello there, gorgeous.”

“How did you sleep?”

“Great.”

I got up to make some breakfast. I wasn’t quite sure what I had that I could even make to eat.

“I was thinking we could go out for breakfast.” Alexander says.

“I guess we could do that.”

“Breakfast is on me. I know this great pancake place.”

We got dressed and head there. It had been a while since I have been there but I know the food would still be as good as ever.

“Hello, my name is Holly. I will be your server. What can I get for you?”

“We will both have a stack of pancakes with eggs and sausage please.” I tell her.

She wrote down and walk away.

“I could have ordered myself.”

“I know but I knew what you wanted. Your easy like that.” I laugh.

I love having him around more. I could go to sleep with him and wake up to him. It is too bad that he must go back to Baltimore today.

“Baby, I really wish you didn’t have to go.”

“I know but it comes with my profession. I will always travel back and forth. There is nothing I can do about that.”

He is right. I couldn’t get mad. This is how he pays his bills.

“Do you know when you will be coming back?”

“Sometime next week.”

I pout. I know that it is going to be a week. I didn’t want to be without him for a week but he’s got to do what he’s got to do, right?

The waitress brought our food and we engulfed it. When we finished, the waitress brought the check and hands to Alexander.

“Nope, you are not paying for this.” I say as I grab the bill from his hand.

“I have more than enough to cover it.”

“That’s okay, so do I”

I had to drive him to the airport so he could leave. The whole car ride there, I didn’t say much. I wasn’t happy. I didn’t want him to leave.

“Would it be mean of me to beg you to stay?”

“No, but I can’t. I’ll be back in a week.”

He kisses me and walks to the plane.

It is now time for me to go to work. I didn’t want to go back. I enjoyed my time off thoroughly. Did I have to go back? Well yes. I couldn’t pay my bills otherwise. Who am I kidding? I rush home to put on my uniform and then walk to work.

As I walk in, I am not happy. Everyone is rushing around.

“What’s going on?” I ask loudly.

“The big wigs are coming in a couple of weeks. All of them. We must get all 200 rooms in the best shape they have ever been in before then. Hope you don’t mind working overtime.” Sharon says.

Great. I guess it will help keep me occupied while Alexander is away. Sharon hands me a clipboard of fifteen rooms. None of them are stayovers. Crap. This is going to take forever.

My first couple of rooms weren’t so bad because nobody has stayed in them recently. I just have to tidy them up and make them look better. As for the rest of them, it looks like everyone had a party in the rooms. Alcohol spilt cans everywhere, and it just smells awful. It’s now ten hours later and I still have three rooms to do. I am exhausted. My back and legs hurt from bending over. I am ready to go home.

I knock out the last three rooms in about two hours and got the hell out of there. The first thing I did when I get home is take a nice warm bath. It always helps soothe my muscles. After, I get in bed and pass out.

A couple of days later, I receive flowers and a message from Alexander. The message says, “These flowers are almost as beautiful as you.”

Even though, he must go back to Baltimore for business, he is still thinking about me. He makes sure not to just disappear on me again. He called me as soon as he got the call about having to go back to Baltimore. He travels back and forth a lot but he lives in Baltimore. I’ve never really been out of NYC. I want to get out and do something this weekend since I’m off. It’s the first weekend I’ve been off since I started here. I am stoked. I wish that Alexander was here to keep me company but I’ll manage. My phone rings.

“Hello?”

“What are your plans today?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“Well I’ve got a surprise. I’m going to text you an address. I’m sending someone to pick you up.” He hangs up.

A surprise. I hate surprises. I receive a text telling me to go to the small airport for personal airplanes. Where is he having them take me? I got in the car and they drove me there. When I arrive, there is a beautiful jet waiting for me.

“Are you Ella?”

“That I am.”

He took my hand as he helps me up the stairs into the plane. I look around and it is beautiful. The seats are huge and luxurious. Although, what else would I expect from Alexander with the life that he lives? They close the cabin door and instruct me to go ahead and buckle up so we can take off. My phone rings again.

“Everything going okay?”

“I’m on the plane but where am I going?”

“You’ll see. Have a safe flight.”

He is being so sneaky. The stewardess brings me an envelope.

“This is from Mr. Edwards.”

I open the envelope and there is a letter inside.

Dear Ella,

You had informed me that you had never been outside of NYC. I thought I could make that change. You will be leaving the state and going somewhere completely new. Of course, I won’t tell you where. You will see when you land. Enjoy your flight.

Yours, Alexander

 

One thing that I completely love about Alexander is that he is spontaneous. I don’t have a spontaneous bone in my body. I could never just fly on a whim because I want too. I couldn’t afford it anyway. I lean back in my seat and recline. I am in love with the view. I have never been on an airplane before. I thought I would be nervous but my palms are not moist at all.

The view is spectacular. The white fluffy clouds and the morning sun shining through. I could see the birds flying. This is a first airplane ride that I won’t forget. I am thankful, thankful for him being so thoughtful as to provide me with this opportunity of a lifetime. I want to take it all in. I start to feel sleepy but there is no way I am falling asleep. I must stay awake. Who knows if I will ever get on a plane again?

“This is your captain speaking. We will be arriving shortly. Please make sure you are buckled for the descend.”

Gosh, that was fast. It feels like we have only been in the air for half an hour. I want more time. I want to enjoy it some more. I guess if I flew here then that would mean that I would be flying back. I have something to look forward too. I buckle my seatbelt and watch out the window as we drift downward back to land. The touchdown is bumpy but I made it. I’m alive. I didn’t know what is waiting for me outside. Hell, I didn’t even know where I am.

“Ma’am, where are we?” I ask the stewardess.

“Sorry, ma’am. I can’t tell you that. You will find out shortly.” She says as she opens the door.

I look outside and it is beautiful. I didn’t recognize anything, not that I would since I’m somewhere I’ve never been. I walk down the steps and see a limo waiting for me.

“Is that for me?” I ask.

“Yes, ma’am.” She replies.

 

I walk to the limo and the driver opens the door for me. I slid in and there he is sitting in the seat next to me.  Alexander.

I couldn’t contain myself. I throw myself at him. I hug him like a bear and wouldn’t let go. I thank him over and over.

“I wanted you to experience something. So, what did you think?” He asks me.

“The ride was beautiful. It was too short of a ride though. I could have enjoyed it a little bit longer.” I reply.

“Hopefully the next one will be longer.” He smiles.

 

He pecks me on the cheek and pulls me close to him. I missed the way he looks at me. How he stares into my eyes and it’s like seeing into my soul. It’s a wonderful feeling. It’s unexplainable.

“Where am I?” I ask Alexander.

“Baltimore.”

I look outside as we drive to Alexander’s. It is so beautiful. There is museums, towers, small shops and restaurants, and gardens. There are so many things that I want to do before I leave. I am paying so much attention to the outdoors that I didn’t even think about staying at Alexander’s.

When we pull up to his house, I am shocked. I shouldn’t have been because I know he is loaded. Of course, he is going to have a huge house but this is magnificent. The front gate is massive and when it opens, I screech.

“You live here?” I ask shockingly.

“Most of the time.”

There is green grass, lawn ornaments, a garden, and a basketball court in the front of the house. The house itself looks to be two stories and lots of bedrooms. What does he possibly need all these bedrooms for? He’s a single man. He opens the door for me to walk inside. I stop at the front door as my jaw drops. HOLY CRAP! It’s one of those houses that poor girl’s like me dream about having one day in a fairytale.  It has raised ceilings, a beautiful woods staircase, a stainless-steel kitchen with an island and a bar. Alexander just stands there looking at me.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, but you live here alone?”

“Well some of my staff live here.”

“Oh okay, that makes sense.”

He takes my hand and walks me thru the back door. I almost lost it. His backyard has a huge inground swimming pool and a playground.  A playground? He has no kids, what does he need a playground for?

“Who’s the playground for?”

“I allow my staff to have their kids live here as well. Most of my staff are women and single mothers.” He replies.

Wow, he is such an amazing man. He really is thoughtful. He is not what you would expect for a typical rich guy. He cares about others. He smiles at me, caresses my cheek and gives me a sweet kiss.

“Let me show you your room.”

He is such a gentleman. He is giving me my own room. I do like that he is a no pressure kind of guy. Usually, guys would be all over me by now or asking why we haven’t done anything yet. My room has a king size bedroom set. I will enjoy sleeping on this bed. It’s probably going to be very comfortable knowing his taste in things. I wouldn’t expect anything less.

“Get changed into something comfortable for sightseeing and we will go out and enjoy the town. I cancelled my business for the rest of the weekend. Meet me downstairs when you are done.”

Heck, I hope I can find my way downstairs when I’m done. I open my suitcase and throw on some denim shorts and a t-shirt with a cardigan. I’m excited to see the town. I’ve always wanted to go to another city and explore. He knows exactly how to make me happy. He wants me to experience things. This is how I know he cares for me.

I head downstairs and find it with no problem. Thank goodness. He is in some dark jeans and a white t-shirt. He looks so normal. Honestly, if we weren’t standing in his humongous house and I didn’t just fly here on his jet then I would think he is just a normal guy. I like that. I didn’t feel so out of place when is dressed normally. I feel better. I hate the fact he has money messes with me but I don’t know how to fit into a life where you don’t have to worry about anything. Being rich comes with responsibilities and attending galas and fundraising events. Am I that kind of girl? I don’t think so.

“You okay?” he asks me.

“Yes, I’m fine. Sorry stared off into space for a minute.” I laugh.

We walk outside and got into his Audi. He sure loves Audi’s. I wonder what we are going to do today. It’s nice and sunny today. I’m glad. When I looked at the weather back at the house, it said we had a chance for rain. I hope it doesn’t rain. It can wait until I’m back in NYC.

“So where are we going?” I ask him.

“You’ll see.”

We pull up to the National Aquarium. It is huge. I love to visit Aquariums. I don’t know how he evens know this or if it is just a lucky guess. We walk up to get our tickets and hand the cashier my card.

“Gonna have to be quicker than that, Alexander.” I told him as I smile.

I want to pay for some things too. He didn’t always have to pay for everything just because he has money. I want to make sure that he knows that. I might not make as much money as him but I can pay for my own things.

The first place we visit is the Amazon River Forest Exhibit. It has two sides the rain side and dry side. I have two favorites from this exhibit. It has an emerald tree boa which is almost a lime green color. I like snakes if they can’t get me. We also got to see a white-blotched river stingray. It’s pattern consists of white dots on a black background so that it can blend in to the habitat.

The next exhibit is the Atlantic Coral Reef which features a bonnet head shark. It looks almost like a hammerhead shark but its’ not. It is interesting to see up close thru the tank and watching it in its semi-normal habitat. Next is the spot fin porcupinefish. It is interesting to watch it inflate itself with water and then watch the spikes come out of its body while letting water drain out. Alexander likes this. I could tell he is enjoying himself as am I. I enjoy being in his company. I took his hand in mine and head for the biggest exhibit.

This exhibit is the dolphin discovery exhibit and is home to seven Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, five females and two males. I love dolphins. I have always had a dream of swimming with them. I still plan to make that happen. It’s on my bucket list. Dolphins are such beautiful creatures.

Next up, Shark Alley. When we walk in, I pull Alexander close. It is a ring-shaped exhibit where the sharks are all around you. It is terrifying but amazing at the same time. You could see them up close and personal. They would come to the glass and just look at you which is kind of intimidating.

“Are you having fun?” Alexander asks me.

“Of course, I am. I’m with you.”

We decide to go ahead and leave and explore something else. What else is in this town that I could enjoy? We get in his car and drive around some more. He puts his hand on my thigh and gives me a kiss.

“We got lots more to see today.”

I am excited. I feel alive. I feel like a completely different person today. I am getting to experience and see new things far away from NYC. I didn’t want this weekend to ever be over.

“Here we are.” He says as he helps me out of the car.

I look up and there is the Washington monument. It is tall. It is a beautiful sight with flags all around.

“You want to go to the top?” He asks.

“Yes!” I exclaim.

We walk inside and there is a 227-step climb to the top. I am out of shape and I could tell after about the first hundred steps. I am out of breath and holding my side. I didn’t want to make it to obvious and embarrass myself in front of Alexander who is having no problems walking up all these steps.

Once we finally got to the top, I realize that all of it is totally worth it. The view of the city of Baltimore is beautiful. You could see the whole city from the top. This would have been even more amazing if at night with all the lights in the city. It is breath-taking.

“Ella?”

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to say that I am so happy that I ran into you that day on the street. I am glad that you finally decided to let me take you on a date.” He starts to stammer.

“I’m glad too. My life has definitely been different since I met you.” I say to him while a smile as I kiss him on the cheek.

