Unexpected Chances (20 page)

Tabitha

I’d heard Georgia’s Incorporated lost their company lawyer in some freak car accident. I’ve pushed myself to send a condolence card from SHI, only because we’d do that for any other company. It has nothing to do with who owns the company. I addressed it to Carter, and mailed it off.

Not expecting anything in return, I’m shocked when I arrive at my office today and see the dozen of white roses with a pink trim around them. I reach in for the card and brace myself for his words.

Words that I’ve missed hearing, so today I’ll take what I can get.

Tabby Cat,

I received the card and thank you. He was a great man and confidant to me for many years. I hope you like the roses.

I think of you every day and dream of you each night.

Carter

“I do too. I do too,” I say out loud to the card, as I reach up to pluck one of the roses out of the vase. Bringing it to my nose, I inhale and release the bottled up anger. I haven’t the slightest idea to how he figured it out, but he did. Carter Northwood figured out my flower.

It doesn’t mean a thing that after all this time, I’ve heard from him finally and just because I sent a card. Hell who am I joking, if that man walked into this office right now; I’d jump into his arms and claim him as mine.

Needing to get back to work and focus on my tasks at hand. I have a wedding to help finish plan, a hormonal best friend that has gone mad along with an assistant that’s moody as hell these days.

Oh let’s not forget that Cory is now dating Meredith, and has no time for me, and Seth keeps going MIA. I’m ecstatic for Cory, and have even had dinner a few times with them, but something about being the third wheel causes me to decline the gesture these days.

Opening my calendar, I’ve got to arrange a few details for the wedding and then schedule some of the new clients I’m taking over. Angela has been pretty much on lock down since they found out they are expecting. Logan has her working from an office next to his, and I don’t ask.

It’s her time to shine as an expecting mother, and successful business woman. She deserves everything that Logan gives her. I’m envious of that kind of relationship. After such a short time knowing, Carter I’d had hope. I had fooled myself into thinking that he was the one, the one that would change my life.

****

Carter

Walking on eggshells every day is getting old. I’ve been racking my brain on how Bethany got to Richard. How she might have known what we were up to.

Watching my every move, is what I’ve been doing. As hard as it is to not jump on my bike or a plane to see the one I need. Picturing her hurt, has done things to me that I never imagined I could feel again. I vow to protect her, even if I never can fully make her mine. It’s a simple fact that now since Richard is gone, I might never be free.

I’ll love her from afar, and lay my life down for her.

When the invitation came from Angela Stephens to invite me to what looks to be the wedding of the century. I almost marked decline, instead my heart checked accept. I’ve RSVP’d as one and just hope I’ll have the chance to talk with Tabitha.

Knowing that I should keep my ass here and away from her, this is business. I refuse to allow Bethany to screw that up. She’s doing a swell job with my life, but not my business.

“Carter, I have a package for you,” Kelly announces from the doorway of my office.

Confused as I’m not expecting anything, I extend my hands and take it from her. As I glance down to the writing, I know exactly who it’s from. Throwing my head up to the ceiling, “Thank you,” I say.

“Welcome,” Kelly responds, as she exits my office.

I know she thinks I was thanking her, but in all reality I’m thanking the person who sent this to me. Now I just pray it’s what I need. If it is, it’s an out. Closure will come soon enough, but possibly not as quickly.

Using the scissors to slice the tape, I pull the cardboard back and look down.

All that’s in the box is a brass key with the numbers 9781 and SHB engraved on top.

Tabitha

I arrive in New York, ready to celebrate one of the happiest days in Angela’s life. I remember the day she married her douche, and I should have locked her in the changing room. I allowed her to make the biggest mistake of her life. But in the end, it’s worked out and her knight has rescued her.

A day full of last minute touches and a much-needed spa treatment, courtesy of Logan Black.

I decided I didn’t have the energy to fix my hair, so I talked Angela into getting the stylist to do it.

Sitting next to my best friend, I glance over and take her in. She’s closed her eyes as she rubs her hands along her swollen belly. It’s a sight I never expected and my heart pounds against my chest. I want that.

Mentally I convince myself that by this time next year, I will find a way to have that.

“Angela, question.”

“No to whatever you are coming up with over there.”

“Seriously, listen. I need to know if you think this is crazy.”

“Anything from that mouth of yours, it’s crazy, but I’m listening.”

“I’m not getting any younger, you know and I don’t have any willing prospects knocking my door down. I want a baby, and this time next year I’ll have one. I think I’ll go see the doctor and find out about that artificial stuff, you know where they take the turkey baster and shoot you up.”

Laughing she turns towards me as she says, “It’s called artificial insemination and you don’t have a willing person because you close every one off.”

“Do not,” I pout.

“When was the last time you actually went on a date, and enjoyed it?”

“Not long ago, it’s just complicated and it won’t work out.”

“It won’t or you don’t allow it?”

