Authors: Danielle Sibarium
“I’m not far from the office. What do you say I meet you there in ten minutes?”
Chapter 47
Elizabeth
I stood outside the old Victorian home that served as Dr. Penbrook’s medical building. I loved the renovated house. From the moment I arrived for my interview, it felt enchanted, like something out of a fairytale. In the summer it looked picturesque with the country setting and flowerbeds in bloom, like a showcase on the cover of a magazine.
Even in the dead of winter with all the trees bare and a dusting of snow covering the green grass it still looked beautiful, peaceful. It wasn’t until now I realized why I enjoyed waking up and coming to work here. The deep attachment I felt wasn’t to my job, it was to the scenery.
Something changed today though. The warm cozy feeling I normally got sitting on the large porch was gone, replaced by cold and emptiness. I pulled the long, thick sweater I wore tighter, trying to shrink my face and hands in it, the cold air bit at my nose and ears.
I wondered how the situation could get so complicated so quickly. Carter had been right all along. I thought I could control the situation, avoid Dr.
Penbrook, but he kept calling for meetings with me. And I couldn’t blame him.
I could see the pain in the doctor’s eyes when he spoke about his son. Why wouldn’t he want to know what was happening in Carter’s life? But I wouldn’t allow myself to be used as a pawn to get to the man I loved. I knew what I needed to do.
I hoped a wave of relief would wash over me as Carter’s car pulled into the parking lot. It didn’t. Instead my frayed nerves got worse and my teeth chattered harder.
I met him at his car. I didn’t want to take a chance of anyone seeing him and telling Dr.
Penbrook about Carter’s presence. That wasn’t the purpose of this. I promised to be honest with Carter no matter what. However, I didn’t want anyone to witness the tirade I was certain would follow.
Carter jumped out of the car with flowers in hand. He picked me up and swung me a hundred and eighty degrees around before crushing his mouth over mine. I guessed that was to prove to any onlookers, a.k.a. his father, that I was his.
“For you,” he handed me the bouquet.
I smiled. Not my usual ear to ear happy smile. It felt more reserved and cautious.
“What are these for?”
“Just because I love you,
” He kissed me again. I relaxed in his arms and then nuzzled my head against his chest. “Now what has you so upset?”
“You were right.”
“That’s something I definitely don’t hear enough of.”
“Carter, I’m serious. You were right about your father trying to get information. He called me in for another meeting today.”
“I’m not surprised.” Carter turned serious. “Did he try anything?”
“No.
Not at all.”
“Good.”
“He said he heard the buzz in the office about an engagement. He put two and two together. I probably don’t have to tell you he asked me to run interference so you'd speak to him.”
Carter nodded. He was calm and reasonable.
Not at all what I expected. “I see.”
“That’s it? I see? No, ‘I told you so?’ No, ‘that’s why I’m not comfor
table with you working here?’”
“Did anything else happen?”
I shook my head and looked at him dumbfounded. “No. I thought you’d want to know.”
He rubbed my shoulders and kissed me atop my head. “I love you.”
I pulled away and took a step back, “What is wrong with you? Why aren’t you angry?”
He smiled. "Should I be?"
I shook my head. Not understanding his reaction at all. If I didn't know better, I'd say he looked relieved as he rocked my hips side to side with his hands, and closed in on my lips.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
“I don't get it. You’ve been riding me about this since you found out I work for him, wanting me to quit and all of a sudden you’re fine?”
“I don’t see I have a choice. You’ve made it perfectly clear I can trust you.”
I turned my back to him and stared down at the floor. “But you were right, and we’d all be better off if I did leave my job.”
“No, we wouldn't. You would hate me. I’d hate me, too.”
“So you’re really okay?”
He pulled me hard and quick against him, “I’m better than okay.” He ran his fingers through my hair, kissing me tenderly. As usual he left me breathless. “Maybe I can make this easier on you. Why don’t you make dinner reservations for this evening? Six o’clock.”
“Anywhere in particular?”
He shook his head. “Anywhere you’d like.”
Feeling week in the knees, I could do little more than nod in agreement.
“And one more thing.
Make it for three.”
“Three.” The meaning of what he said slowly sank in. “Three?”
“Yes. I’ve been a jerk and you’ve been unhappy. And I know this will make your parents happy.”
“Don’t compromise yourself for my parents.”
He smiled while smoothing my hair. “I’m not doing it for them. I’m doing it for you. I'd do anything for you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I do. Because I'm reminded with each breath that I love you, and I want to share my life with you. From here on out, I plan to act like a grown up instead of the pouting little boy I've been. I promise to do my best to make you happy every day, for as long as my heart beats, and as long as I can take a breath. And what you did today, proves to me you were right. My father's not a threat, and I trust you completely.”
“But . . .”
He placed his pointer finger over my lips, “Not another word. I’ll see you tonight. Six o’clock.”
I stared with my mouth open as Carter got in his car and drove away. Every time I thought I had
him figured out he threw me a curve. I didn’t know what happened to cause this change of heart, but I said a silent prayer of thanks for it.
Chapter 48
Carter
She didn't know. She didn't suspect. I was in the clear.
Sort of. Except I set myself up for the most uncomfortable night of my life. But how could I not? Just the thought of losing her made me sick. I broke out in a cold sweat and wanted to throw up when I thought she'd end it.
By me going to dinner with him and putting forth this effort, it would make her happy. It would ease some of the tension between us when she realized the lengths I'd go to for her. At the very least, maybe I could come to some sort of agreement with my father to have him meet her parents.