I am so lucky to have a man in my life. I still wonder what made him want to ask me out. I try not to let it bother me anymore. He is happy and so am I. We can work out my issues later. I didn’t want to dwell on them. I want to enjoy my weekend with him. I want to see a little bit of Baltimore and maybe get to know him a little better in the process.

Once we finally get back down to the bottom of the monument, we walk around the gardens. The smell of the fresh blooming flowers and the nearby water is spectacular. He tells me a little bit about his mom.

“She was an amazing woman. She really did everything for me. When she passed away from breast cancer, I was devastated. I had lost my only parent. They ended up putting me in a foster home for a year until someone wanted to adopt me. That’s when I met my foster parents. They are great people. Anne and Doug were the kindest people to me. They made sure I got the help I needed.  They got me into counseling and helped me thrive thru junior high and high school. When I graduated high school at the top of my class, they decided to pay for me to go to college. They supported me through my life in every possible way. I couldn’t have asked for better foster parents.”

I took everything that is saying in. It makes me feel horrible that his mother died from breast cancer when he was so young. I’m happy that he is lucky enough to have found amazing foster parents to raise and support him. No wonder he became so successful in his adult life. It is amazing.

“Well I’m glad to hear that ended up with amazing foster parents. Where do they live?”

“Actually, they live here in Baltimore.”

So, he lives here close to his parents. That’s sweet.

“I planned on going to see them this weekend before I flew you in. Would you like to have dinner with them?” He asks me.

Holy crap. Dinner with his parents? Am I prepared for that? He is so close to them. What if they don’t like me? I’m nothing like him. I’m a normal girl. Nothing special. I take a deep breath and reply, “I’d love too.”

I didn’t want him to know that I am nervous. I keep that to myself. I must meet his parents eventually might as well be now. I know he cares for me and that he wants this to become something very special. Or at least I did. I want him to be around for me. I enjoy having him in my life immensely. He was a surprise but a good one. He drives us back to his house so we can change for dinner with his parents. I wasn’t sure what I am going to wear. I didn’t have anything to fancy.

“Ella, I bought you a dress to wear tonight. It’s on your bed.” He says with a smile.

He is too great to me. He knew that I didn’t come prepared for this. That’s okay. He knows how to make it better. I walk up to my room and found the box on my bed. I open it. The dress is beautiful. It is a pale pink dress with black rosettes on it. He literally thinks of everything. Inside is a pair of black heels in just my size. I put the dress on and look at myself in the mirror. I let my hair down and it fell in curls. It fit just perfectly. I smile.

I walk downstairs to find Alexander in a nicer pair of dark jeans and a sports jacket. He smiles and stares at me as I walk down the stairs to him.

“You look absolutely stunning as always. I’m not going to be able to keep my eyes off you tonight.” He says as he takes my hand and kisses it.

I wish I could see myself thru his eyes. He makes me feel like a queen. I feel confident with him around. It’s a good thing. We walk to the car, got in, and head for his parent’s house.

While driving over there, I get more and more nervous. I keep breathing slowly and thinking to myself that I’m a nice girl. I should have nothing to worry about. Alexander is fond of me and hopefully his parents know that. I’ll just stay close to him tonight. He will make me feel calm. It will go just fine.

We pull up to his parent’s house which is huge but about half the size of Alexander’s. It is still magnificent. He rings the doorbell and a maid answers.

“Good evening, Alexander” The maid greets him as she opens the door and invites us in.

He takes my hand and leads me to the living room where his parents are sitting.

“Hi, mom.” Alexanders says.

“Hi sweetie, how are you?” She asks him.

“I’m doing great. This is my girlfriend Ella.” He gestures towards me.

She looks at me and then smiles, “Nice to meet you, Ella.”

I couldn’t tell if she is being nice or if she likes me. Moms are hard to read when it comes to their baby boy’s. His dad says hi to me and keeps reading his book that is in his lap.

“Dad, don’t be rude. Put the book away.” He says to Doug.

He puts the book away and takes a sip of his coffee. Alexander and I sit down on the couch and then everyone starts talking. They are asking him about his businesses.

“May I have a word with you, dear?” His mom asks me.

“Of course,” I reply.

I follow his mom into another area of their house and she stops me in my tracks.

“I want to know what your intentions are with my son?”

“I care about him deeply. He is a wonderful man.”

“Yes, he is but he is also a wealthy man. I can’t have him dating just a regular old jane.”

“No, I’m not. I would never do that to him. Heck, I don’t even want his money.”

“How much to get you to stop seeing my son? What will it be?”

“I don’t know who you think you are but no amount of money is going to force me to stop seeing your son.”

“Honey, not to be rude but I’m not feeling well.” I say to Alexander.

“Oh, no. Okay, we are going to go. It was nice catching up with you guys.”

“It was nice to meet you, Ella.” His mom and dad say in unison as we are walking out the door.

I couldn’t believe what his mom just did to me. Bribing me to stop seeing her son? Why would she think I am after his money?

The entire car ride back to his house, I didn’t say a word. I didn’t want to tell him what happened back there. It is going to be my little secret. It will break his heart to know that his mom tried to pay me off.

We get to the house and walk inside. I kiss Alexander goodnight and went to bed.

I woke up to an array on sunshine hitting my face. It is bright. Today, I am going home. I pack up my suitcase before I head down for breakfast.

“Good morning, Ella. I made pancakes, sausage and eggs.” The housekeeper tells me as she hands me a plate.

It smells divine. I can’t wait to devour it. A couple of minutes later, Alexander shows up.

“Good morning, babe.” He kisses my forehead and he sits down next to me.

“How did you sleep?”

“Okay.”

“Are you feeling any better?”

“I’m feeling fine. Ready to be home.” I reply.

“Well the plane is ready as soon as we finish breakfast. You will be home in just a little while.” He says with a smile.

“Are you going to come back with me?”

“I won’t be going back for a couple of days but I promise that when I get back into town that you will be the first person I come to see.”

After enjoying breakfast, I head upstairs to get my suitcase.

“My driver will take you to the plane. Have a safe flight back. Text me when you land.”

“Will do. Thanks for this. It was nice to get away for a little while.”

I get in the car and we drive to the plane. I am nervous about flying again. I’ll be fine. I get into the plane and ask for a drink. Vodka. This ought to help relax me. I just want to enjoy this flight back home. I miss my bed. Even though, Alexander’s bed was much more comfortable. I had a blast with him this weekend.

I hear my phone ring.

“Hello?”

“Is this Ella?”

“Yes, who is this?”

“This is Alexander’s mother. I wanted to check in with you about my offer again. See if you have changed your mind.”

“No, I haven’t.” I scoff at her.

“Stop fighting it. I know all you want is his money. Why are you playing games? Just take the money. I know you need it.”

She is right. I am not exactly doing the best financially right now. I could use the money but I’m not taking it. Not in a million years.

“Is this what his world is going to be like? Everything revolves around money?”

“Yes, darling. He is a rich man. He makes more in a day than you do in three months.”

“I don’t want his money or your money. Just leave me alone.”

“Don’t lie to me. I know plenty of women like you. You just want my son for his money. You aren’t going to get it. Just take the damn money.”

“I’m not taking the money. Don’t call me again.”

I am balling. I can’t deal with this. If our lives are going to be all about money all the time then forget it. I am just not cut out to be in his world. I’m too simple and cheap. I can’t keep up with his lifestyle.

I text Alexander as soon as I get off the plane.

I can’t do this anymore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

chapter 12: alexander

 

My heart sank as I read the message. What happened? We just had a wonderful weekend together. Nothing seemed to be wrong. Now, all the sudden, she doesn’t want to be with me? I knew I shouldn’t have done this. I have scared her away because I brought her here and showed her my house and everything. It was probably overwhelming. I can’t lose her. She is the only thing that I can look forward to every day. I don’t want to go back to just working all the time. It makes everything worth it when I have someone to spend time with when I’m off. What can I do?

I try to call her but she doesn’t answer. I text her.

“What’s wrong?” Shawn asks me.

“Ella, she broke up with me.”

“Wait, why? I thought she just met your parents?”

“She did. I don’t understand. Everything was fine when she got on the plane to head home.”

“Maybe you should go out there and see if she will talk to you. Something happened for it to change like that.”

“Maybe I will.”

I text her again.

I’m confused. I don’t understand what happened. We just had an amazing weekend together. You haven’t even been gone for three hours and you are already breaking up with me? Did something happen that I am not aware of? Did I do something wrong? Please call me!

All I could do is wait for a response. I drive over to my parent’s house because I didn’t want to be at home.

“What’s the matter son?” My dad asks.

“Nothing’s wrong, dad. I just wanted to see what you guys thought of Ella?”

“Well she was pretty. I don’t know if she seems like much of your type though.”

“What do you mean my type?”

“Well, I don’t know how to say this without sounding rude but she doesn’t come from money.”

“Why is that a problem? I don’t come from money either. I worked hard to get where I am.”

“I know, son. I just worry that she is in it for the money. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

I didn’t want to listen to my dad anymore. He is making me mad. I just want to talk to Ella. I want to know what I have done to upset her. I care about her. I let her meet my parents for god sake. She is the second girl in my entire life that has ever met them. I don’t take that lightly. I need an answer so I could fix it. I go to the office so I could talk to Shawn.

“I am going to fly out there tonight so I can see you tomorrow morning.”

“Okay, I can handle things here. Go take care of Ella. I understand and so will everyone else.”

I run home and pack a light bag and head for the airport. I want to be there to see her tomorrow. I’ve got to set things straight.

I text Ella.

Fine, don’t respond. I will be flying in tonight so I can see you tomorrow in person. I need an explanation. You mean too much to me to let you go so easily. See you tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

chapter 13: ella

 

I receive a series of texts from Alexander but I don’t respond. I don’t know what to say to him. We are completely different. We live in separate worlds. I can’t live a life that revolves around money. I don’t want to be spoiled and money hungry. I just want to enjoy life.

I work today. I don’t feel like going. I’d rather lay in bed all day but I have bills to pay. I walk to work and see couples everywhere. They all seem so happy. I want that. I want to be truly and completely happy with someone.

 

When I got to work there is plenty of stuff to do to keep my mind off Alexander. I didn’t want to think about him. I want to keep my mind off him so I don’t miss him because I do. He is a good man to me and never treats me badly. Sometimes I feel like I deny myself happiness.

I think what triggered it is when his mom offered me money to stop seeing him. That’s when his world seemed completely different than mine. He is someone worth a lot of money. They would spend money to try to make sure that no one is taking advantage of him. Which I understand but if they just took the time to get to know me they would know that is not me. I didn’t get that chance or that opportunity to show them.

Throughout the day, my phone keeps buzzing. It is Alexander. He keeps calling, texting, leaving voicemails but I can’t reply. What could I say to him that would make him understand? I really want to talk to Charlotte but she has been out of town for quite some time on business. She just recently went back to school to finish to be a lawyer. She is out of town for a job opportunity for an internship with another good lawyer in Oregon. I take my phone out of my pocket and dial her number.

“Hey, it’s Ella. I am just calling to see if you are available to talk but obviously not so call me back when you have a chance.”

I’m hoping that she calls me back soon because I really need someone to talk to that understands me. Maybe she can make me realize or understand what is going on with me.

I finish up my room and I walk home. I walk in the door and start a bath. I want to sooth my muscles like every other day after work. I’m already in so much pain because of the way that things are going. It’s just extra pain. After about an hour of soaking, I whip up some dinner and lay down.

Alexander is in my head. I haven’t known this man for long but I care for him. He is sweet, thoughtful, and just wants to give me the world. Maybe I should just let him. Why am I being so goddamn stubborn?

I hear a knock at my door and it is Charlotte.

“Come on in.” I tell her.

“I got back a couple of hours ago. Your voicemail had me worried. What’s going on?” She asks.

“It’s Alexander. His mom tried to pay me off to stop seeing him. I just feel like I don’t fit into his world. I don’t want to get into this relationship so deep that I’m going to be completely heartbroken.”

“Honey, you need to stop torturing yourself. You deserve someone like him. You’ve only told me good things about that man which means he is good enough for you. Why do you keep denying yourself happiness?”

“I don’t know, it’s just he’s got a lot of money. It’s revolves around money. I don’t want it to change me.”

“Honey, it’s going to be okay. Just because he has money doesn’t mean it’s going to change you. You are blowing this way out of proportion. All he wants to do is show you the world. Most girls would kill to have a guy like that. Don’t let him go.”

Charlotte is telling me all the things that I needed to hear that I would second guess if coming from myself. I know that all Charlotte wants is for me to be happy and find a man that is going to treat me good.