“I don’t know,” I say, as I close my eyes and picture Carter in my head. He’s leaning down rubbing my swollen stomach and my heart constricts from missing him.

“Not everyone is like Robert. You know that right?”

“I do, but how do you trust again? How do you let someone in that could destroy you into a million pieces?”

“That’s why it’s called trust, and you take that unexpected chance you’ll find your true love. You have to kiss the toads before you find your prince, Tabitha. Open up and live. I know you, and I know you’re closed off for certain reasons, but you only have one life to live. So live it and love with all your heart. That fire you have, let it burn. Once you find him, allow him to blow out the flame and hang your torch up.”

I don’t respond right away, as I know who I want to take a chance on, I know who has already blew out my flame. What I don’t know is, does that flame still burn between us?

“I’ll try,” I answer back, as I reach over and squeeze her hand.

“That’s all any of us can do. Try and you never know you could stand next to that prince tomorrow.”

“Oh no you don’t. Get it out of your mind, right now. I refuse to fall for Logan’s best friend. Not going to happen, chick.”

“Never say never.”

We chat a little more on how she’s not making a mistake and I swear to her that I would kill him if he ever hurt her or that baby.

I know that’s never an option, as she is Logan’s life and soon their child will be his life.

I slip into my emerald green cocktail dress and slide into my silver heels. I chose to go with a straight form fighting one this evening. You never know, I’m in a new city with some pretty interesting people around me. No reason to not dress to kill; it’s my new motto.

Making it through some eventful interactions for the evening, things slow down as the night comes to a close. I’d persuaded Logan to sleep elsewhere, we needed some alone time with just us girls.

“Its bad luck Logan, and you will not win this war with me.”

“You and Angela will be the death of me; I’m glad to have a few states between us. Don’t take it the wrong way, I just know I’d never win with the two of you,” Logan states, as he grabs his overnight bag and leaves. 

“Come on little momma, let’s get some beauty rest. Tomorrow is a big day,” I say, as I pull her up from the couch.

“It is and thank you for everything you’ve done to help me. Without you and the wedding planner, this never would happen.”

“It would have happened, just not to his standards.”

“True… thank you for being here, Tabitha. For everything you do, and always standing beside me. No matter what.”

“No thanks are needed. You’d do the same for me, and plus now I get to be Aunt Tabby. What better gift could you ever give me than that? I will spoil it like no other.”

Chuckling at me, “You will not spoil this child. Do you understand me?”

“I hear you loud and clear, but you know I never listen.”

“Lord help me, I know you don’t.”

****

Carter

I’m out of my mind thinking this was a smart idea. I never should have responded and agreed to attend this wedding.

On my way to the lounge for dinner, I have to stop and brace myself against the wall. I can hear Tabitha laugh from down the way. It’s a sound that I’ve missed but at the same time it warms my heart.

“You can do this, Carter. Keep your shit together,” I let out in a growl.

Peeking around the column to make sure they don’t see me, I watch as she wraps her arms around Angela’s soon to be husband. It’s a brief encounter as they share another laugh. It should be me here with her, embracing her as she feels fit.

Instead I hide out and wait.

Seems like the same story over and over again. Tomorrow though will be a new day. A day I plan to approach and see if she will still give me a chance.

For now I will wait and run over the plan for tomorrow. I just hope I don’t get the wrath of her fire.

Tabitha

The ceremony was beautiful, a fairy tale ending for a happy couple. I love my navy blue strapless gown and silver rhinestone heels. Anything I can make sparkle causes me to smile.

Angela has this crazy notation in her head that Will and I will hit it off. He’s good-looking, but he’s not my Carter, the one I’d like to be cutting a rug with. For now I’ll allow Will, Cory and Seth to keep me company. I love the fact that Angela invited them all.

The only thing that worries me, is Cory seems to be watching me like a hawk. Then you have Seth and Jessica going at it every five seconds.

I march over to them, “Look if one of you ruins her special day you will die from the heel of my shoes. One spike for each of you,” I explain, as I point to both Cory and Seth. “If that happens, you better pray you live to buy me a new pair,” I continue to explain, as I lift my dress a little and watch them shine against my dress. They’re catching the reflection from the lights above and dancing.

Bringing me out of my fog, “What are you five? They shine, it’s not like you’ve never seen it before,” Seth spits out at me earning him a death glare.

I watch as he walks away towards the bar. That’s when I see him and to the right is Angela, waving me over.

“Go fix it, Firecracker, You and I both know where your heart lies,” Cory whispers in my ear.

I turn to give him my best smile, as I reach up and place a small kiss on his cheek. “Thank you for always being you.”

As I march my way across the ballroom floor, I’m watching everything happen in slow motion. Confused to who’s just wrapped their arm into Carters.

She looks familiar, but I’m not sure who she is.

As I approach, Carter’s jaw is rigid and I immediately notice his fist in a tight grip next to him.

