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Once Upon a Lifetime – By Kazza Part 24“You wanted me.” He said calmly, studying her face for any signs of feeling. “Yes, please sit down.” She instructed, not lifting her eyes from the papers in front of her. She knew he’d be able to read her like a book if he looked deep in to her eyes. “Ok.” He replied, getting his notepad ready for taking notes. “Right ……….. we’ve got to arrange the Christmas Party, and Max has volunteered your services to prepare the list of potential attendees.” “Ok.” He replied, breathing a slight sigh of relief, it had been about work. “Great, I think it’s quite important ……..” “No problem, I’ll start it right away.” He said wanting to get out of the suffocating atmosphere of her office. As he got up from his seat, Alex couldn’t help but look at Isabelle. He was startled to find her eyes looking directly at him. It was only the briefest of glances before she broke contact and looked away, but in her eyes he saw so much. He could tell she was hurting, he could tell she was upset, but why didn’t she say something? “Erm,
Isabelle?” “About
the other day ………..” He
started “Ok.” He replied quietly, before disappearing from her office. Upon hearing her door close, Isabelle stopped what she was doing and placed her head in her hands. “Why didn’t I say something?” She scolded herself. She’d had the perfect opportunity, yet she’d let it brush past her. “God I could have told him, explained why I didn’t answer his question.” She said to herself. Wiping away a tear that was threatening to spill out of her eye, Isabelle picked up her pen again and immersed herself into her work in an attempt to forget Alex for a while. “Right, so you could accommodate us on 15th?……… And we could have separate rooms for the pre dinner drinks and the meal? ………. Great. What about if we wanted a band or something? ……….. No problem? ……… That’s great.…….. Erm yes I’d really like to come and view your hotel if that’s ok? ………… This afternoon would be wonderful………. Great, I’ll see you then.” Liz said before putting the phone down. “You look happy with yourself.” Maria remarked, looking at her friend who was sporting a huge grin across her face. “So would you be if you’d just persuaded The New York Palace to accept our Christmas Party on our budget.” Liz replied, unable to stop smiling. “Wow, The New York Palace, that’s like ………. like a royalty hotel!” Maria replied, in shock that Liz had got the hotel to accept the booking. “I’m going to look round it this afternoon, just to make sure it’s ok. I think I should probably ask Max if he wants to come with me.” Liz thought out loud. “Yeah, that would probably be a good idea, since it is his party really.” “I’ll go and ask him now.” Liz said, getting up and seeing Alex return from Isabelle’s office. “So she didn’t bite your head off anything then?” Maria joked. “No, I’m still in one piece.” He replied, but it lacked his normal happy response. “You ok Alex? You seem a bit down.” Liz enquired. “I’m ok, just guy stuff. Nothing for you to worry about.” He replied, but the girls weren’t convinced. “We’re good listeners you know Alex, perhaps it would help to talk about it?” “Thanks Liz, but I think I’ll keep it to myself for now. I’m nursing a bruised ego and I really don’t want to relive it by telling you all the gory details!” He replied, before starting work on his computer. All Maria and Liz could do was look at each other in confusion, neither knowing what was going on with their friend. “And this is the Reid Salon where we would serve pre dinner drinks to your guests.” The Hotel Manager, Mr Sanderson showed. “And through here is the Villard Ballroom, where your dinner would be served, and the evening entertainment Mr Evans.” “How long does it usually take to clear away the tables for the evening entertainment?” Liz asked. “It normally takes approximately fifteen to twenty minutes.” Mr Sanderson said, instructing the answer to Liz’s question towards Max. “Great that would give the band time to set up. Do you have any menus for the dinner we could take away and look at?” Liz asked. “Certainly.” Mr Sanderson replied, going behind the bar and removing a folder. “This should give you all the information you require Mr Evans.” “Right, thank you.” Max replied, handing the folder to Liz. He had noticed the Hotel Manager’s answers to Liz’s questions had been directed at him, and that bothered him slightly. Max had only come along to check the place out, and spend some time with Liz. “Is there anything else you would like to see Mr Evans?” “Not me personally. But, as it is my Personal Assistant, Miss Parker here, who will be choosing the venue of the party, perhaps you should ask her?” Max stated bluntly. “Oh of course, Miss Parker?” Mr Sanderson said, addressing Liz for the first time since they arrived at the hotel. “I’d like to take a look at your executive rooms please. We have quite a few important clients attending the party, and I want to make sure the bedrooms will be up to standard.” Liz replied, putting on her posh voice. “Certainly, no problem Miss Parker. This way please.” Mr Sanderson replied, grovelling towards Liz. “Well the venue is perfect Liz, you’ve done really well. Shame I can’t say the same about the Manager!” Max said as they drove back to the office. “Mmm, it did take a while for him to notice I even existed.” Liz replied. “A while? That’s putting it mildly Liz, he practically ignored you! Did you notice how he addressed every answer to me? Even to your questions!” “Yeah, I did notice, but I don’t mind Max. That’s one of the reasons I brought you along with me.” “Oh
thanks Liz! And there was me
thinking it was because you liked my company.”
