Chapter 6

Was it the same girl? Yes, that suitcase was the same, but she looked different, he thought. With the fur coat and the hat covering her ghastly hair, she was attractive. Her oval face with small nose and perfectly formed lips made for a pretty one. But he could not forget her brashness.

And there it was. She looked up as he was trying to figure her out. The look she gave him could roast a turkey. There was something definitely deliberate about her attitude toward him. From the moment she demanded the seat in the airport until now, she’d shown how much she disliked him. It wasn’t because of a darn bench in an airport lounge. It was more than that. Usually, something such as a female dismissing him did not bother him, but this one did, for some unfathomable reason.

Something told Gael that he knew the girl from somewhere. Perhaps she was someone from his past? Not likely, he told himself since she wasn’t old enough. She was also too old to be a love child. That was a relief. From his estimation, she was around twenty-three, give or take a couple of years.

Unwittingly his eyes strayed to her as she sipped her coffee in a corner across the room. He leaned lazily against a wall and watched her with hooded eyes. A small group of teens approached her, and he opened his eyes fully as she began signing autographs.

“What the f …?” he muttered, raising his forehead.

After she signed a couple of autographs, she allowed them to take selfies with her. She didn’t look at all pleased when the group left, but he was curious enough now to figure out who the hell she was. No ordinary person took autographs and selfies with strangers. Was she some punk rock kid? Did he flirt with her while drunk … or worse? That was the only probable reason why she gave him attitude, and why she was familiar.

Having gone through some rough moments three years ago, it was possible he’d met her at that time. His mother had suddenly shown up, divorced and broke, demanding money. He’d given her the money after she begged him to forgive her, only to learn that she’d cheated on the man she left his father to marry. The husband forgave her and took her back, but he couldn’t. Not after all she’d put their family through.

There were times when he’d drank himself sick. One place he frequented was a bar on the beach. Sometimes, when the mood struck, he’d picked up a few girls there. This punk kid certainly didn’t look like she picked up unknown men, but you never knew.

Gael tried to picture her all sultry and sexy, picking up strangers on the beach. All he could imagine was a feisty tomboy who would kick any man in their nuts if they ever tried that. The only way that was possible being unless she was drunk as well. Yes, that must be it. They were both drunk, and she somehow remembered.

He wondered what the hell he had promised her that she resented him so much. The need to figure this out became so much an obsession that he found it hard to banish her from his thoughts. He moved from his post and tried to find somewhere less crowded, a place where he could think clearly. Everywhere seemed jammed, as it appeared that all the passengers that should have left or arrived at the airport were stranded there.

Walking around helped to clear his mood, and by the time he reached the airport duty-free gift shop, he was in high spirits. He hadn’t bought a gift for anyone since he was a child. However, he decided to get Beth something. It was the least he could do. After all, she took care of all the gifts for his shareholders, business associates, and the staff each year.

“Hello, what can I get you?” the pleasant dark haired male clerk greeted as he walked up to the counter.

There were a number of people inside. He supposed they were as bored as he was and were looking for ways to pass the time.

“I need a gift for a female,” he replied, scanning the shelves and glass case. The items ranged from perfumes to fine jewelry.

The clerk smiled. “Yes, sir. The wife?”

“No, she’s not my wife,” he replied.

“Girlfriend?” the man asked, still holding his smile.

“No, she’s my assistant,” he told the clerk.

“Okay, now we’re getting somewhere.” The man’s eyes widened as they looked over his shoulder. “OMG, it’s her.”

“Who?” he asked, following the man’s gaze.

“My dream girl,” the young man replied.

Gael frowned, scanning the group behind him until he saw her, his enigma, the Unicorn. He glanced at the clerk who seemed star struck. What was it about this girl that he didn’t know?

It was almost surreal looking at her. She was completely different when she wasn’t looking at him. He drew back, observing her as she moved around the store. Her face softened, and her eyes sparkled, making her an attractive woman. He couldn’t understand it. What was it about him that set her off? Maybe she was in a bad mood earlier.

He turned back to the clerk. “What should I get?”

The guy had moved away, and he was left standing there like an idiot. He strolled around trying to figure out what Beth would like and came up blank. He didn’t even know anything about the assistant that worked for him for four years.

The more he thought about it, the more he agreed that he was a jerk. How could he not know anything about Beth, except that she had red hair and baby blue eyes? Was she even married? When was her birthday?

“I’m sorry about that.” The clerk returned, interrupting his mental plague.