Charlotte pours some win and we just talk. I tell her about everything that is bothering me but in the end, it is the same. She feels I am being stupid. She is right. Why should I let him go? Sure, he has money but he loves me. I love him. I want to be with this man. My heart aches not talking or seeing him this long. I just want to be in his arms. I want to hear his voice.

“Now take the night to think this over. I don’t want you to feel you must listen to me. I just want you to be happy.”

Charlotte leaves and I am so drunk I can’t keep my eyes open. I fall fast asleep.

When I wake up, I have a headache from hell. I haven’t experienced a hangover like this in a long time. I don’t want to get out of bed but I must work. I can’t afford to be fired. I throw on my uniform and walk to work. I wear sunglasses to keep from hurting my eyes. This is going to be a long day.

As I walk into work, the receptionist tells me I have a package in the back. I went to the back and sure enough it is from Alexander. A beautiful necklace. Damnit, he knows that I hate gifts. Why does he keeps doing this to me? I put the necklace back in my locker and went about the day. We only have two weeks left to get the hotel in tip top shape before owners are going to be in town.

The rooms are disgusting today. I make it out with about $50 bucks in tops. Best day for tips so far. I get to my last room and it’s Alexander’s. I figure it would be. He did tell me he was coming in so I knew to prepare myself.

KNOCK. KNOCK.

“Can I please come in and tidy up your room?”

“No, nothing is needed but I would like to talk.”

“I’m sorry. I’m working. Maybe another time.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

chapter 14: alexander

 

I’m not sure what to do. I want to talk to her and make things better. She doesn’t seem to want to talk to me. Maybe, she just doesn’t want to talk to me at work. I should go over to her house and see if she is ready to talk. Although, I probably shouldn’t just show up. So, I text her:

Me: Can I come over?

Ella: Sure, I guess. I’m home.

Well at least she says it’s okay for me to come. She could have said no. It’s a start. I need to make sure that I get everything out that I want to say before she makes up her mind about me. I still don’t understand what I have done to make her break up with me but I need to know. If it is about money, money shouldn’t be a problem. I can give her anything she’ll ever want and we can have a bright future for our family someday. I work hard to make sure that I can. I don’t see a problem in that. Maybe, she does. We will talk about that. I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable.

I walk over to her house. About a block over, it starts to rain. REALLY? Of course, this would happen to me now. I wasn’t sure if this was a good sign for tonight. I continue walking until get on her street. I am trying to prepare myself for the worst. She might not want to get back together. Maybe, she has made up her mind that I am not the right guy for her. I really hope that isn’t the case because I have never felt so deeply for a woman before.

I stand outside of her house practicing what I am going to say. Word for word. Finally, I knock on the door.

“Holy crap, how long have you been out here?” She asks me.

“Only about twenty minutes.”

“You are going to get sick from the rain. Come inside. Go take a hot shower and get changed.”

She still cares for me, at least. I am happy to know that. I take a quick hot shower and find a pair of my clean clothes on the bed. After slipping them on, I go out and sit next to her. I start to talk but then my mind goes blank. I am too nervous. I am so scared that this is going to end badly.

“I am trying to decide what I want to say because if this is the last time that I get to speak to you, I want to make sure I get everything out.” I tell her.

She looks backs at me with a smile. “Don’t worry, Alexander. This won’t be the last time you speak to me.

“Well, you broke up with me pretty suddenly without an explanation. I feel that we had a good time in Baltimore and then I get a text saying you can’t do it anymore. I need to know if you are willing to give this another shot or not. I am deeply in love with you. I have never felt this way about anyone before. I gave my heart to you and I’m scared that you no longer want me. What did I do?”

“You didn’t do anything. We are just from different worlds. You have no worries in the world and I must worry about paying my bills every month. You get to attend galas and fundraising events and I’m stuck cleaning toilets and hotel rooms. Don’t you see that we are completely different?”

“What does your job have to do with being with me? Have I ever made you feel incompetent? If so, I didn’t mean too. I like you as you are. I don’t care what job you work. I love you. I love your smile, personality, and everything else about you. There isn’t one thing I wish I could change about you.”

“Alexander, I love you too. I just feel like maybe later down the road you might realize that I’m not enough for you. You could have any woman you want.”

“I just want you! I don’t need anyone else. You make me happy. You make me a better man. It’s you.”

I can see the tears starting to form in her eyes. I didn’t want to make her cry. I just want her to understand how much she means to me. I would do anything for her.

“What do you say? Will you be my girlfriend again?” I ask her.

“I never wanted to stop.” She replies as she kisses me.

I can’t believe that she said yes. I have her back in my life. I am ecstatic. I put my hand at the small of her back and move her into my lap. I miss her touch. She runs her fingers thru my hair as we kiss and then she takes off my shirt. I kiss her neck. I just want to show her how much I love her.

“Do you think this is too soon? Should we?” Ella asks.

“I think it’s just the right time as long as you are ready.

“I am ready.”

“Then let me show you how much you mean to me.” I reply as I lay her down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

chapter 15: ella

 

I wake up next to him. I feel relaxed and happy. We had finally made love. I don’t know why we waited so long. It was well worth it though. I wrap the sheet around me and head to take a shower. I have to work today.

“Where are you going?” He asks.

“Shower. I have to go into work in an hour.”

I don’t want to go into work but I know my boss wouldn’t like me too much if I call in when they are trying to get the hotel immaculate for corporate’s visit. I wish I had the day off.

 “Hey baby, you know that Paris vacation.”

“Yes, I remember. What about it?”

“You want to go next week?”

“I can’t just ask to be off. We have things going on at work.”

“I bet they will let you off if you just ask. It can’t hurt.”

“Okay, I’ll ask.”

I wasn’t ready to work today. I wish I still at home in bed with him. Unfortunately, I must be an adult. I run into the manger and ask if I could take vacation next week. She has no problem with it. Who knew it is so that easy to take a vacation? I get my list of rooms and I only have four.

“Is this a mistake?” I show her.

“Nope, it’s Friday. Do the four rooms and you can go home and start your vacation early.”

I am excited. The rooms only took me about two hours to do. I jump, hop and skip the whole way home.

“Honey, I’m home.”

“What are you doing home so early?”

“I got off early and my vacation officially starts right now.”

“What? They are letting you off next week?”

“Yes. I hear Paris calling our names.”

“Yes! I’ll go make the reservations.”

I go to my bedroom and start packing. “Okay babe. I got reservations on the next flight out in four hours. Do you think you can pack that fast?”

“I’ll try my best.” I reply as I start throwing things into my suitcase.

“What about you?” I ask him.

“I’ll just get new stuff. No big deal.” He says.

I couldn’t contain my excitement. After I finish packing, we head straight for the airport. We don’t want to take the chance of missing the flight. No way!

We get there, go thru security, and board. He bought us first class business tickets. Wow, those must have cost a pretty penny. The seats are huge and it is almost like a personal recliner. I take my sleeping pill since I wasn’t sure how I would react to the plane ride and woke up to the descending of the plane.

“Are we there?”

“Yes, honey. We are fixing to land.”

“I can’t wait!” I exclaim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

chapter 16: ella

 

I work up enough courage to look out the window. It is beautiful. There are building everywhere.  It is night time and the city is lit up. I can’t wait to explore. I’m finally in the place that I’ve been wanting to visit since I was little. It is different being in this big plane during the landing but it is over quick. I am glad.

We departed the plane, got our bags, and head to the hotel. I know our hotel is going to be nice because Alexander booked it. When we pull up, I am shocked. The hotel looks expensive even from the outside. It has pillars in front with a huge bright red door. A young man comes outside to get our luggage.

“Good evening, I will take these for you while you check in.”

We leave him outside while we go inside. I gasp as we walk in. It is breath-taking. There is a restaurant and a bar to the right. Straight ahead, there is a front desk.

“Hello, welcome to LA PARIS. Do you have a reservation?” She asks.

“Yes, Alexander Edwards.”

“Good evening, Mr. Edwards. Happy to have you as a guest. Here are your keys. Let us know if you need anything.”

She is batting her eyelashes at him and I do not like it.

“Come on baby, let’s get to our room.” I tell him.

The young man has already dropped off our luggage to the room. I am ready to lay down and to go sleep so it could be tomorrow already. I am ready to explore. Alexander never ceases to amaze me. He truly wants to give me the world. He wants to travel the world too. I’m so happy to have found someone that shares the same dream. I change and get ready for bed. Our room is basically an apartment. We have a washer, dryer, dishwasher, an actual kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. The shower is huge. You can probably fit six people in there. Not that I plan on having anyone but me and him in there.

“Baby, you ready for bed?”

“I’m coming.”

I crawl into bed next to him. Nothing feels better than being cuddled up next to him. He keeps me warm and safe. I kiss him and one thing leads to another. I can’t help myself. It’s hard to sleep next to him and not jump his bones. About an hour later, we fall fast asleep.

“Baby, wake up. It’s time to get ready.” He says shaking me.

“Okay I’m up. What time is it?”

“It’s about to be 10am.” He replies.

Oh crap. I need to get up and get ready. No need to waste the day away in bed when we are in Paris. I want to go sightseeing. There is so many things I want to check out. I hurry up and take a shower and throw on some denim shorts and a shirt.

“I’m ready.”

“Let’s do this.”

We walk downstairs and there is a young man standing there.

“Alexander, nice to meet you sir. Are you ready?”

“Oh yes, we are.”

“Who is he?” I ask.

“He is going to show us around. This is Pierre.” He replies.

We start out buying Paris museum passes. Supposedly it is the best way to get around. Pierre tells us about the stuff around us while we walk around, “The Avenue des Champs Elysees is the 8th arrondissement of Paris. It’s 70 meters wide.”

“Is there stuff to do around here?” I ask him.

“It is known for its theatres, cafes, and luxurious shops. So yes, plenty to do around here. It is one of the most famous streets in the world.” Pierre explains.

Alexander and I stop and go into some shops. We bought some things like souvenirs and then proceed to Arc De Triomphe. We take an underground passage instead of trying to cross the square apparently, it’s very dangerous.

We climb the Arc which is 284 steps but totally worth it. You can see everything from up here. It is a panoramic terrace. It didn’t take much for us to be wore out. After getting down from the Arc, we are ready to get back to the hotel and rest.

It is a long walk.  I couldn’t believe how tired I am and how bad my feet hurt. Day one went great. We finally make it back to the hotel and we are starving. I didn’t want to have to get back out and find somewhere to eat. We decide to just go down to the hotel restaurant. Alexander orders us some steaks and we eat fast. We are exhausted.

Only took an hour after getting back from the restaurant for both of us to be passed out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 17: Alexander

 

 

I am so happy that Ella is enjoying herself. I know she has been wanting to come here for a long time. I want to help her dream come true. She means everything to me and I just want her to be happy.

“Wake up, rise and shine. Let’s get this day started.” I say as I shake her awake.

“Good morning, baby.”

She hurried up and got dressed so that we could begin our day. Pierre is taking us to the Museum D’orsay. It is a French Art Museum that has pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries. It has Monet and Degas. I enjoy looking at the art. It’s interesting to see what others can accomplish with paint, clay, and other things. I couldn’t do something like that. We spent the next three hours touring the museum. It has so many paintings and Ella loves it.

I want to make her happy and I know that I am doing a good job. I would give her anything she wants in life. I have been thinking about making this permanent. I just wasn’t sure how she would feel about it. We have been together for almost a year now and even though it’s a short time, nothing would make me happier than her becoming my wife. I can see a bright future with her. She will be a wonderful mother and wife.

I had to think about it some more. I didn’t want to ask her to soon. I know that one day, I will propose and she will say yes. It didn’t have to be today. We can just enjoy this vacation with each other and make memories. I am excited for tonight. I want to see the Eiffel Tower. It’s iconic to visit while in Paris. It’s something that we should see before we leave. We will be heading there soon because I’ve heard that it’s more beautiful at night.

After a long walk, and close to dark, we finally make it to the Eiffel Tower. The sun is setting and it is one of the most beautiful sunset’s I’ve ever seen. The sky is shades of orange, yellow, pink and blue. Once the sun went completely down, the Eiffel Tower lit up with lights.

I have never seen so many beautiful things in one place. This place amazes me. I am so glad that we decided to come here. There is still so many things left to see.

The Eiffel Tower is tall. It’s much taller than it seems in pictures. I wonder how long it will take to walk to the top of it? I don’t think either of us have the energy tonight. We have been walking around for the last eight hours. We are getting old.

“Baby, are you ready to head back to the hotel?”

“Yes, I’m getting tired and my feet are killing me!”

“Thank god, it’s not just me.”

It is a long walk back to the hotel. We will be leaving the day after tomorrow. So, we should make it to see a lot of things tomorrow.

