Unexpected Chances (11 page)

Tabitha

It’s been a week since I last spoke to Carter, well I yelled at him through the phone. Every day since I’ve received flowers. This has earned me strange looks from Angela. The delivery person walks into the office, and I reach out and read the cards. Walk over and shred them and toss the flowers into the trash can.

This morning, she tried to snatch the card from my hands, but I managed to shred it before she could read it.

“Why do you keep tossing them? Tell Cory to stop.”

“They’re not from Cory,” I answer, not looking in her direction.

I hear her get comfortable in the chair by my desk, “Oh, who’s this lucky guy?”

“Tabitha, what is it with you and machines? Look right here at the screen. It’s telling you what’s wrong.” She directs me to look over and I know it does, but I’m frustrated. Not with just the machine, but with this whole new job crap. I hope she changes her mind and lets me go to New York instead.

“You’ve been weird this week. Are you upset with what’s going on with me?”

“No. I’m just stressed. Cory is still avoiding me, and Seth is mad and you have done a complete transition,” I let slip out, as a few tears well up into my eyes.

“Come here,” she says, as she opens her arms for me to come over to her. “You’ll fix everything with Cory in time. He’s heartbroken and I’m sure he misses you just as much. Plus you need to stop fretting over me. I’m going to be fine, and you know that.”

“I don’t know if Cory and I will ever be able to go back. I’ve been avoiding them all.”

“You will if it’s meant to be. Just let him cool off. You two are perfect for each other. But when a man’s ego gets bruised they take a little while to lick thier wounds.”

“If you say so. When do I have to go and meet with Georgia’s Inc.?”

“I’m happy you are ready to take this step. You’ll love him and his assistant.”

“Stop beating around the bush and just tell me.”

“Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow!” I scream at her. “Are you nuts? You could have told me the other day. How about let’s not rush anything.”

“Stop freaking out. You do this every day for me, and you know what to do. Go clean up your crap of a desk then go home. Before you leave, come get your packet. I made all your reservations, and have the first walk through I’ve done in the notes.”

“Fine,” I say, as I stomp away. I’m not ready to deal with this yet; I need another few weeks to sulk and be miserable before Carter makes me feel again.

Shoving all my papers away, I pack my computer up and head off to Angela’s office. She has no idea what she’s asking me to do. I have between now and tomorrow morning to pull it together and dig deep within to find my resistance for this man.

****

Carter

Confirming Tabitha’s arrival tomorrow took a little more time than what I’d hoped, but I couldn’t press the issue or someone would suspect something was going on.

I have one last thing to do today before calling it quits.

Meeting with my lawyer Richard in regards to the next step to take with Bethany.

I pull out the papers from my safe and stuff them into my briefcase. This should suffice as enough evidence on the blackmail charges and prove that we’ve never consummated our marriage. Richard is working to have at least separation papers filed by the end of the week.

Personally I don’t give a damn, as long as I’m free of her and the entire Edwards clan.

The statute of limitations has passed on being forced, but I have a copy of her birth certificate showing Bethany was 17 when we married. Hence, the reason to apply on the age at the time of marriage.

If all goes as planned, this certificate and a written agreement between myself and Mr. Edwards should move my case right along. Years ago when we started this battle of divorce, I’d asked to have it annulled. Now I need to wash my hands altogether. I don’t care if this will be considered my first marriage and my father calls it a failure.

It’s a complete failure on his part as a father, how could he agree to this all those years ago. Just to move ahead and become known. I’d never use my child as leverage or a pawn.

That’s what I’ve become a pawn for the future to him.

The joke is now on them all. I call checkmate; it’s time to end this game. We ran out of timeout’s a few years back, and I’m off the sidelines as I throw myself head first into the game.

Tabitha

My head is running around in circles. I keep thinking back to how I lost myself while dating Robert. I became who he wanted me to be, always second guessing myself and hoping for approval.

This is what my head thinks as I walk into Georgia’s Inc. this morning. I made sure to dress in the new black dress Angela bought me in New York and paired it with my gold heels and accessories.

“You will own this meeting, Tabitha Jean Michaelson. You will not allow him to get to you. This is your job and you will kick ass even in heels,” I say out loud to myself during the elevator ride up to 11th floor.

With the sound of the ding and doors opening, I let out a huge breath of air and step off onto the wood floors.

Greeted by a small framed brunette, “You must be Ms. Michaelson,” She states, as she reaches out for my hand.

“Yes, I have a meeting with Mr. Northwood,” I say, in response and shake her hand.

“He’s running a little late but asked that I show you to his office.”

“Okay,” I say, as I follow her to his office.

On the way I take the opportunity to look around. The office is small but open. Blueprints are framed along the walls and pictures of what I can only assume to be his completed projects.

“Please make yourself comfortable. I’ve placed coffee and water on the table. He should be arriving at any moment,” she says, as she backs out of the office.

Placing my briefcase down, I’m in awe of his office. It’s simple and him. The air smells of him, and I can picture Carter sitting behind his desk at night working on his next design.

He has a drafting table up against one side and a leather sofa on the other. In the middle is his messy desk, which resembles mine on any given day.

I don’t notice any personal pictures but his walls are dressed with skyscrapers, and a beautiful drawing of the Golden Gate Bridge. As I step over to look closer, my heart stops when I notice it’s signed by him.

My fingers reach out to run across the glass where he has signed his name.

“You like?” I hear from behind causing me to startle.

“This is yours?” I ask, in confusion. I wasn’t aware that he did the designs; maybe I don’t know him at all.

“I did,” he says closing the distance between us. Carter reaches up and brushes a few strands of hair out of my face.

Turning back to look at the wall, “It’s beautiful. It’s one of my favorite bridges and you really captured the history with this drawing.