Even more so, there was this profound need to inquire about the girl. But Gael was a man of extreme control. He pushed her from his mind and concentrated on the task at hand. He ended up getting a perfume for Beth. That was the safest bet. Woman loved sweet smelling things.

He spent a few minutes looking around just to pass the time. Being stuck in the airport was unproductive. Finding a place where he could zone out everything around him would be great. He headed for the cafeteria.

The place was full, as it seemed all the seats were taken. He was about to retrace his steps when a young woman rose from a seat, leaving her companion behind. He moved towards the seat and was about two feet away when his eyes came into contact with flaming hazel ones.

“What do you want?” she asked, her tone cold as he made a halting step to the table.

Pulling up the empty chair, Gael resolved to solve this mystery using his theory from earlier. They must have had something from some time ago, hence the hostility. The only problem was, he could not remember. He decided to wing it and see what happened.

“Okay, I give. How long has it been … three years? Don’t you think it’s time you forget all that now?”

She made a face. “What the hell are you talking about now?” she asked, followed by a sniffle.

“You … me … whatever happened between us?”

“What?” Her tone was incredulous and nasal.

“The hostility you have towards me. Did we … you know …?”

She laughed, and he liked the tone of it. “You don’t remember having sex with me?”

“Keep your voice down; this is between you and me.”

Her face fell, and he wasn’t sure if she was faking being hurt or not, but she looked at him in a pitiful manner. “I’m hurt that you’d forget something so special,” she replied, her tone mocking him. “You said you loved me!”

“Is this a joke to you?” He felt the heat of anger or perhaps embarrassment flush his skin.

“You’re not only a jerk, you’re an idiot,” she remarked.

Gael had never had anyone cut him down this way. Within the last twelve hours, he’d found himself talking more than he’d like. Usually, he avoided confrontation. However, during the past few hours, he found himself embroiled in this childish feud with this girl, and he knew not why. Since they’d met, his emotions had ranged from annoyance to confusion all because of the enigma staring at him in the form of a girl.

“Look, Mister,” she said and sniffled. “We didn’t meet three years ago, and you very well know that I ain’t your cup of tea. So don’t sprain that brain of yours trying to figure me out … A-A-A-ACHOO!”

“So it’s settled, I haven’t done anything to trigger this resentment you seem to harbor for me,” he stated, unsure if that made him feel better or worse. When she didn’t respond, he added, “That’s good. Now we can stay out of each other’s way.”

Just about then, his cell phone rang. Earlier the service was down, so it was a good sign that it was now back up. He picked the device from his left breast pocket and swiped the screen.

“Gael Matheson here,” he said.

“ACHOO!” Came from across the table once more.

“Mr. Matheson, this is Lori from Mr. Richardson’s office. We are afraid we have to postpone the meeting until the weather allows.”

“What do you mean?”

“All the roads near Buffalo are now closed, and I understand you are at the airport?” she replied.

“Yes, but isn’t there a shuttle service I can use?”

“Not at the moment. They are trying to clear the roads, but Mr. Richardson asked to postpone. He says you both will set the meeting when it’s convenient.”

There was nothing he could do about the weather; therefore, he was apt to agree. Although the cellular service was on, it took a while for him to make any calls out. He suspected that the lines were jammed due to volume of users. This usually happened during rain or snowstorms.

Since the probability of returning to California was miniscule, he knew he had to arrange a hotel. He was contemplating his next move when another sneeze caught his attention. His head jerked around to see the girl scrunching her face, trying to suppress another.

She sniffled and blew her nose in a paper napkin. “ACHOO!” came another as her eyes watered, and her nose turned pink.

“You should take care of that,” he said.

“Mind your own … A-A-ACHOO!”

The ringing of his phone drew his attention once more, and he answered it, keeping his eye on her.

“Hello?”

“Sir?” It was Beth.

“Yes, Beth. Speak to me.” The line fizzled, breaking her voice. “I can hardly hear you.”

“I arranged a vehicle for you. It’s an AWD equipped with winter tires. But all the nearby hotels are booked within a twenty-five mile radius, due to the closing of the airports.”

“What am I going to do with a vehicle then?”

“Sir, it’s Christmas,” she said.

“Yes, I know,” he replied. ”What’s that got to do with anything?”

There was a moment’s silence before she replied, “I have a suggestion.”

“Okay, what is it?”

“I was thinking that you could go see your father.”

“What gives you the right to interfere in my personal business?” he asked, his tone hard.