“We will have to get up early tomorrow. We have to see a lot of things before we leave.”

“I know babe. It will be 7pm by the time we make it back to the hotel. We can just go to sleep and get up early.”

That’s exactly what we did. We end up passing out after taking our shoes off but pop awake at 6am. I feel refreshed. I want to get out there and explore some more for our last day here.

“It’s our last day. We will go and hit some things that we haven’t seen yet.”

He took us to Louvre. They are 30,000 works of art to look at here.

“This is the world’s largest and most visited Museum on Earth.” Pierre says.

After exploring there, we move onto the Opera. Opera Garnier is told to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris. From the outside, the building is held up by lots of pillars. When you go inside, your breath is taken. There are chandelier’s and staircases everywhere. It reminds of a palace. They are paintings on the walls and ceilings. It just looks so amazing. My mom once told me about this place. She loved visiting Paris. I was hoping one day, I would be able to take her again, but then she passed.

I know understood why this was one of her favorite places in Paris. It is beautiful. The architecture is magnificent. The lighting and paintings are chosen perfectly for the building. We walk and explore every inch of the building and then move onto The Galeries Lafayette. It is a huge shopping center.

“Let’s go shopping.” I tell Ella.

“Alexander, I don’t need anything.”

“Oh, come on. Let’s treat ourselves, this is a vacation.”

She knows I’m right. We go into every store and look around. We found a couple of things worth buying. We didn’t want to spend too much time here because we have other things that we want to see before we leave in the morning.

About an hour later, it is dark and we head to the Montmartre. It is the highest hill in Paris. We could see some of the Paris sights lit up. It is time to go back to the hotel. I am sad that our trip is over but I loved it. It is nice to unwind and have some stress-free fun. It is even better since I have Ella by my side. When I get back, I am going to talk to Shawn about getting a ring and proposing to Ella. I want to do it right. I want to wait a little while and get everything in order before I pop the question.

Pierre walks us back to the hotel. We ate and went back up to the room. We are both once again exhausted from the day’s adventures.

“Thank you, babe.” Ella says to me.

“I would do anything for you. I am glad I got to share this experience with you. I couldn’t have asked for better company.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

She crawls up onto my chest and kisses me. She makes me feel so good. I am totally and completely in love with her.

“Let’s get some sleep. We have a long flight back home tomorrow.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

chapter 18: ella

 

I didn’t want to be back. I wish I could have spent more time in Paris. It was an amazing adventure but it is time to get back to the real world. I have bills due and stuff that needs to be paid. The one thing I wasn’t excited for is going back to work.

I know that this week is going to be a long week. We have corporate coming in for the first time since the hotel opened to talk with the employees and check out how the hotel in functioning. It makes my managers on edge. I know that I need to get plenty of sleep before my day back.

I am sad that Alexander had to go back to the hotel. He has some things he needs to take care of since we were out of town for a week. He wasn’t used to taking off work. He has never really taken a vacation but I can tell that he enjoys it. Who wouldn’t? You get to enjoy it without any stress. I would love to go back again. I look forward to it. Alexander already said we will be going back again so we could go see all the things that we didn’t have time to check out.

It is crazy to think that we have now been together a year. It didn’t seem like that long. It seems like I had just met him yesterday and he was knocking me down on the pavement. I will forever be grateful that I walked to work that day or I would have never met him. He has changed my life in so many ways for the better and I hope that it keeps getting better. I love the way he looks at me like I am the only woman in the world. I have never caught him looking at another woman. I know that he truly is in love with me.

I took a hot bath before bed. I figure it would help me sleep. I’m not excited about tomorrow by any means. I am dreading it. Why couldn’t I just take this week off too? Kidding, my bosses would kill me. I would probably lose my job too. I might as well just buck up and go for the ride. After my bath, I lay down and it isn’t long until I am out like a light.

Slap! My alarm seems to go off way to early. What time is it? I look over at the alarm clock and it is 6am. Darn, it’s time to get up for work already. Couldn’t I sleep in for just a little bit longer?

I get up and put my uniform on, throw my tennis shoes on, tie up my hair, and make my way to work. I pass the coffee shop that Alexander knocked me down in front of and smiled. I get to the hotel, walk in and there are people everywhere. Holy Crap. How many people from corporate are coming? It seems to be at least fifty people in the lobby. I glide past most of them, while saying the occasional hi, how are you so I didn’t seem rude so I could make my way to the back.

“Are all those people from corporate?” I ask my manager.

“I guess so. They all showed up this morning. I was surprised. I only knew of three coming. Thank god we have enough vacancies to accommodate them all.” She replies.

“We don’t have enough clean rooms for all of them, though.”

“I have some girls cleaning up the rest of the rooms that checked out last night right now. After that, we should have enough rooms for them plus the check-in’s for today.” She responds.

Wow, I did not want to deal with all these people for the next week. I just want to go back home and crawl in bed. I am going to have to see these people when I clean their rooms and know they are grading my work. This is going to be nerve-wracking.

“Go ahead and clock in and head to the conference room. Some of the corporates want to talk to my team before we start for the day.” My manager says.

“Okay, great.” I say sarcastically.

I’m not ready for this. I know that I went to bed early but didn’t feel like I slept all that well. I still feel exhausted as hell. Hopefully, this wouldn’t take long and I could just get my day started so I could get it over with and go home. I went into the conference room and sit down. Soon after, Mary shows up.

“How was your vacation?”

“It was great. Didn’t want to come back though. Almost thought about taking another week off but I knew they would kill me for missing this.” I tell her.

“Oh yeah, they are all freaking out in there. They don’t know how all of them are going to have rooms because we only expected three.”

“Great.”

A few nicely dressed women walk into the conference room with luggage and walk to the back of the room. I notice more and more people flowing into the conference room and realize that all these people are going to be in here. Is there enough room?

“Hi, everyone. My name is Shawn. I am the COO. I’m glad that we could meet with you guys this week. We are happy that you guys have kept this hotel nice and clean. Great job.”

“Yes, we are. My name is Alexander Edwards and I am the CEO. Good morning.”

Wait, what? I look up and there stands Alexander. What the fuck is he doing here? What does he mean that he is the CEO? I am so confused.

“We wanted to thank all of you for your hard work in making this hotel location such a success. As you know, we have Cisterna hotels in a couple different states and plan on expanding even more.” He says.

So, he owns the hotels? He is my fucking boss? How did I not know this? How could he not tell me? I feel betrayed and pissed. I start to tear up. This man who changed my whole life has been lying to me. I can’t believe a word that he says anymore. He starts talking again but I can’t listen. I get up and walk out. I couldn’t get home fast enough. I feel like I am going to vomit. My stomach is in knots. I don’t know what to do. I love this man. I just got back from vacationing with him.

Finally, I make it home, and draw a bath. I need to sit in the bath and cry. I need to just let it out. It is the first time in years, I have gotten close to someone. Close enough, I thought I would marry him and start a finally only to find out that he has been lying to me. It just hurts. My whole body hurts.

I get into the bath and my phone starts to ring. I am not answering it. There is no way. I am not talking to anyone right now. I want to be by myself. I can’t go back there. It is embarrassing. Everyone at work knows I am dating him. Now, everyone knows that I am dating our boss. What if they think I knew? What if they think that is the only reason I got hired? I can’t show my face there again.

I get out of my bath and throw on my robe. I want to lay in bed and go to sleep. I did just that. Three days later, I am still in bed. I didn’t want to get out. I want to just lay here. I am so angry. My phone has finally died yesterday and I didn’t care to put it on the charger. I wasn’t going to be talking to anyone. I know that I should get up at some point today to go look for a new job. I still have to pay my bills.

I get dressed and start walking around town. No one is hiring until I walk down the street that I met Alexander. Of course, the coffee shop is hiring. It’s my only choice right now.

I walk in and ask for an application from the manager. He said he is doing open interviews and he’s interviewing on the spot. We walk to his office and he starts asking me about my past work history, and all that same crap from job interviews. He then tells me I got the job. I start tomorrow. I have never worked at a coffee shop before so I’ll have to learn how to make all those fancy drinks that are so popular. No big deal, I can do it.

I walk home and get undressed and go back to bed. The next morning, I wake up for my first day at the coffee shop. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. It went by fast cause we stayed busy and the drinks were easy to make. This job is going to be a piece of cake. I left to head home and my phone starts to ring. It shows Alexander’s name. I can’t. I can’t talk to him.

I call Charlotte to let her know what’s going on. I figure she would be the right person to call.

“Hey girl, what’s going on?”

“Oh, nothing just work. What are you up too?”

“Just got off work. Figured I’d call and let you know that Alexander and I broke up.”

“What? What happened?”

“Monday, we had all the corporate show up for a big staff meeting and I found out that he is the CEO.”

“Wait, so he is your boss?”

“Was. He was my boss.”

“You quit?”

“Sure, the hell did. Walked out. Haven’t talked to him since that day.”

“Ella, if he was trying to see how the hotel ran before the staff meeting than he probably couldn’t let anyone know who he was.”

“It doesn’t matter. He should have told me. We were together for a year. Only to find out that I have been dating my boss the entire time.”

“You should at least talk to him. Hear his side of the story. You guys were so happy to just let that go.”

“I’ll think about that. Thanks for the talk girl. I got to go.”

I just want to go to bed. I didn’t have very much energy anymore. All I did is work and sleep. Repeat. It’s all I want to do. When I get home, I turn my phone off. I just don’t want to deal it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

chapter 19: ALEXANDER

 

I didn’t know what to do. The morning of that meeting she walked out and I haven’t heard from her since. I understand that she is frustrated with me for finding out I own the hotel but it was a secret. The other wanted me to stay at the hotel and see how it was running. I am glad I did or I never would have had the pleasure of meeting Ella.

I didn’t know how to fix this. I want her back. She is my everything. I want her to become my wife. I have gotten no response. I am going to give her a little more time and then I will pay her a visit and explain it to her. She hasn’t been back to work since that day either and I hate to think she quit because of me. How is she going to pay her bills? I feel awful.

“Jenny, come here.” I yell.

“Yes, sir?” She asks.

“I need you to set up payment for this address’s utilities if able.” I explain.

The least I could do for her is help keep her from getting behind. Although, I hope that we will be getting back together soon. I am in Baltimore now. I have a lot of meetings to attend. We plan on opening two more locations of Cisterna. Shawn and I are doing great with these hotel locations. We are going to be set for the rest of our life. I couldn’t have built these companies without his help.

I walk into Shawn’s office feeling awful.

“Why did I do that?”

“Buddy, it will be okay. Give it some time and then she will probably reach out to you.”

“I don’t know how long I can wait. I almost bought her an engagement ring. I need her to know that I couldn’t tell her.”

“I’ve got to believe that she will understand.” Shawn says to me.

Shawn likes Ella. He knows how happy she makes me. Shawn is not the one girl type. To be honest, I don’t think he will ever settle down. He hasn’t even ever been in a relationship longer than a couple of months. However, he knows how I feel about marriage. I work hard so I can provide a future for my family. I’m hoping I still have a future with Ella.

I head over to my parents’ house because they invited me over for dinner. I wasn’t really in the mood but I had already told them I would be there.

My phone starts to ring. Maybe, it’s Ella.

“Hello?”

“Is this Alexander Edwards?”

“Yes, who is this?”

“I don’t know how to say this but I’m your father.”

What? Is this a sick joke? I haven’t seen or spoken to my father in decades. Why would he even call me?

“You might have helped make me but you are not my father.”

“Son, I feel horrible. I just want to meet you. Get to know you.”

“Why do you think you deserve that? You abandoned me. You don’t deserve to meet me. Don’t contact me again.”

I am livid. Who did he think he was? After this long, why even try to reconcile? I pull up to m parent’s house and I’m still livid. I take a deep breath to calm myself down.

“Hey, honey. I’m glad you made it.”

“I told you I was coming.”

“I know, but sometimes your work keeps you.”

My skin is crawling. I can’t stop thinking about that phone call. I never thought I would ever hear from him again. Why did he have to call me? Couldn’t he of just went on about his life and left me be? I should tell them. My mom is looking at me funny. She could tell something is wrong.

“So, I have something to tell you.”

“What is it, son?”

“My father called me today.”

My mom and dad look at each other. Of course, they are my foster parents but they are my parents. They have taken care of me since my real mother passed.

“What do you mean?”

“As I was driving over here, I got a phone call and the man said he was my father.”

“What the hell did he want?”

“To get to know me.”

“He is nuts. Almost thirty plus years goes by and now he wants to get to know you.”