He'd do it, I didn't doubt that, but he'd have to do it on my terms, without Jamie. And if I had to have him at the wedding to make them happy, she wasn't to step foot in the church or the reception. But first I had to get through dinner.
I let out a sigh of relief. I knew with Elizabeth by my side I could get through this. For her I could get through anything. If I needed strength or motivation, I need just look into her eyes.
Chapter 49
Elizabeth
Uptight glances didn't go unnoticed as I returned to the office through the reception area. Nor did I miss the large wide open eyes of my coworkers, or the sideways looks warning of the sudden chill in the air. I didn't miss any of the warning signs acting as a precursor to the brewing storm. I just didn't know what they meant. Yet.
Many of the other workers had been around long enough to know the power and destruction of the twister about to strike. Any other day I might have asked about the heavy silence of hushed inter office conversations, but not this day. My mind was too focused on Carter, Dr.
Penbrook, and our pending dinner.
Tense and uncertain, I was far too preoccupied to hear the roar of thunder rumbling around the office. If I had paid attention to any of the signs, I may have changed direction and veered off course. Instead I head
ed straight to my destination.
I kept moving forward, past the receptionist, past the examining rooms and straight into the doctor’s private office. I sat in a chair opposite the desk and folded then unfolded my hands wishing I were somewhere else. I wanted Carter to make amends with his father, but I wasn’
t sure I wanted to mediate it.
Especially since
her
name was sure to come up. I didn't want to hear the details of his relationship with Jamie. She was evil. I saw that in her smile.
“Elizabeth?” Dr.
Penbrook startled at finding me waiting. “What can I do for you?”
*
I exited the Doctor's office more jittery and nervous than I entered it. The image of Dr. Penbrook’s face alight with hope and joy stood in the foreground of my mind. I only hoped dinner would go well and he wouldn’t end up too disappointed.
Once back to my own work area, I found Sandy rifling throug
h the files on my desk.
“It’s about time you’ve returned. And for the recor
d, the break was unauthorized.”
Taken off guard, with anxiety spilling over my full line, I responded with an offensive posture. “Excuse me? I didn't realize I had to ask permission every time I got a sip of water. Wh
at do you think you’re doing?”
“Looking for the Simpson fil
e you incompetent little twit!”
“It’s not here.”
“I can see that, little genius.” Sandy snarled.
I wanted to rip every strand of Sandy’s dry, over processed hair right out of her head. I wanted to tell her where she could look for the file, but I didn't think she was that flexible. And I was somewhat certain that would lead directly to my immediate termination. I choked on my words and smiled sweetly.
“The file is on Dr. Penbrook’s desk. He wanted me to bring it to his office when I finished, so he could review it.”
“Yes. I’m aware of what he wanted.” Sandy slithered close to me. “And if you had the good sense to do your job the way you’re supposed to, I wouldn’t be in here looking for it!”
“I told you it's on his desk. Maybe you should look there.”
“You’re certain of that are you?” Sandy asked, disdain clear in her voice.
“Yes. I just saw it there five minutes ago.”
Sandy’s eyes opened wide, flames of anger shot out from them. With her mouth small and twisted, she turned on her heel and stormed off.
With dinner looming in the near future, my body already ached from the tension filling my neck and shoulders. Great, now I could add Sandy's tirade to my mountain of stress.
*
At five O’clock I stopped working and headed for the exit. I reached my hand out and almost had the doorknob in my grasp when I heard Sandy shriek behind me.
“I hope you don’t think you’re leaving.”
I turned to face her wondering what prompted this showdown. I did my best to keep my voice clear of any sarcasm, “I’m finished for the day.”
Sandy’s lips pressed together into a narrow line, her eyes small, her voice low and mean as she answered back, “Like hell you are. You owe me time.”
“I have to leave now, I’m meeting . . .”
“I don’t care if you're meeting the presid
ent! You are not leaving here.”
I wanted to answer back in a voice matching Sandy’s in both volume and anger. Instead I fought the impulse to tell Sandy to go to hell. I held my tongue, knowing Sandy would soon regret her poor attitude once she lear
ned who I was supposed to meet.
“I said get back t
o work. Do you understand me?”
Heads of the few remaining workers poked out of their cubicles and offices trying their best to take in
the scene.
I stared at Sandy in silence. This job wasn't worth it. I didn't care if I got fired. Even if it meant Carter would gloat and think he won. I secretly hoped the doctor would come out and put Sandy in her place.
“Are you mute all of a sudden? Did you hear me?” she yelled.
I cleared my throat. “Yes.”
“When you speak to me do so with respect.” Sandy’s eyes seared into mine.
Frustrated I stared back, not about to back down. After a deep breath, ready to show my cards, I answered, “Sandy, I think you should know . . .”
She cut me off, “Let me make one thing clear,” she tried to use her height as a tool of intimidation. Leaning over me, her pointer finger extended, she continued. “I worked long and hard to get where I am. If you think you’re going to come along and spread your legs to get everything I deserve you’ve got another thing coming.”
I almost choked, feeling the crimson of embarrassment rise from my
toes to my face. “Excuse me?”
“Don’t play your innocent bullshit.” Sandy’s nostrils flared. “I’m no fool. I’ve been down this road before. I knew it wouldn't work with that brainless Barbie doll,” the older woman continued.
“Jamie?”
Sandy sniggered. “I tried to talk him out if it. But he wouldn’t listen. He should’ve married me. I understand him. I know how to keep a man like him happy.”