“Sir, I didn’t mean to get involved; I know he lives in Buffalo …”

“Have you been checking upon me? May I remind you that you are my assistant, and I am your boss?”

“Yes, sir, I know that … but …”

“What now?”

“You forgot that you had me check on him when he was hospitalized a couple of years ago.”

“Oh. Forget what I said then,” he lowered his voice.

“I’m sorry, sir. It was just a suggestion since you won’t be able to return to Santa Cruz right away,” she apologized.

The bitter taste of resentment flooded him as he listened to Beth encourage him to visit his father. He knew well that it was only a few miles away, and the vehicle Beth suggested would be able to get him there, but he wasn’t ready to face the man.

“I understand, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Sir, the nearby hotels are all booked, and it’s just one night. Besides …” she hesitated.

“What?’

“He’s family, sir. Family should be together during the holidays. I don’t care if you fire me when you get back, but I’m going to say something, sir.”

He sighed, “Say it.”

“I know you have your differences, and I don’t know what they are. All I know is that life is short, and we need our family. Please think about what I said, sir.”

“Is that all?”

“It beats being stuck in the airport. Please, just think about it and if you change your mind, call me, and I’ll send an SUV, sir.”

“Beth …”

“Sir, just think about it, please.”

With a sigh, he replied. “Okay, I’ll give it a thought, but I can’t promise you anything.”

Whether it was allergies or the flu, Zoe knew she was going to be sick. Her joints had started aching, and her temples throbbed. The pounding in her head was like ten beating drums. Not only that, she could hardly breathe.

She ordered a cup of lemon honey tea and sipped the hot beverage while she tried to fight whatever she was coming down with. She’d picked up a bottle of flu medicine at the airport shop just in case. Now, she took a sip and went back to drinking her tea.

She’d come into the cafeteria in the hopes that it was quieter, but even the smallest sound seem to add another drumbeat in her head. It was just her bad luck that the Devil’s apprentice took the seat opposite her, talking about ridiculous encounters. Looking at him through her watering eyes, she wondered if he was stalking her or had she pissed off Satan?

Why was he even talking to her? He could find countless females with which to converse. There was another table with one man; he could have taken the other seat. Seething at his brazenness, she watched him pay attention to his cell phone.

He’d removed his tie, and she could see his Adam’s apple through the lapels of his dark coat. The guy didn’t even use a scarf, as though he was immune to the cold. Her eyes traveled up to his face where his day old stubble resided beneath his strong jawline. His lips … she blinked, shaking her head and dropping her eyes to the table.

She’d like nothing better than to tell him to go away. If only she could get out a full sentence between her sneezing and sniffling. While he was on the phone, she made her escape, but by this time, she was developing a ghastly headache. The darn place was so noisy that she could hardly form two thoughts without the din crashing her mind.

“ACHOO!”

Along with the sneezing was a shooting pain in the head. She wasn’t at all certain if this was just allergies or a virus. There were others with the same malady in the airport; therefore, it was probable she’d caught a bug from someone, though for the most part, she kept to herself.

I’m probably allergic to the bastard, she thought.

She wandered around for some time until exhaustion began seeping into her bones. Not only was she tired, but her head began to pound like a bongo drum. By nightfall, the snowfall thinned, and one road leading into the airport was clear enough that a few vehicles were able to get through.

From the reports, the Thruway was treacherous, and the airport administration advised passengers to stay put. Most did not listen. Many people began leaving with family who were brave enough to risk coming to fetch them. The TV reported of accidents and pile ups on the Thruway, so people needed to be careful.

Her greatest need was to get home to her own warm bed. How she would get to Cleveland Hill, five miles away, she had no clue. What she did know was that she had a runny nose, and her head felt as though someone had split it with an ax. The phone service kept slowing to snail’s pace. Because of that, she could neither reach Florine nor could she get through to a taxi service to come pick her up.

At least there was less noise now that most people were either asleep or had left. She hadn’t seen her arch enemy in a while and wondered if perhaps he’d left with the greater crowd.

She was still in her corner, sitting on her luggage when she saw that there were vacant benches. Perhaps they were more comfortable. She raised herself up, but her knees wobbled, dragging her backside back to sitting position. With as much strength as she could muster, she pulled herself to her feet, but a wave of dizziness almost rendered her unconscious.

Grabbing the handle of the luggage, Zoe began moving toward the closest set of benches. The closer she got, the further away they moved. She squinted her eyes as they began to dance before her eyes. No, something wasn’t right. How could the benches move on their own? She continued, but everything swirled around, then she was crumbling.