My dad is mad. I have never seen him so angry. We have never talked about my real father. The subject never came up. I never asked about him after being fostered and adopted by them. I have no need too. They were there for me when he wasn’t. If it wasn’t for them, I would have lived in foster care until I was eighteen. I am lucky to have found them. I am almost positive my life wouldn’t have turned out this great if I hadn’t.

“So, are you going to see him?” My mom asks worriedly.

My fists tightened, “No, I don’t think so. I have nothing to say to him.”

My mother shook her head and walks into the dining room calling out for us to come. Dinner is ready and believe it or not I am starving. I have not eaten all day. A grown man needs to eat. I sit down next to my mother and stroke up some conversation about how retirement life is going. They seem to be enjoying it. After working fifty years, they should be able to live comfortable without the worry of having to pay bills. They will be taken care of as long as I am alive.

“So, how is Ella?” My mom asks.

I choke on my food. I did not want to tell her that Ella walked out on me. I hope that she is coming back to me so I don’t want my mom to have any hard feelings towards her.

“She’s busy working. She’s doing great.”

It felt wrong, lying to her but I didn’t want to tell her the truth. I want her to like Ella. When we get back together, I don’t need any backlash.

“Listen mom, I want to thank you for dinner but I am not feeling that well. I am going to go home and rest. I love you.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 20: ELLA

 

Today, I am meeting up with Charlotte at her house. I haven’t seen her in a couple of weeks and want to catch up. She’s been out of town for her internship. She had finally gotten it. She’s missed so much in last week being gone, I had a lot to tell her. I know she wants to know what I decided with Alexander. Honestly, I don’t know what I am going to do. I’m still upset. I need to give myself a little bit of time to think it through. I want to forgive him and get it back together. I just want to get over being upset before I do that.

I love him. I want to be with him. I’m just hurt. I need time to process. He has been calling me every day. Yesterday, I almost answered just to hear his voice. I miss his warm body next to me at night. I have grown accustomed to having him in my life.

I finally make it to Charlotte’s house and I am excited to see her.

“You look so down. Let’s get you smiling.” She says to me.

“I am just thinking of Alexander. I miss him.”

“Well then, call him and make up. God knows that he is wanting you back. What are you waiting for?”

“I don’t know what if he is keeping other things from me?”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. Maybe he has a secret wife and kids?”

“Now, you are just making this bigger than it needs to be. Don’t even begin to go down that road. Nothing good can come from that.”

She is right. Charlotte is always good about talking sense into me. Sometimes, I wonder how I would have gotten thru life without her. She has truly been there for me since the day I met her. We have been best friends ever since.

“How’s your love life going?” I ask her.

“Well, nothing is going on. You know how I feel about that. If I don’t think that it will go anywhere I don’t waste my time.” She says laughing.

That’s true. She isn’t one that plays around. She wants to find a guy and settle down but she won’t just date anyone. He needs to have certain qualities. I think that’s good. Charlotte walks to the fridge and comes back with some beers.

“I’ve got your favorite, Bud Light Lime. Figured you would need one.”

“You know me so well. I love it.”

She knows I only like one kind of beet. I would not drink anything else. I took a beet from her and drink it.

“So, I think I’m going to call Alexander tomorrow. I’ve got to stop doing this and hear his side of the story. I miss him a lot.”

Charlotte smiles. She knows how happy he makes me. I didn’t to give up so easily. I see a bright future for us. I need to fight for that and stop acting like a child.

The next day when I finally wake up, my head hurt horribly. We ended up drinking quite a bit last night. I am not excited about having to work today with this headache. I am only working a four-hour shift so it shouldn’t be too awful bad. I can manage.

I get up and throw on some jeans and my work shirt. It didn’t take long to walk to work. I get there and it is busy. There are people everywhere. I am surprised. Usually, we are slow on the weekends. I start to help the other barista and I hear my name. I look up and there he is.

“Ella, what are you doing here?” He asks.

“I work here now.”

“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t know that. Can we talk?”

“Not right now. We are very busy and I can’t afford to lose my job. Later?”

“I can come back when you get off if you want and walk you home?”

“That would be fine. I get off at 6.”

I couldn’t help but stare. He is handsome. I didn’t expect to see him today. I am caught off guard. I am glad however that we are going to talk. Maybe we can work this out.

The rest of my shift, I am contemplating what I am going to say to Alexander. I am nervous to see him. I hate that I got so upset by this. I couldn’t help it. I realize now that it is the wrong thing to do. He probably had no choice in telling me that he owns the hotel. If he could have told me, I think he would have. We have that type of relationship. We don’t usually keep things from each other.

It starts to slow down about 5 o’clock. That’s good for me because I could start to do the closing checklist early which means I would get out of here on time. I mop the floors, clean the coffee makers, did the dishes and then lock up. I know Alexander will be outside waiting to walk me home. I am finally done.

I walk to the door and go outside to lock it.

“Hey, Ella. How was work?”

“Not so bad.”

We start walking towards my house. We were silent. Neither one of us, I think, really know what to say. We just keep looking at each other and then smiling. Finally, he broke the silence.

“I just want you to think that I couldn’t tell you. We were wanting to keep an eye on the hotel and make sure the management was doing their job. I’m so sorry that I didn’t tell you.”

“I figured. I was just hurt that I had to find out that way. I felt betrayed but after thinking about it more I know that you would have told me if you could.”

“Does this mean that you aren’t mad at me anymore?”

“No, I’ve missed you.”

Finally, we were going to get back to ourselves. I missed him so much. I throw my arms around his neck and peck his cheek. I just want to hug him tight and feel his warm body against mine. Standing on my doorstep, he pulls me up by my chin and kisses me. I didn’t want to stop. I open the door and kiss him while making our way towards the bedroom. I need him.

“Babe, are you sure?”

“Stop talking.” I tell him.

It didn’t take long for him to take the hint and start undressing too. I sit on the bed and tell him to come to me. I pull him on top of me and kiss him some more. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to enjoy him. I didn’t want to waste any more time. I flip him over so I could straddle him. I just want him. It’s been too long. I want him to touch me and feel his warm hands against my body.

“I love you.” I say as we start to make love.

Afterwards, I couldn’t help but feel relief. I just want to keep doing it but I know that we both have a long day tomorrow. Too bad we couldn’t just stay at home and play hooky. It would be more interesting at least. I cuddle up to his chest and kiss him. I am glad to be back in his arms. I never feel as safe as I do when I am with him.

“Believe it or not, I was always in your life even when you didn’t want me to be.” He says to me.

“I know you will always be there for me no matter what. I couldn’t ask for a better man to be in my life. I love you baby.”

We lay in each other arms just enjoying being next to each other. I never want to leave him again. I hate sleeping without him. It just didn’t feel right. It’s been an exhausting day and I just have no energy left in me.

We were both wiped out and fell asleep like clockwork.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 21: ALEXANDER

 

 

I wake early and notice that my phone has a couple missed calls from Shawn. I call him back to make sure everything is okay at the office.

“Hey man, everything okay?”

“Yeah, just want to check in on you and see how it went with Ella.”

“Good, I am at her place.”

“So, what’s the plan? You still going to ask her to marry you?”

“I plan on it. I want to talk to her and see how she feels about moving to Baltimore with me. I’ll you know more later.”

I hang up with Shawn because I didn’t want Ella to hear me. We hadn’t ever discussed her moving so I don’t know how she feels about it. I’m hoping she will. I would love to have her to come home to every day. It would be better so I didn’t have to fly out here and only see her on the weekends. We could spend every night together. We will see how that goes.

I hear Ella rustling around in the bedroom. She must be awake. I have already made breakfast and we eat quick. It is nice to have her around again.

“So, Ella, I know we just reconciled but I would like to talk to you about something. I planned on asking you before the hotel thing happened.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“How do you feel about moving in with me to Baltimore?”

Her face looks puzzled. I couldn’t read her. Is she shocked that I asked her?

“Umm, I guess I hadn’t thought about it.”

I am shocked. She has never once thought about living with me. I think about it all the time. I think how much easier things would be if she just moved there with me.

“Well, I am extending the offer. We would be able to see each other much more if you lived there since I can only fly out on weekends.”

She tells me that she needs time to think about. I am happy. At least, she didn’t say no. This meant maybe. Maybe is better than a NO. I take her in my arms and give her a subtle kiss. I want her to know that I love her. I plan on showing her that for the rest of her life if she will let me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 22: ELLA

 

This is a huge step. I need to think long and hard about this decision. It’s not like I’m moving into his house here in New York City. I will be moving into another state completely. I love him and we have been together for over a year. He pretty much lives here while he is in town. He has stuff that he keeps here. I need to think about everything.               Where would I work? It’s Baltimore. I’m sure I could find something to do out there. They have big businesses there too. I could probably find an office job out there. I have plenty of experience. Okay, so that’s covered.

What would I do with my house? I could let Kevin live here. He’s young and doesn’t own anything. He lives in a little one-bedroom apartment.  I am just scared that he will trash it. I don’t want my house trashed. I call Kevin.

“Kevin, I need to ask you something. You got a minute?”

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“I am thinking of moving to Baltimore with Alexander but I don’t want to just leave the house vacant. When’s your lease up?”

“It will be up next month. I’m actually out hunting for a new one right now.”

“Well, if you want to stay at the house and take care of it then you can just stay there.”

“No way, sis. Are you serious?”

“Dead serious.”

“You are the best.”

“Trash it and your dead.”

We exchange a few more words and then I hang up. Well if he is staying at the house I feel better. I don’t like the thought of it sitting here vacant. I wouldn’t have to worry about taking the furniture and things to Baltimore either. This is working out great.

Well, I guess it’s official. We love each other and next step would be us moving in together. Why the hell not? I call my parents to let them know and they don’t sound too thrilled. I’m not sure why. Alexander is a good man. I figured at least my dad would like him. He just needs to be around him more. They need to bond.  This is important to me.

Didn’t take no time at all before I am everything essential packed up and boxed for Alexander to ship to Baltimore. He is getting everything shipped overnight so by the morning when I wake up at his house, it will all be there. After the short flight, a car picks us and drops us off at his house.

“Honey, I’m home.” I say to him.

We both laugh. This is the start of our future together. We are officially moved in together. I never thought I would see this day. If you would have asked me a year ago, where I would be? I would have said single and living in New York City. I thought I was doomed from finding my soulmate but then whack Alexander knocked me down in front of that coffee shop. The day my life changed for the better.

We walked inside hand in hand. I notice all the staff is waiting by the door.

“Welcome to the home, Ella.”

“Thank you.”

They were all so sweet and kind. They make us dinner and then Alexander and I snuck off to bed. We want to break in the new bed he got for us. It’s a “move-in” tradition. I run up the stairs giggling like a little high school girl and he chases after me.

“I’ll beat you there!”

“You wish!” I reply.

Once we hit the bedroom, it is all over from there. Clothes start to fly off and our lips begin to touch. I begin to moan and he grunts lightly. Alexander making love to me is one thing that I will cherish for the rest of my days.

After a long night, I awake hungry. I walk downstairs to make breakfast and realize that the maid has already cooked. The table is covered with a variety of fresh cooked breakfast foods.

“Well, I don’t want this to go to waste. Let me go get Alexander up.” I tell her.

 

“Usually he is up and gone by now.” She replies.

I am glad to know that I could wear him out enough that he would sleep in. He isn’t going into work today. We are staying home and unpacking all my belongings. He wants to do it together. I am more than happy to oblige. I like to spend time with him. Sometimes, I just look at him and admire him. I wonder how I am lucky enough to be with a man like him?

After waking him up and eating breakfast, the boxes arrive. It only takes us about five hours to get all my belongings put away and situated. I’d say that’s pretty good. Alexander mentions to me about having dinner with his parent’s tonight. I instantly don’t want to go. After what his mother said to me last time, I just don’t want to be anywhere near her. Alexander thinks his mom likes me. Little does he know, she’s trying to pay me off. Sad story.

“Okay babe, I mean I can’t say no if you already told them we were coming.” I said angrily.”

“It will be fine. They love you.”

Yeah, that’s what he thinks. I wish he knew the truth. I just can’t bear to tell him about his mom. I don’t think he would ever forgive her. It’s better to just keep my mouth shut. She is obviously pretty good at faking that she likes me. I am not sure about his dad. I have never had an actual conversation with the man.  We both throw on some jeans and hop in the car. When we pull up to his parent’s house, I start to get a slight headache. I brush it off and don’t tell Alexander. How bad could tonight be?

“Hey Ella, Come on in.” His mom greets me.

We all sit down in the living room and mostly talk about Alexander and his work. It’s always the topic of conversation. His parents are proud of him. I didn’t mind him being the center of attention. I didn’t want to be. Not long after getting there his mom asks me, “How are you liking Baltimore?”