He replied, pretending to be hurt. “Hmmm,
spokesperson, you’re not getting any better Liz!” “Relax, I understand what you mean. I just hope I’ve never treated you like that.” “No Max, you’ve been a perfect gentleman.” Liz replied as they pulled into the underground car park of Evans Associates. “Mmm,
how about a kiss before we head back up to the prying eyes of the office?”
Max asked. “What are you thinking?” He said when they finally came up for air. “Erm ……….. Just what an amazing kisser you are actually.” She replied trying not to blush. “You think so huh? Well I think you’re not so bad either.” He replied, pulling her in for another kiss. Their passionate embrace was short lived though, when the banging sound of the door to the car park reverberated around the hollow area. Springing apart, they looked around to see who might have caught them. “Hi Max.” Isabelle said, walking towards her brother’s car. “Oh, hi Isabelle.” He replied, trying to keep his composure. “Liz.” Isabelle added, acknowledging Max’s passenger. “Hi Isabelle.” Liz replied, hoping her embarrassment at nearly getting caught didn’t show too much. “Well, erm, Liz and I should get back up to the office. I’ve probably got a thousand and one phone messages.” Max said, trying to get away from his sister. “Ok ………sure.” Isabelle replied, sensing she’d interrupted something. Watching her brother and his secretary scamper away and disappear into the elevator, Isabelle wondered what she’d interrupted. Both Max and Liz had looked so guilty when she’d come over to them. “Could they ……..? Nah, don’t be so stupid.” Isabelle thought to herself as she got into her car. “Oh my god Max, that was so close!” Liz squealed as the elevator doors closed. “I know, god I hope I didn’t look guilty!” He replied, praying his sister hadn’t seen anything she shouldn’t. “We’ve really got to be more careful.” Liz said. “I know, but can I help it if you make me go crazy every time I’m around you?” Max replied smiling, squeezing her hand in his After her afternoon meeting, Isabelle headed off back to the office. She had a couple of things she needed to sort out before heading home for the day. Also, she was hoping to have a few private moments with Alex. She knew talking to him was way over due. She was in luck, stepping into the office she found that Maria had already left and Liz looked like she was getting ready to pack up. That left just Max and Alex. “Alex, could I have a few moments?” Isabelle asked as she walked past his desk. “Erm,
sure. But if it’s about the list
for the party, I haven’t had a chance to finalise it yet.”
He replied “What is it about then?” Alex asked bluntly, as he closed the door to her office. Taking a deep breath, Isabelle paused for a moment, trying to figure out in her head what she was going to say to Alex. “It’s ……………. It’s about us Alex, and the question you asked me a few days ago.” She replied trying to keep her voice calm. “What about it?” Alex asked, sensing that Isabelle was genuinely uncomfortable with their conversation. There was a long pause, as Isabelle tried to obtain the courage to continue. “I know I hurt you by not answering your question, but ………” Isabelle started, before there was a knock at her door.