As the day dragged on, he found himself getting restless. After his ‘friend’ left the table, he was finally able to pull his tablet from his bag and get some work done. Spending most of the afternoon in the cafeteria was the best option. He had as much coffee as needed, a meal, and he was able to concentrate as it was quieter than the lobby and lounges.

It was nightfall when he decided to stretch his legs and give someone else a chance to use the table. He knew he’d been selfish, having sat for nearly five hours while others needed the seat. It briefly crossed his mind that he’d actually been the jerk this girl accused him of being. He quickly pushed it aside as his work came before anything else.

The snow was now falling lightly, and he noticed that there were fewer people in the lobby while some were leaving.

“Excuse me,” he stopped a man who was hurrying to the exit. “Are the roads clear?”

“The Buffalo Thruway is clear. Where are you headed?”

“I’m heading back to California,” he replied.

“Then you need a hotel. No flights are leaving for a couple of days,” the man informed him, though he knew that already. “Good luck.”

“Yeah.” He nodded as the man hurried out.

The idea of going to his father gnawed at him. He’d quickly pushed the thought aside until now. Two days was nothing. He’d been through tougher situations than sitting in an airport for two days.

He went back to the lobby, and as soon as he was inside, his eyes scanned the room. It wasn’t a conscious act on his part. He told himself he needed to make sure she was as far away from him as possible.

About to give up, he headed to one of the set of empty benches when he saw her. Her gait was unsteady as though she was inebriated. Was she on something? He sat, watching to see what she would do, and then it happened. His heart skipped a beat. It wasn’t a familiar reaction on his part, and it startled him.

Gael turned away from the girl and pulled his cell from his pocket. He needed to see if the Wi-Fi was still available. Then he heard the thud, and he raised his eyes. She was lying in a heap on the floor, and what happened next was the weirdest thing. His heart skipped a few beats before it began beating at a semi-erratic pace. In a few long strides, he was crouching beside her.

“What the hell am I doing?” he muttered. “Hello,” he said, nudging her.

She didn’t move. Without thinking, he placed the back of his hand on her forehead, withdrawing it instantly as it scorched his skin.

“She’s burning up.”

In one smooth move, he scooped her up, taking her to the benches. En route, her eyes cracked open. “Hey,” she drowsily said. “Put me down.”

“Gladly,” he uttered, laying her down on the bench where she immediately slumped. “Have you taken anything for this bug you have?” he proceeded to ask.

This was out of character for Gael. He could not recall the last time he cared enough about anyone to inquire about their welfare. He told himself that he was only being human since there was hardly anyone around.

“Hmm?” she murmured.

“Can you hear me?”

“Stop shouting,” she mumbled. “I’m not deaf.” Her voice slurred.

“Have you taken anything?” he asked, lowering his voice.

Fumbling around her coat pocket, she brought out an empty flu medicine bottle. A line creased his forehead as he took it from her and examined it. Her hand brushed his, and her fingers scorched his skin. He clenched his teeth together, thinking about what to do with her. This was no place for a sick person.

“Did you drink the entire bottle?” He noted the dosage, one teaspoon every four hours. She must have downed the entire whole bottle in a few gulps. “Now look at you,” he muttered. “Where is little miss toughness now?”

“Jerk!” he heard her clearly, though it came out as a groan. She tried to raise herself up, pointed a wobbly finger. “You think because …” she blinked and then her eyes drooped. “I hate you, Gael Matheson!” She slumped back to her laying position, her face upturned, and the cap falling away.

“What?” He was sure she said his name. “What did you say?” He shook her, wanting to make sure he heard right. She did not respond.

His eyes settled on her lips, then traveled over her face. He must admit that she had a pretty face … naturally pretty. She had on little to no makeup. Her thick lashes brushed her cheeks with her perfectly arched brows. However, what impressed him the most was her skin, how it glowed under the fluorescent light of the lobby.

That niggling feeling that he knew her came crashing back. She called him by name; he was certain he heard correctly. They had not introduced themselves; therefore, there was no way she’d know who he was.

Something vibrated, interrupting his digest. Tearing his eyes away, he grabbed the phone from his pocket.

“Gael Matheson,” he said, his voice impatient.

Beth was on the line. “Sir, where are you?”

“At the airport still. Beth, I need that vehicle. Can you get it to me as soon as possible?”

“Yes, are you okay?” she inquired, concern in her voice.

“Yes, I’m fine. Just get me that vehicle.”