“I like it. I’m closer to Alexander which is great. I can’t wait to get out and see it.”

She fakes a smile at me. Yeah, I got it. You don’t like me. It’s mutual and I’m not going anywhere. Go ahead and do your worst.

“Would you guys like some beers?” She asks.

“Of course.” They reply.

“Ella, would you help me grab their drinks?” She asks me politely.

Of course, I know what is coming. She didn’t need help. She just didn’t want to talk to me in front of them. She thinks she is so sly but at some point, she will get caught it. It’s only a matter of time. It’s not going to work on me this time. I know her game. Leaving Alexander is not worth any amount of money she can offer.

“I’m so happy that you have moved in with Alexander. He has been so excited about it. You are all he talks about anymore.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet. I’m happy to hear that.”

“The only problem I have with this situation is that I don’t think you are going to stay around. I don’t need my son hurt. You are the first woman that he has brought to my house. This means that he truly does love you like he says he does. I need to know if you feel the same.”

“I love your son with every inch of my being. I couldn’t imagine being apart from him. He makes me a better person.”

She looks at me as if she is trying to figure out if I am lying to her. Well little does she know, I’m not. She is such a bitch! Of course, I can’t say this out loud. I must put up with her for Alexander.

I grab Alexander and his dad a beer and head back into the living room.

“Here you go.” I say to them handing them their beers with a smile.

I sit down next to Alexander and give him a peck on the cheek.

“Ella, have you decided what you are going to do now that you are in Baltimore?”

“Well dad, I am actually planning on talking to her tonight about taking a position in one of my companies for the time being.” Alexander says.

“Wait, what? Me? Work for you?” I ask.

“Well, yes. Why not?”

“No! I can’t work for you. I would be dating my boss, that is so unethical. Not going to happen.” I blurt off without even thinking.

“Honey, it’s okay. I have many businesses. You will start at the bottom like anyone else would. I’m not saying I am going to make you a CEO of one. Just an employee, if you wish.”

“Not happening.”

I am furious at this point. This is the first I’ve heard of this grand idea. I can find a job myself. I didn’t need him to give me one. Knowing this just makes me feel awful.

We go on about the night with his parents. After we ate, drank and talk some more, I am ready to go home. I just want to run a hot bath and relax. Finally, Alexander is ready to go and we head home.

“Honey, are you okay?” You seem angry?”

“I’m just a little upset with the fact that you planned on hiring me. I can find a job on my own.”

“I have no doubt that you can. I never once said that you couldn’t. I just figure I would help you. It was just an idea. Nothing was set in concrete.”

“GOOD.”

It isn’t long until we are home. I take my bath to calm down and go to bed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 23: ALEXANDER

 

 

Today is going to be a long day. Ella and I are sitting down for breakfast before I head to work. I am trying to figure out if I should tell her about my dad calling me. It happened while we were breaking up or she would already know. Ever since he called me, I have been having dreams about him. Last night, my dream consisted of my whole life being different. My mom and dad were both alive and old. They had been together and raised me. The crazy thing, it felt so real.

“Ella, I want to tell you something.”

“What honey?” She asks.

“My dad called me last week.”

“So, I’m sure he calls you all the time.” She replies.

“No, I mean my dad. The one that I have never met.”

Her face immediately did a double take. She starts asking me all kinds of questions. How did he get your number? What did he want? What did you say? What did he say? I explain to her exactly what was said in the conversation.

I wasn’t sure what to do about my “dad.” Ella wasn’t sure what I should do either. She thinks I should at least meet him. She didn’t want me to regret it later. I have mixed feelings about meeting him. On one hand, I feel like after abandoning me he doesn’t deserve to meet me or see the man I became. He had no part of it. The other hand, I’m kind of curious about what he’s like and to know why he abandoned me? Does he even have a good reason? Probably not. I finally come to a decision that I’m going to meet him. I find his number and send him a text.

Me: Where do you live?

Him: In Baltimore

Me: Would you like to meet up tonight?

Him: Where?
Me: Cavella’s at 8pm

Him: I’ll be there.

I might regret meeting him but I figure I might as well do it. Maybe he has a legitimate reason why he hasn’t reached out to me for all this time. Who knows? I might as well try. Ella thinks that I should meet him at least once. As the day goes on, I start to get a little nervous.

I have been attending meetings all day. When I finally see Shawn, I tell him about my dad.

“Bud, how am I just now finding out about this?”

“So much has been going on lately.”

“So much he’s been going on lately.”

“How do you feel?”

“I’m not too sure. I’m nervous but I shouldn’t be.”

“I’m sure, it’s normal. You never seen the man.”

“I’m just doing this so I can get him out of my head.”

“Well, I hope it goes well and you get some answers.”

I’m hoping that I can get answers. Up until a little while ago, I never thought about him. I never wondered what he was doing. Now, that he’s reached out to me, I can’t stop thinking about him. Why did he have to do this to me?  I am content with how my life was before he tried to come into the picture.

My work day is finally over. I am ready to go home to Ella. Our relationship has flourished since she moved in. She decided to go ahead and take a job at Ace Publishing. She made sure that I had no say so on whether she was hired or not. Although, I knew she would get the job anyway due to all her previous office experience. She is the Chief Editor’s assistant. She loves it.

“How was work?” I ask.

“Same stuff, different day.”

She seems to be having a not so good day. I wonder what’s going on? Should I ask her?

“What’s wrong?”

“I’ll let you know if it becomes something bigger.”

“Okay, well I wanted to let you know I’m meeting him tonight at 8pm.”

She looks at me in shock. She doesn’t think I am being serious. She smiles and puts her hand on my shoulder. She just wants the best for me. Every day she shows me. I go upstairs and change into something casual. I am not sure how tonight is going to go but I want to make sure I’m comfortable.

I give Ella a kiss and head out the door. It is about an hour drive due to traffic. I pull up the Cavella’s and there is people everywhere. How am I supposed to know which one he is? I’ll text him but he’s probably not here yet.

I feel a tap on my shoulder

“Are you Alexander?”

“I am.”

“I’m Jack, your father.” He smiles.

Wow, this man is much older. Easily in his early seventies. I’m confused. My mom would only be in her mid-fifties. This man couldn’t be my father. He’s too elderly.

“You can’t be my father.”

“I can promise you that I am.”

“How old are you?” I ask.

“I am 71.”

“But my mom would be 58.” I say to him.

“It’s a long story, can we sit and talk about it?” He asks me.

“I guess, I need to know what’s going on.”

We grab a table and I order myself a drink. I need alcohol in my system to listen to this.  He begins to tell me the story of him and my mom. He met my mom as a college professor. He was her English Lit teacher. After she was done with his class, they decided to start seeing each other. They were together for almost a year on and off until my mother found out that he was married. She was upset and told him never to contact her again. He hasn’t seen or heard from her since that day. He tells me that he received a letter about a month before my mom passed letting him know that she had birthed his mom. She gave him my name and a picture. He even brought the letter and picture with him. After already missing so much of my life, he felt that he shouldn’t interfere with it.

I couldn’t believe it. He didn’t know that I was even alive until right before my mom passed? Why didn’t he just come see me then? He could have taken out of foster care. Although, if he would have then I never would have had this life. The outcome of my life has been good.

I asked Jack if he had any more kids. He tells me he has 3 boys and 3 girls with his wife.  Wow, I have 6 step siblings. I am overwhelmed today. I just found out a lot at once and I am not quite sure how to process it. My dad wasn’t a deadbeat. He just didn’t know.  I wanted to forgive him instantly but it just wasn’t that easy. He apologized for waiting this long. He just didn’t want me to think that he just abandoned me. He wanted me to know that he is there if I need him. He told me that his wife is aware of me. He hasn’t told his kids yet but he plans on telling them.

He wants me to meet his wife and my step siblings. I am just not sure that I am ready for that. I just met him. I just learned that he didn’t abandon me. All these years, I had the completely wrong perception about the man. I need time to think and process this. I tell him that I would like to see him again.

After the stuff that I have learned today, I would like to get to know him. After all, it wasn’t his fault that my mom never told him about me. After talking some more, we went our separate ways. I had to get home and tell Ella. I need someone to talk to about this. I can’t talk to my parents about it. They don’t like the guy and would probably be disappointed to know that I met up with him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 24: ELLA

 

 

I had decided to try and get a head start on my workload for tomorrow while Alexander went to meet his dad. My parents had called and they want to come visit.  My dad wants to get to know Alexander since things have gotten serious. I want them to get along. I try to get along with his foster parents for the same reason. I’m hoping that him and I are forever. I don’t ever want to lose him again.

I hear Alexander’s car in the garage. I hope it went well. Even though, he didn’t want to admit it, not knowing about his dad bothered him. He’s not good at hiding stuff. He comes into my office and sighs. I ask him what’s wrong and he tells me everything. I am shocked. I didn’t expect this to happen. I could understand why is he is so shocked. He tells me he has siblings. Wow, I couldn’t imagine finding out I have had siblings for thirty years and never have met them.

I try to change the subject by telling him about my parent’s visit. He seems pleased. He has only met my parents once and it was awkward. I’m hoping Alexander and my dad can bond over manly things. I’m not ecstatic to have to spend a lot of time with my mother. We just don’t get along. We can never agree on anything. I’ve already came to terms that my mom will probably not like Alexander and that’s fine with me. All I care about is my dad. I would like my brother to meet him but we aren’t that close. Alexander and I get settled for bed and fall fast asleep.

It’s finally the weekend and I’m excited to see my dad. I haven’t talked to him much in the last couple of weeks. It will be nice to spend some time with him. Last time, I saw him he wasn’t looking to well. As he is getting older, it may just be his age taking its toll on him.

Alexander is excited to see my parents in a comfortable setting. Although, he knows that his house can be overwhelming to some. He’s hoping that my parents can see past the money like I did. I have no worries. I know my dad will love him once he gets to know him. We get the guest bedroom all set up for them. I hear a car pull up so we run downstairs. It’s them.
I greet them at the door as Alexander helps my dad with their luggage. My dad looks pale and run down. Something is wrong. I figured I would give him time to tell me. I gave my dad a hug and told him how much I’ve missed him. Sometimes I wish I was a kid again. We used to do everything together. He was my best friend and my hero. Alexander and I give them a tour of our house. My mother was shocked. She couldn’t believe how big the house was and that it has a playground.

“So, I’m guessing you want kids?” She asked.

“Yes!” We both reply in unison.

We have only talked about having kids a few times. I’m glad to know we are still on the same page. My dad has always asked that he get grandkids. He can’t wait to be a grandfather. I’m terrified at the thought of being one but that doesn’t change the fact that I want kids. I know deep down that we will be great parents.

My dad starts to tell us about the cruise they just got back from and how much he enjoyed it. Neither one of us have ever been on a cruise. Maybe we should change that. My parents are always traveling somewhere. They had just gotten back from the Virgin Islands. After going thru their pictures from the trip, I am jealous. Alexander had mentioned to my parents that he is thinking about booking us a cruise. If he does, that would be epic.

“So, what are you plans?” I ask.

“Probably golf?” My dad answers.

“I’ll join.” Alexander says.

My mom and I look at each other like oh great we are stuck with each other. I don’t know what we are going to do but the men will be playing golf and bonding. This is great. They can have some alone time together.

The men get changed and head out to play golf while I’m stuck here with my mom. I can’t even think of the last real conversation we’ve had recently. I decide I’m going to go for a swim. It’s cold outside but it’s heated. I go upstairs and get changed. By the time I get back downstairs my mom is already in the pool. She screams at me to hurry up. Of course, she would. I jump in the pool and splash water all over her. She gives a go to hell look and I reciprocate.

The next half hour is pure silence between us. Finally, I ask how dad is doing. She tells me that he is fine but I’m not falling for her bullshit. So, I ask her again and I get the same response but I know she is lying to me.  I beg for her to tell me the truth. Finally, she sighs and says that he doesn’t want us to know. I understand that he doesn’t want to alarm us but we have a right to know. I need to know what’s going on with my dad. She begins to tell me that he has heart disease. He had a couple of heart attacks last year. Immediately, I’m thinking why they kept this from me?  This is serious. I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

“Is he going to be okay?” I ask almost in tears.

“No Ella, he’s not.”

Her response has me blubbering like a baby. I can’t lose my dad. I know that one day he will pass but it doesn’t need to be for another twenty years. He needs to walk me down the aisle and see his grandbabies. After thinking about a million different things, I realize he’s playing golf with Alexander right now. Should he be playing golf? I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to be able to act like I don’t know when I see him next. I am not a good liar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25 CHAPTER: aLEXANDER

 

 

We jump in the Audi and get to the golf course. We get to the first hole and realize I’ve only played golf a couple of times. I wonder if he’s any good? Within a couple of holes, I can tell he plays often. He’s quite good. I want him to like me. I know it’s important to Ella. I will try my best to gain his trust. We play for about an hour and there isn’t much conversation between us. I can tell he is wanting to talk to me but he’s not. Maybe he is wanting to know my intentions with his daughter.