“Oh, Isabelle I’m sorry. I didn’t realise you were having a meeting.” Max said starting to back out of the office. “It’s ok Max, do you need something?” “Just a quick question if that’s ok.” “Ok, give me a minute and I’ll come and see you.” Isabelle replied looking at Alex. After the door closed, Alex was the first to speak. “I guess that’s my que to leave.” He said starting to get up. “No wait Alex. I do want to talk to you ………….. Look, what are you doing tonight?” “Erm,
nothing, why?” He replied, unsure
where she was going with the conversation. “Wow! I mean, sure ok.” He replied, trying to hide his enthusiasm. In such a simple gesture, all the pain she’d inflicted on him was dulled somewhat. Not forgotten, she’d hurt him a lot, but definitely cushioned. “Ok, I’ll pick you up at 8.00pm.” “No problem, I’ll see you then.” Alex replied, heading out of her office and not being able to hide the grin that stretched across his face. Dinner with Isabelle Evans sounded too good to be true, Alex thought as he packed up the things on his desk. Ok so he assumed it was so she didn’t feel so bad about brushing him off, but hey he had a few hours to dream that she really did want to see him outside of work on personal terms. As she got ready for her dinner date with Alex, Isabelle thought about what she was going to tell him. Could she really be honest and bare her soul to him? Wouldn’t that make her too vulnerable to him? She certainly wasn’t used to feeling vulnerable, and it wasn’t a feeling she enjoyed. “Off somewhere nice tonight Is?” Max asked as he peered into her room. “Max! You made me jump.” Isabelle said, visibly shaken by her brother’s voice. She’d been so engrossed in thinking about what to say to Alex, she hadn’t even heard her door open. “Yeah, I can see I made you jump. You ok Is?” “Erm,
yeah of course. Why wouldn’t I
be?” “Just
got things on my mind.” “No, just something I’ve got to sort out myself.” “So,
back to my original question that made you jump.” “No!” She snapped. “I mean, no, it’s just a friend, no one special really.” She replied, trying to cover up her initial outburst. As he watched his sister, Max could sense how anxious she was. Her face was flushed, something that very rarely happened. Isabelle Evans wasn’t known for getting embarrassed or flushed easily. She was very jumpy, and she’d changed her top three times since he’d walked into her room. Normally she was so funny about stripping in front of him, even though he was her brother. Under normal circumstances, Max would have continued his grilling, enjoying watching her squirm and think up answers that were obviously just covering up the bigger picture. But as he watched her look in her full length mirror, Max decided she’d suffered enough. “Ok then, well have a nice time.” He replied, before leaving her room. Sitting down on her bed, Isabelle breathed a sigh of relief, grateful her brother hadn’t pushed the subject further. She was having a tough enough time keeping up her well practised ‘front’ and she knew Max would see right through her if she let it slip just slightly. “God what’s wrong with me!” She snapped to herself. “He’s just a guy, get a grip!” She scolded herself. She really didn’t like what was happening to her, how she was feeling so mixed up and the seeds of doubt Alex had sewn in her mind without even knowing it. As she drove along the freeway to Alex’s house, Isabelle finally made the decision on what to do about her feelings for her junior lawyer. “All I have to do is tell him now.” She thought to herself. “But that’s easier said than done.” She added as she pulled into the long driveway to his house.
PART
25
“Hi, erm ……… I’m here to see Alex.” Isabelle said, as the housekeeper opened the door. “Come in dear, he won’t be a moment.” She replied, ushering Isabelle into the sitting room. “I’ll just go and chase up master Alex.” The housekeeper added, before scuttling upstairs. A few minutes later, the housekeeper returned, with Alex in toe. “Isabelle, hi. You look ……….. amazing.” He said, seeing her attire. For a moment she felt self conscious. She’d thrown on a pair of dark blue Calvin Klein jeans, and finally decided on a baby blue long sleeve jumper. She wasn’t used to dressing down to go out, normally she whet out to glamorous parties, but somehow Alex seemed to see right through her charade. Subconsciously, she’d decided to let Alex see the real her, after all she was about to bare her true feelings to him. She also found herself looking at Alex in a different way. She was used to seeing him suited up for the office, but he’d dressed casually for their dinner engagement. He’d worn black jeans, a navy Ralph Lauren shirt and had a black leather jacket in his hand. She couldn’t help but notice how the relaxed attire made him seem more handsome and even more approachable. “Oh this is nothing.” She replied, brushing off his compliment. “Well, shall we go?” He said. “Sure.” She replied, grateful to get out of the house. As wonderful as it was, it was rather overwhelming. “So,
erm, where are we off to then?” He
asked as Isabelle pulled out of the driveway. “Mmm.” Liz said as she broke the kiss with Max, both needing to come up for air. “It’s a good job Isabelle was going out tonight, otherwise she might have wondered where you were going.” “Yeah,
I guess so. But for some reason
she’s not her normal self at the moment.
She hasn’t badgered or quizzed me for nearly a week now, and as for my
previous admission that I had feelings for someone, well she just never followed
that up.” “I
hope it’s a happy, uncomplicated life though.” “Keep this up and you’ll get nothing for dinner, ‘cause it will all be burnt!” Liz joked, placing her hands on his chest and pushing him away slightly. “Well I’m certainly hungry ………… for something ……….. but somehow I don’t think food with quash this hunger.” He said, placing his hands around her waist once more and staring into her deep brown eyes. Her trademark shy smile shone up to him as he looked at her. It still surprised him how shy she was around him at times, even after everything they had been through and shared. “Hi
yes, I’ve got a table booked under Evans ………… for two people.”