“You are beautiful. Standing here in my office with this admiring look upon your face. You truly took my breath away when I walked in.”

“Stop trying to flatter me, Carter. I’m here for business and business only.”

“I’m stating a fact, Tabitha, and you need to learn to take a compliment from me. I don’t give them without merit.”

“Let’s get down to business then, shall we.” I say as I walk away from him trying to gather my senses. This man is so much more than I thought he was. He’s passionate about things and has a way with creating something that no one else could.

The drawing of the bridge shows both beauty and pain. The fog behind the bridge is dark, like a storm cloud hovering in the sky.

“I’d like to do a complete walk through of one of your complexes today. Get the feel of the place, and then we can go over what you envision. I know Angela has already done this, but since I’m being forced to take this project, I need to know everything and see it for myself,” I say, not stopping to catch my breath.

“Slow down, Tabitha. We have time. I’d like to show you around the office then we can head out and take a look around.”

Turning to face him, “Okay,” Is all I get out.

“Look at these drawings I have here,” he says, as he gestures for me to look at the drafting table.

Looking down, I’m confused to what I see. “What’s this?”

“This is my dream house. A place I’ve been designing for years. One day I will build it and then most likely sell the place.”

“Why would you sell a place like this? Especially if it’s your dream?” I ask, looking at the magnificent drawing.

“It’s nothing if you don’t have someone to share it with. Why live in something that depresses you?”

He’s so close to me that I feel his breath upon my face as he’s explaining the design. “You’re really good, Carter. I didn’t know you did all this.”

“No one does. They think I give an idea to designers and let them do it.”

“Why? Why don’t you take the credit for this?”

“Long story, maybe another day. Huh?” He says with a shrug, as if it’s no big deal to not take credit for your work.

“Come on, let me show you around and introduce you.” 

He places his and on the lower section of my back and guides me out of his office. We stop at the reception area where I was greeted.

“Kelly, I’d like to introduce you to Tabitha Michaelson. Kelly here is my right-hand lady. She handles pretty much everything in the office for me,” Carter says, as I reach out and shake Kelly’s hand.

“Nice to meet you, Kelly.”

“Oh, the pleasure is all mine,” as she says this, I take a quick glance over to Carter. Has he said anything about me to her? I wonder.

“Come on, let me show you the rest of the office.”

I’d love to be able to stop and look at all the pictures on the wall, but will have to save that for another day. The office is small with just Carter and Kelly. He’s informed me that the board consists of members who bought into the company years ago.

They are all in different offices around town and have their own companies. In short words he has investors to answer to. From the past I’ve learned that investors are worse than just board members sitting across a table from you.

Investors want a detailed list of why they aren’t gaining capital.

“We can grab a bite to eat now or after I show you the first location.”

“After is fine. That way I can pick you apart over lunch.”

“You don’t have to wait until lunch to do that,” Carter responds, as he picks up his keys.

****

Carter

Tabitha made my heart stop beating when I walked in my office and saw her looking at my artwork.

She was admiring it as if she’s never seen anything like it. Standing in her designer dress and heels that I’ve become accustomed to seeing her in. Her hair is cascading down in soft curls.

Breathless… That’s what Tabitha does to me.

The shock on her face when she realized that I was the one who does most of the drawings and designs was; priceless.

Neither Bethany nor my family cares for my work. They all feel that I wasted my time going to Washington State for my Engineering and Architecture degree. So seeing that look on her face today, it made me feel as if I was important, and my work mattered.

Tabitha’s not just an investor who cares if I’m making them money or not, she could see behind each line and every curve in the design.

After showing her the office, I lead her out into the parking garage and open the door for her to jump into my truck.

It’s cute watching her try to hide her ass from me while climbing in.

“You know we could have taken my rental car. This thing is outrageous,” she’s saying as I close the door and move around the front of the truck laughing.

As I climb in she’s shooting daggers at me.

“Buckle up, Tabby Cat.”

“Tabby Cat?” She questions.

“Umm… Yeah, I gave you a nickname,” I stutter around as I back the truck out and head out to the freeway.

“I think we need to stick to our names, Carter. No giving nicknames or anything.”

“Not changing it. It fits you and I like calling you that.”

“How can you like calling me something that you just used?”

“Oh, I use it. You might not be here when I do, but I use it.”

“Gross, Carter,” she exclaims.

“Not like that. Goodness you are feisty.”

“You have no idea,” I hear her say, as she looks out towards the city.

We sit in silence as we make our way to the first complex. My hope is to move past this type of setup and design for a few housing developments.

Pulling into the parking space, I hear Tabitha, “This is something else.”

“What were you expecting?”

“Not this. Your website doesn’t do this place any justice.”

“I’ll make a note of that. Come on let me show you the model home. Most of them are the same as this. The owners can choose paint, flooring and such, but the layouts are the same,” I explain, escorting her to the entryway.

Opening the door, I allow Tabitha to enter first. I take her in as she looks around wide-eyed and surprised.

“I’m confused,” she says walking into the kitchen.

“Why is that?” I ask, leaning up against the center island and cross my arms and feet.

“About why we are here. The place is beautiful and upscale. Why aren’t you getting the clients that you’re going after?”

“Simple. I think it has to do with the way our marketing is planned out. Just as you said a little while ago, the pictures don’t do it justice.”

“True, but I don’t know,” she says, as she moves about the room.

It’s then that I know if she’d let me, I’d build a palace for her. She’s taking in every bit of detail as if she’s going to buy this place for herself.

“What do you think?”

“I love it. Do you do remodels?” She asks laughing.

“I can do anything you need me to,” I say, which earns me another glare that I’ve become accustomed to now.

Tabitha doesn’t realize that at this point I’d move a mountain to make her happy. Hell, I’m trying to move one huge ass one called Mount Bethany as we speak.