“I love your daughter.” I tell him.

He looks at me and smiles. He tells me that he wants his little girl to be happy and taken care of. He doesn’t anything to worry about with that. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure she will be set with me.

We continue to play and we are just carrying on conversation when he tells me that Ella is happy. He can tell. This makes me feel good. I’m glad that he knows she’s happy with me. I ask him the question I’ve been wanting to ask all day.

“Can I marry your daughter?”

He takes a minute before responding with a yes but he is tearing up. Is he happy for us? Did I do something wrong?

“I’m sorry, sir. What did I do?”

“You did nothing.”

I couldn’t help but not believe him. About an hour later, he tells me he is having health issues but he hasn’t told Ella because he doesn’t want her to worry but he’s glad that she has me. What kind of health issues?

“Are you going to be okay?”

“I won’t live forever but I’ll be fine for now.”

For some reason, I didn’t feel like he is telling the truth. There is more going on than what he is telling me but I don’t want to pry. About an hour later, we are finally done playing golf. I never realized how long golf takes. We have been gone a long time. I am ready to go home and see Ella and eat. I’m hoping I made a good impression on Tommy. I believe I did since he gave me his permission to ask Ella to marry me.

Now I just have to come up with the ring and the proposal details. No big deal. I roll my eyes while thinking to myself that I have a lot of things to do.

When we get home, Meredith is in the living room watching television and Ella is upstairs taking a nap. I shake her to let her know that I am home. She greets me with a kiss and I lay down next to her.

“Was it as bad as you thought it would be?”

“I’m in bed, aren’t I?”

I feel bad because I know she doesn’t get along with her mom but she wanted me to spend time with Tommy. At least, we will all be together for the rest of their time here. I change into some more comfortable clothes and head downstairs. I know that dinner should be ready soon. It’s almost seven. I talk with April, the chef, and find out dinner would be another half hour. My stomach is rumbling. It didn’t like that news. We all meet in the living room. You could feel the tenseness in the room. I’m not sure why? I look at Ella to say something, anything.

“So, dad, did you have fun today?”

“Oh yeah, you know I always enjoy playing golf.”

I could see her being awkward. What the hell is going on with her? Pull it together. We can’t be this awkward all night. I hate awkwardness. I start a conversation with her parents about where they are going next. They have decided to go on another cruise. Apparently, they love cruises. I would love to take Ella on a cruise. Holy crap. I could book us a cruise and propose during it. That’s perfect. I pull out my phone and check the ships leaving soon out of anywhere in the US. There is a ship leaving from Florida in a week. Screw it, I book it.

“So, looks like we are going on a cruise Friday.”

Ella face brightens and she smiles, “What, really? No way!”

“Yup, already booked it. Just put in for time off on Monday!”

She is so excited. If there is one thing I do know it’s that she LOVES to travel. Anywhere. I love to make her smile. It brightens my day. Now, I just need to find the perfect ring. I’ll text Shawn.

Me: Hey man, proposal is happening next weekend. I’m taking her on a cruise Friday. I’ll be away for a couple of days but I need help finding the perfect ring.

Shawn: I’ve never been engaged before so can’t help you there but I’ll cover for you while you go. You deserve it. Have fun.

Immediately, I think of Charlotte. She could help me pick out a ring. I don’t have her number though. I would need to get it out of Ella’s phone without her knowing. I’ll wait til she falls asleep tonight and then get it.

Finally, April let’s us know that dinner is ready. I couldn’t wait any longer. I am starving! My stomach has been growling for the last four hours. We didn’t even eat lunch. I scarf down my food. We turn in for the night, and I wait for Ella to fall asleep. I get her phone and get Charlotte’s number. I figure it’s too late to call, so I just send a text.

Me: Hey Charlotte, this is Alexander. I need your help to pick out an engagement ring. Let me know when you are free.

Charlotte: A what? Engagement Ring? You are going to propose? OMG. I can’t believe it. I’m free anytime for that.

Me: Call Ella tomorrow and see if you can come visit. I’ll send my plane to NYC and you can just fly on that since it’s such short notice. We can go shopping once you are in town while she’s at work.

Charlotte: Got it. See you tomorrow.

I know that Charlotte would be excited. I’ve never actually met her but I know that her and Ella are close. She will be the perfect person to help me shop for the ring. I shut my mind down and fall fast asleep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 26: ELLA

 

I just didn’t want to get out of bed after the news I learned yesterday. I am not sure how I am going to be able to act like I don’t know what’s going on. Finally, Alexander makes me get out of bed. He’s saying I’m being a party pooper. Get up, It’s Sunday. It’s a great day. He is trying to be motivational this morning. I need five cups of coffee and breakfast. I didn’t sleep very well. I tossed and turned most of the night.

After breakfast, I got a text from Charlotte.

Charlotte: I want to come visit. Can I fly in today?

Me: Yes, I’m sure Alexander will let you use his plane. Let me ask.

Me: He will have it there around 3pm.

Charlotte: I’m so excited. See you later.

Maybe having Charlotte visit will liven me up a bit. I know my parents are leaving today but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop worrying about my dad. Now that I know, it’s all I can think about in the back of my mind. She can make me cope with it. She’s good at that. Plus, she can finally meet Alexander. I can’t wait to see her face when she sees the house. Well for right now, I must deal with my parents.

“Good morning.” I say to them.

“Good morning, honey.” They reply in unison.

They are sitting on the couch in the living room watching the news with Alexander. I sit my coffee cup down on the table and snuggle into Alexander. It is cold in the house. My dad looks better today. He doesn’t look so pale and he has some pink in his cheeks. That’s good to see. I don’t even know what to say to him. They would be leaving shortly and he still hasn’t told me. He’s not even going to mention it? I’m furious. He should tell me. Even though, I’m not happy with my mom, I don’t want to throw her under the bus. I wish he would just tell me, damnit. He will have to tell me eventually. My parents are saying their goodbyes to me. I hug them and tell them to keep in touch and be safe. I didn’t really know what else to say.

Charlotte would be here soon. I’m excited to see her. She can always make me feel better. He has already arranged a car to pick her up and bring her to the house. He thinks of everything. I get the guest bedroom cleaned up from my parents for her arrival. She’s going to love it here. I guarantee it.

“Honey, is something bothering you? You haven’t been yourself since yesterday?”

“I’ll be fine. Just need Charlotte.”

I want to tell him but at the same time, I’m not even supposed to know. If he accidentally slips then I’m screwed. I keep my mouth shut. He’ll understand, I think? I give him a kiss and walk downstairs waiting for Charlotte to arrive. I see the car coming up the drive. I run outside and start jumping up and down. She gets out of the car and I give her the world’s biggest hug. I motion to Andrew to grab her bags and take her inside. Her jaw dropped.

“Holy crap, you live here?”

“Of course, it’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Beautiful? It’s like every girl’s dream house. Holy crap!”

I give her a full tour of the house and the grounds. She asks me the same thing about the playground as my mother did. How funny. We sit on the couch so we can catch up. She tells me all about her internship with the Law Firm, it’s going good. She’s still single. Once we get on the subject of me, I start to tear up.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?”

I look around to see if Alexander is nearby. “My dad is not doing so well.”

“Oh honey, come here.” She takes me into her lap and starts running her fingers through my hair.

“The thing is, my mom told me. My dad hasn’t said a word. She said not to tell anyone. I haven’t even told Alexander.”

“Wow! What a bomb to drop on you.”

She gives me a pep talk and makes me feel a little better. She always does. It’s her special power, I guess.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 27: ALEXANDER

 

We wait until Ella leaves for work and then go over our game plan. I want to get the ring today so I can have it fitted and ready by Friday. I don’t care the cost to get it expedited. She deserves the very best. We jump in my Audi and head into town.

“So, you are really doing this?” Charlotte asks.

“This is really happening.” I reply with a smile.

She’s giddy with excitement. I start laughing because I know she truly cares for Ella. I’m glad Ella has a friend like that. I have Shawn. I try to make small talk with her. I really don’t know much about her.

So, we go over the basics. She grew up in NYC by both her mother and father. She always wanted to be a lawyer so she got good grades all the way through school so she could get into a prestigious school for Law. Now she is interning at a Law Firm. This girl is driven. Most people give up on their dreams but not her. She reminds me a bit of myself. I am surprised when she says she’s not married or dating anyone. I’m not attracted to her but she is a pretty girl, she’s successful and driven. How can she be single? It must be by choice. She confirms it when she says that she is very picky on the men that she dates.

It only takes us about an hour with traffic to get to the jewelry store. I am starting to get nervous. I am doing this. I am going to propose to Ella. Don’t get me wrong, I want to, but is there a chance she would say no? Oh, who am I kidding, she loves me. I don’t think she would say no. Charlotte starts looking at rings and I could tell she is not used to being able to spend money. She is looking at the cheapest rings they have in their selection.

“Come over here and look. Price isn’t an issue.” I remind Charlotte.

She laughs. “I forget your filthy rich.”

She starts looking at the rings and you can tell that she can’t wait until she gets a ring. She is overwhelmed by how many rings they have in store. I didn’t care the price of the ring. I just want to make sure it’s something that she will like and wear.

“I like this one. I think she will adore it.”

I look at the ring and it’s only $14,000. That’s not that bad. It’s a beautiful ring. Ella would freak out if she knew how much I am paying for her ring but she doesn’t need to worry about that. She just needs to say yes so, we can start our life as husband and wife. I couldn’t wait for her to be mine.

We get back to the house and Ella is home early. She looks a little worried.

“Where were you guys?”

“We went to lunch.”

I did take her to lunch so I’m not lying to her. I just didn’t tell her that we bought an engagement ring. I couldn’t tell her that. She didn’t look mad about us going to lunch.

“I wanted to get to know Charlotte. I had never met her and she would have been stuck in this house all day. Couldn’t have that.”

“You’re so sweet.” She says as she gives a kiss.

The next couple of days have been long. We both have been working late to make sure that stuff won’t pile up on us while we are away on this cruise. I am excited. Neither of us had ever been on a cruise. Another first for both of us. It’s finally Friday and we are both making a trip to the office before we leave. Of course, Shawn will be covering everything in my absence. Ella shows back up at the house two hours before we should be at the airport.

“Come on baby, we don’t want to miss the plane.”

Traffic is going to be a pain in my ass today. It’s the start of a weekend. Everyone is on the road going out of town or wherever. It’s usually about an hour drive to the airport. We make it just in time to take off. I forgot how quiet this little plane is during flight. Ella is a pro-flier at this point. It doesn’t even phase her anymore. A couple of hours later, we are in Florida and boarding onto the cruise ship.

“Let’s turn both of our phones off this weekend. I just want to enjoy this fully without any work interruptions.” I tell her.

We did. We both turned our phones off and threw them in our bags. A no stress weekend is what we need. Ella’s parents were right. This is amazing. The ocean breeze and festivities are amazing. I just wanted to do everything. We have theme nights, free alcohol, games and a club onboard. I’m going to book another cruise. It is our last night onboard and I need to work up the courage and words to propose. What am I going to say to her? My mind is racing with all the things I could tell her. I tell Ella to get dressed up and we will go to a nice dinner. She comes out looking stunning. She always does. I take her hand and we walk to dinner. My palms are a little sweaty but I don’t think she notices. We sit down and I order some wine. I figure I’ll go ahead and propose before we get our food. I get up from the table and get down on one knee as Ella’s face turns red.

“What are you doing? Get up from there. It’s not funny.”

“This isn’t a joke.” I say as people start to realize what’s going on around them.

“Ella, I knew that you were the one from the moment I knocked you down outside the coffee shop. From that moment forward, I vowed to make sure to make you the happiest girl on earth and take care of you. You have done nothing but make my life immensely better in every way. Will you please be my wife?”

Ella is at loss for words but tears are streaming down her face. She’s trying to talk but nothing is coming out. I start to get nervous thinking she is going to say no when she finally says, “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

I pick her up and spin her around. I am officially the luckiest guy in the world. I can’t contain my excitement. We are officially engaged. Everyone in the restaurant is clapping for us and telling us congratulations. I want to enjoy our last dinner on the boat before we return to the real world. The world where we work long hours every day. After dinner, we get back to our room and we both want to call our parents and let them know the good news. When we turn on our phones, they start blowing up with notifications. DING. DING. DING. Make it stop. Ella takes a deep breath and puts her hand over her mouth.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“My dad’s in the hospital. He had a heart attack.” She replies in tears.