Isabelle said when they arrived at Latinos. “Mrs Evans.” The waiter said as he pulled out a chair for Isabelle and handing her a menu. “And Mr Evans.” He added. “Erm
I’m not …………..” Alex started, but the waiter had turned and started
to leave. “Mr Evans.”
He finished to Isabelle. After ordering drinks and their meals, Isabelle realised it was time to talk, she’d procrastinated for long enough. “Right …….. erm ok, the reason I invited you here.” She started. “Ok.” “Alex, I really like you ……….” She said, still trying to choose her words. “But.” He interrupted. “Huh?” “Oh right ……….. but …………..” She stumbled, she was having a very hard time forcing the words out of her mouth.
“Alex,
please, just let me finish.”
“Not ready for another relationship, or just don’t want it to be with me?” He asked bluntly. “The
former.” She replied quietly. “About what?” “How
you really feel. I am more than
happy to reciprocate the action.” “Ok, well since I’ve already told you some of it, I guess I’ll go first. I think you are a very amazing person Isabelle. You are extremely beautiful, with a sharp brain to match. I know that you often put on a front for other people’s benefit, but I’d hazard a guess you’d like to be yourself, and I think you can be with me. I think I have had feelings for you for a long time now, but only really admitted it to myself over the previous 6 months. The others in the office think you’re quite frosty and sharp, but I think you just like to be in control. I think when you’re not in control it scares you, and you have to try and seek out some sort of normality to calm your fears. I think you don’t like admitting who you really are because it makes you feel vulnerable, so you act powerful to hide that vulnerability. And I think you like to be someone a bit special, someone who stands out from the crowd. I think that’s why you like all the parties and show biz glamour, it makes you feel special. Yet you are so special just as you are right now, dressed in jeans and a jumper, you are perfect just the way you are.” Alex said with all sincerity. “Erm, wow, how do I follow that then?” Isabelle asked, completely stunned by his revelations. Nobody had ever questioned who she was before, but Alex had just successfully shattered everything she’d built around her to make her feel secure. “Just tell me how you really feel.” “How I feel? That’s not as easy for me as it seems for you. But …….. I guess I’m scared right now. I know how much you care about me Alex, and I guess no one has ever loved me so unconditionally before. I’m afraid I won’t be able to live up to your expectations of who I am, or who you’ve built me up to be. And …………. And I’ve never really felt like this before. I’m scared Alex, I’m scared of ………….. of the feelings that I’m experiencing. I’ve ……………… I’ve never really loved anyone before, not that I’m saying I’m in love with you Alex …….. I just don’t know. The only thing I know right now is that I need space Alex, I need to have time to sort my head out.” As his mind processed what Isabelle had said, Alex couldn’t believe it. She hadn’t actually told him she loved him, but in Isabelle’s jumbled language it was all but saying that. He could feel a warm heat swimming around his heart as he smiled back at her. He’d managed to break through her icy exterior and touch the soft centre he knew existed. “And
I thought you said it wasn’t easy for you to tell me how you feel.”
Alex said gently. “It’s ok Isabelle, I’m not about to repeat any of it. I’m just happy you could be honest with me. And I am more than happy to give you as much time as you need to sort yourself out.” Alex said as their starter arrived. The food gave Isabelle some much needed space. Baring her soul to Alex had been tough, but she did somehow feel refreshed. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She’d managed to mend her bridges with Alex, and sort a few things out in her head. Tossing and turning, no matter what she did she couldn’t sleep. Her mind was running at top speed, everything flying though without any answers. Lifting her head from the fluffy pillow, she turned to look at her alarm clock. “Damm! 2.00am in the morning!” She exasperated, flumping back down on the pillow. “If I don’t get some sleep soon, I’ll be a mess tomorrow. Damm Michael Guerin, get the hell out of my head and let me sleep!” Maria did eventually get some fairly restful sleep, yet in her heart she knew that she couldn’t go on like that. Each night since seeing Michael she’d analysed the events of the shooting in her heat, to see if she’d missed something, something that pointed to his true feelings for her. Perhaps he did like her, or perhaps she’d read the signs wrong and he was just being a friend. In truth, she knew there was only one way to sort it out, for better or worse, talk to Michael Guerin.
TBC ……………………?
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