“Tabitha, you know Carter and his wife, Bethany,” Angela says, and the room starts to spin underneath my feet.

“Yes, I know Carter and it’s a pleasure to meet you Bethany.” As I extend my hand out towards her. I take this moment to cut my eyes up towards Carter. Pleading with him for answers to why I seem to be the last one on earth that knew this man was married.

“If you will excuse me, I promised a dance to the best man.” I let out, turning as quick as my new heels will allow me. I’m still spinning and need a moment, but I know I have to fake that smile I’m accustomed to.

“Come on, Will it’s time to show me your moves,” I instruct, as I walk past him. Cory gives me a look and I shake my head at him. He knows this means not right now.

Just as my feet hit the wood dance floor, the DJ switches the song to
“Dark Horse”
and I’m instantly taken back to that night when Carter surprised me on the dance floor.

I turn my head slightly and look back towards the bar, he’s talking with Angela, but his eyes are burning holes through my skin.

“Can you keep up, Mr. Best man?” I ask, using my best slutty voice.

“Oh I’m sure I can match it. Can you handle me?”

“Just pay attention, big boy.”

I let the music and words take over me, as I close my eyes I’m taken back to that night in the club. The night that he set every cell of my body on fire. The first time in forever that I was ready right then to hand my heart over. I know he’s watching. Carter knows exactly what I’m thinking and doing in this moment of time.

I’m replaying that night step for step, hip sway for hip sway.

Swinging my hips, I start to move down slowly until I reach the floor and then head back up.

“Tabitha, I like you, but if you don’t want me to cause a scene right now, I suggest you stand up,” Will explains, in his scratchy voice. It’s sexy, but not what I need to hear.

The voice I need is standing next to the bar with his wife on his arm.

A tap on my shoulder brings me back to reality as I look around and realize that I’m on the dance floor attending my best friend’s wedding.

“Not tonight. I promise I’ll explain soon, but not tonight. I won’t be able to hold it together if you make me.” I rush through it as I know in any moment she will cause me to break down in front of everyone.

“Just tell me if he hurt you?”

“He didn’t hurt me, but he’s a man and men break your heart,” I explain, as I feel the tears building in my sockets. “I will be fine. I have no desire to ruin your wedding day.”

Angela embraces me with one of her hugs, the only kind I need at this moment in time.

“If you’ll excuse me. I’m going to get some fresh air.”

“Take your time and if you need me I’m here,” Angela says, as she rubs down the side of my arm to comfort me.

I step off the floor and notice that Carter is still watching. I can’t look at him. I don’t even know what to say.

****

Carter

As Angela approaches me, I feel someone grab onto my arm. I turn my head towards the person and I’m stricken with anger.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I growl out in a low voice so no one else can hear me.

“I’m your plus one. You really need to start responding as a plus one, Carter. Now smile for the happy bride.”

My blood is boiling to the point that if I could commit murder and get away with it, I would make it happen right now. She has no idea what she has just done, but then when I think about it Bethany has planned this down to the last second of the evening.

“Congratulations, Angela,” I say, as I shake her hand briefly. It’s then that I catch Tabitha out of my peripheral vision and watch as she heads in our direction.

I notice her brother and Cory starting me down as they watch her walk towards me. Her body is straight as a rod and I notice the fire in her eyes is doing more than burning.

Angela introduces us and I’m shocked that she knows Bethany. Someone did their research.

After we make it through the pleasantries, Tabitha darts off on a mission. She’s hurt and I want to go to her. Comfort her and tell her everything, but I can’t.

“It’s a shame, she had to find out like this, Carter. You really need to pull it together. She’s nobody.”

Bethany’s voice causes me to see red, “You’re wrong, she’s my future,” I lash out, as I get in Bethany’s face and lean down to her ear. “Remember this day, Bethany and remember it well. Today is the last day you will ever see me, do you understand me? I’m done with your sick twisted games. You won’t take me down with you, ever. I have enough proof to make it happen.”

She stops me, “You use to have enough proof, but I took care of that problem.”

“See my darling wife, that’s where you’re wrong. He wasn’t the only one that had access to the information. See he was a decoy, one that lead them right to you and your family. I suspect within a few months, orange will look nice on you.” As I finish, I hear the intake of breath, and I turn to locate Tabitha.

“My work is done here for now. I’ll see you back in Seattle, Carter.”

“I’ll see you in court,” I state.

Tabitha’s on the dance floor with the best man, dancing to the first song we ever danced to. I have to fight back everything in me to not snatch him off her and pound his face in. To the left of them, is Cory and I’m pretty sure by the way he’s looking at me, that’s the same thing he wishes to do to me.

Observing the interaction between Tabitha and Angela, I know I need to follow behind her as she leaves the ballroom.

What do I say to the events that just took place? I can’t tell her the truth yet, all I can promise her is that looks are deceiving and nothing appears as they are.

I can promise that changes are coming and they will be worth the wait.