Oh no, I should have never turned off our cell phones. I feel awful. I lay down with her trying to console her after she gets off the phone with her mother. She is hysterical. Her mom wouldn’t give her much information because she said that Tommy wants to be the one to tell her what’s going on. He’s finally going to tell her truth. We both pass out.

The next morning, we finally get back to the dock and de-board. Shawn has already arranged for the plane to meet us at the airport and take us NYC to the hospital. When we get to the hospital, I could tell that Ella is not wanting to go in.

“Honey, we need to go in and see him.”

“But what if it’s bad? What am I going to do?”

“Honey, we will cross that bridge when we know. No need to make yourself think the worst until we know.” I reply.

I hold her hand tight as we walk into the room to see Tommy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 28: ELLA

 

I feel like I can’t breathe. I am struggling. I am hoping that he is going to be okay. I’m standing next to him, holding his hand, waiting for him to wake up. He is napping. My mother is not in the room so I can only imagine that she went to get something to eat or drink. Alexander left the room so I could have some alone time with him. I sit down next to him and tell him that he’s the best dad in the world and that he means the world to me. His eyes start to open.

“Why hello there, doll.” He says groggily.

“Hi, dad. We came as fast as we could.”

“No point in ruining your cruise because of me.”

“Our cruise was over. I’m here now. What’s going on?” I ask him hoping for the truth this time.

“Honey, I’m old and poor heart just isn’t working the way it should be. The heart attacks have caused a lot of damage and they don’t think it will sustain for very much longer.”

Is he saying what I think he is saying? He is going to die? Soon? I drop to the floor with my hands covering my face, and rears running down my face. This can’t be happening. I can’t lose him. I just can’t.

“Isn’t there anything we can do? We can get a second opinion or hire a different doctor and have them run tests. I won’t accept that. I just won’t. I yell.

“Honey, this isn’t new news to me. I’ve known for about a year. I knew it was coming and that’s why I traveled and spent time with your mom.”

“You mean you knew that you were dying for a year and you didn’t tell me or your son? How could you do that? We could have spent more time with you.”

“I know honey, but you guys are adults. You have lives. I didn’t want to burden you. We all knew I would be gone eventually. It’s just a little sooner than everyone thought.”

How is he acting like this is no big deal? The man is dying and he doesn’t seem to mind. I can’t even speak right now. I rush out of the room and down the hallway to Alexander.

“What’s going on?”

“He’s dying and he has known for a year.” I fall to the floor and can’t stop crying. I don’t know what to do. I can’t just be okay with the fact that he is dying.

“Can we get him in to see a different doctor?” I ask him.

“Let me call my assistant and see if she can get him an appointment with someone far better with more experience.”

I just need to at least try. I couldn’t give up. That’s just not in my nature. My daddy raised me to be strong. I need to be strong now. I walk back into the room and my mom has made it back. She keeps her head down because she knows she told me but not the whole story.

“Have you even told Kevin?” I ask.

“No, but he should be here in a couple of hours.”

My brother isn’t going to take this well. He is not good at emotional things. No matter what, this is going to hit some emotions.
“So, what is this good news that you were calling to tell us?” My mom asks me.

I look down at my ring and show my dad. “We are getting married.”

They both look happy about it. My dad has always been mean to my boyfriends but never to Alexander.

“I like him. You guys are going to do big things together. I can tell its true love.” He says as he smiles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 29: ALEXANDER

 

A couple of weeks have gone by and we are on our way to Jack’s house. He has invited us to come meet my siblings. I wasn’t quite sure how I feel about this but I want to at least try. They want to meet me. I couldn’t tell them no. Ella is still a little depressed from finding out that her dad is dying but she wanted to come too. We have Tommy and Meredith come and stay with us for a while. I figure it’s the least I could do. I’ve hired someone to help Meredith take care of him during the days. It wasn’t long until we were in the driveway.

“Take a deep breath, babe. It’s going to be great.” Ella tells me.

Man can she read me like an open book. I take her hand and we knock on the door.

“Welcome, come on in.” A brunette says.

We are shown to the living room where I get to meet my siblings: Andrew (20), Jeremy (22), Nicholas (24), Makinly (26), Mackenzie (28), and Madison (30). They are all friendly to me. Madison recognizes me from somewhere. She used to work for me. What a small world. Jack walks in the room and I announce our engagement. I get hoops and hollers.

Everyone is asking me questions. When they find out that I have money they are shocked. I am done taking about me. I want to get to know them. Andrew and Jeremy are still in college pursuing their degrees. Nicholas is a firefighter. Makinly and Mackenzie are in the works to becoming nurses and Madison is a reporter. They all have found their path which is great. This means they got quality guidance as children. We sit around and chat for a couple hours until my phone rings.

“Yes?”

“Mr. Edwards, you and Ella should get back here.”

“On our way.”

We jump in the car and speed all the way there. When we get in the house, all we can hear is sobbing. What’s going on? The nurse begins to tell us that he is getting worse and all she can do is make him comfortable. Comfortable? Does she mean like he could die tomorrow?

“Anyway, to know how long we have with him?” I ask.

“Unfortunately, no.”

We are going to have to move up the wedding. He must be there to walk her down the aisle. I can find and book a venue tomorrow for this weekend. Hopefully he has that much time left.

Ella is sitting on the couch with Meredith and Tommy.

“I’ll call Kevin.”

Kevin couldn’t believe it was already here. I told him to head to Baltimore and he could just stay here. He agreed.

After I hang up, my phone immediately rings. It’s my mother.

“Hello, mom.”

“What is this I hear about you being engaged?”

“I’m sorry, we have had a lot going on. Ella’s dad isn’t doing so well.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Congratulations on the engagement.”

“Thanks, mom. We are going to shoot for getting married this weekend.”

“That’s fast. Honey are you sure?”

“I’ve never been more sure.”

I left Ella and Meredith to spend time with Tommy while I figure out the wedding arrangements. I call a wedding coordinator and she will take care of everything.

I sneak into the living room and let Tommy know about the wedding. He starts to joke around saying he doesn’t know if he’ll make it that long. He better make it. Ella has been looking forward to having her walking her down the aisle. I call Charlotte and tell her to go ahead and head to the airport. I need Ella to have her best friend right now. She needs her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 30: ELLA

 

Sitting here with my dad, I realize any moment could be our last moment together. All I can think about is when I was younger. I would always be on his lap while he watched tv or watch him as we worked on cars. My dad always made time for me. I just want to sit next to him on the couch and hold his hand. I want to spend a much time with him as I can.

 

A couple of hours later, Kevin and Charlotte show up. Kevin couldn’t hold himself together. As soon as he saw dad, he started crying. I feel bad for him. He has never been that close to dad but losing him changed everything.  You could tell that he is hurting. I give a big hug and whisper in his ear, “We will get through this together.”

I grab his hand and bring him to sit on the couch next to us. We both know what’s coming. It sucks to know there’s nothing you can do to stop it. We all sat by dad listening to him laugh at the tv while Charlotte and Alexander talk about the wedding arrangements. She is going to handle it so that I can focus on him. She is an amazing friend.

  Throughout the entire week, I didn’t go to work. I figured I would rather take the risk of being fired than not be there for my father when he passes. I didn’t care. He is more important to me right now. Alexander agreed. I could find another job if I needed too but my boss is being nice about it given the situation.

 

The coordinator has booked us a venue and Charlotte has been working with her to get everything set up. We were getting married tomorrow. We have already gotten all the dresses and tux’s. I am hoping that he makes it one more day so he can walk me down the aisle. I’ve been dreaming about my wedding since I was a little girl. My daddy walking me down the aisle giving me away to my future husband. I couldn’t imagine having that taken away from me.

Day after day, he is getting worse. For the last couple of days, he hasn’t wanted to get out of bed much. We still try to get him out to stretch and do a little bit of walking. He needed to have his strength.

The morning of the wedding, he is pale and not looking so good. He didn’t care he still wants to go.

“I am not going to miss the chance of giving away my little girl and seeing her get married. I don’t care if I need someone to help me walk her down the aisle. I’m doing it.” He says to Kevin.

Kevin wants him to stay in bed. He doesn’t want him to exert himself. Alexander bought him a wheelchair so he could use that until he has to stand. It is a nice gesture. He is such a thoughtful guy. He really cares for me and my family.

We head to the venue to get ready. We have lots of people coming today. Alexander’s real family, his foster parents, some of his friends, and colleagues. I had my most of my immediately family coming too. It is going to be a good day. I’m excited to marry Alexander. I’ve always dreamed of what my wedding would be like and it matched my visions. Charlotte did a wonderful job at helping the coordinator fix the venue up. I couldn’t ever thank her enough. She has been my rock through all this.

After getting my dress on and my hair getting pinned up, I am ready to say I do to the man of my dreams. I don’t know what I did to become this lucky. I will never undervalue him. He is a treasure piece. I get a big smile on my face when I hear the wedding march start playing. That’s my queue. I open the door with Charlotte behind me, headed out to the ceremony. My dad meets me at the door and interlocks him arm with mine. No matter what happens, I am glad that he is here, in this moment, to share this with me. I know he’s feel the same from the ear to ear smile he is wearing.

“Darling, this will one of the best moments of my life.”

I didn’t want to cry. I had just done my makeup. I didn’t want to cry. I promised myself I wouldn’t. Why’d he have to say that? The waterworks start as we are walking down the aisle. Alexander didn’t take his eyes off me. I knew that I had made the best decision.

We didn’t take a honeymoon because of my dad’s condition but I’m glad we didn’t. Within a couple of days, he couldn’t even get out of bed. He couldn’t keep anything down and you could tell he was really struggling. On his last day, he asked us to take care and look out for each other while he’s gone. He was worried that my mom would wither away. Kevin agreed to move in with her to keep her company. We didn’t want to say goodbye but we knew that it wasn’t going to be long after he started making my final comments. The next morning, we had found him. He had passed in my sleep. It was a very hard day for all of us. None of us talked much for days after. There’s nothing like losing a loved one to soon. I’m just glad that we had time to say goodbye. I’m glad that I got to have him walk me down the aisle before he passed.

From that moment on, Kevin, my mom, and I kept in touch every day. We made sure that we helped each other thru the pain. We needed each other. No matter what had happened in the past, my mom needed me. I was there for her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THe final chapter

 

 

 

5 YEARS LATER

 

 

I was asked a lot when I was younger when I would see myself at around 40 years old and I always said married and happy. Turns out, I was right. The day I asked Ella to be my wife that set my life in motion. Everything fell into place after that.

To say that our life turned out just as we expected was an understatement. I grew very close to my dad, Jack. He even met my foster parents and they get along too. We spend holidays together and never any bickering. I’ve grown closer to my siblings.

About a year after we got married, Ella found out she was pregnant. Of course, we were both overjoyed. We had talked about having kids but we were both working so hard, we hadn’t planned yet. Our little girl made her big surprise debut. We named her Kaylin. We finally had a real reason to have that playground in the backyard. She came out with beautiful green eyes.  From that moment on, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I wanted to hold her, kiss her, pinch her cheeks, and protect her. She had me wrapped around her cute little finger.

Ella turned out to be a wonderful mother just as I envisioned. She never complains and just takes care of whatever needs to be done. She made sure that Kaylin got everything she needed and that she was changed and ready for dad when got home. She knew that as soon I took my shower until I went to bed I’d have Kaylin in my arms.

About two years later, we found in the same week that Ella was pregnant again with a boy and she got promoted to Chief Editor of A.C.E. publishing. She didn’t want to stop working after the baby came so I decided to hand off the reigns to Shawn and stay at home with the kids. I was privileged enough to be a stay at home father without having to worry about how much money we had in the bank. I had been smart and made sure that we had plenty of money for our family to live comfortably for many decades to come. When he made his appearance, we named him Kayden.

Ella enjoys her career as Chief Editor and enjoyed being a stay at home dad. I got to spend all my time with the kids.

Shawn and Charlotte ended up getting married a year ago after dating for three years. I never would have thought that he would settle down but he finally found someone who was as driven and picky as him. They come over every Friday night for dinner and to play with the kids. They are expecting their first child soon.

I never would have I would end up this lucky but then I knocked over a girl on my morning run and it changed everything. Our life is perfect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works

 

I hope you enjoyed Different Worlds. If you did, please leave a review for it on whatever channel you purchased it. The author would greatly appreciate your feedback.

Here are the other works from this author:

Sexual Desires

Bound by the Heart

 

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Twitter: @authorashleyg

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Website: www.authorashleygoss.com