Pushing myself up from the sofa, I walk over to where he’s standing on the threshold of my living room. Putting on a show of being stronger than I’m feeling, I tilt my head up to look him in the eyes.
“Goodbye, Dylan I’m sure you can see yourself out.”
Leaving him standing there, I go straight to my bedroom. Slamming the door behind me, I crumble down to the floor, finally letting the tears pour from my eyes. Sobs wrack my body as I curl up into a ball on my carpet. What seems like forever, when in reality it’s only a few minutes, my front door slams shut. The roar of his car engine is all that I hear as he drives away from me. Taking a part of me with him, that I’m certain I will never get back.
Stretching out my stiff muscles in my legs, I peel an eye open. When I squint and look out of my bedroom window, I notice it’s pitch black outside.
I must have cried myself to sleep.
Noticing I’m still curled up on my bedroom floor, I roll onto my back and remember everything that occurred only a few short hours ago. Instantly I’m questioning if I’ve done the right thing. Then the stubborn side of me rears its head and convinces me that I have.
Crawling onto my hands and knees, I pull myself up from the floor when I can hear my best friend screaming my name from outside. Rushing to the bedroom window I open it. There she is in her pyjamas and soaking wet hair.
“Bonnie? What the fuck woman?”
“Well if you had bothered answering the million and one phone calls or texts, I’ve sent you, then I wouldn’t be here like some crazy woman, now would I? Get your arse down here and let me the fuck in.”
Have I told you all just how much I love this woman?
Rushing down the stairs, I’m smiling until I see the look on her face, she knows something. It’s then the dam breaks again and I lose all on control on keeping it together.
“Oh, Serena. What happened? Come on, let's get you inside.”
Wrapping her arm around my shoulders, she guides me onto the sofa, before leaving me to go fetch something. I can hear the opening and closing of cupboards in my kitchen. Before she comes back holding up two wine glasses and the bottle red I keep hidden for emergencies.
“Get some of this down you, then you can tell me everything.”
Handing me a full wine glass, I take a hefty mouthful before unloading all the shit that’s been happening on her.
“Well… I wasn’t expecting all of that.” She’s shocked, I can’t blame her I haven’t exactly been forthcoming with my recent behaviour.
“I knew from the start I should have just listened to what my head was telling me. Instead I let my vagina and heart do the thinking for me.”
“You’ll work it out, you always do. You’re the strongest person I know. If I was you, I’d have given up completely by now.”
“Ha, thanks Bon. I don’t feel strong right now though.”
Gulping down her wine, I do the same, then remember my phones on the sofa somewhere.
“What are you looking for?” Bonnie looks at me with a confused expression as I stand up and start pulling cushions from the sofa.
“My phone, Dylan threw it on here before he left.”
After ramming my hand down the back, I finally locate the device and start scrolling through everything I’ve missed. I have several missed calls from Jack. Clearing them away I go to my messages and like things couldn’t get any worse I have a text from Steve,
If you think you can get your boyfriend to threaten me and there not be any repercussions, then you can think again. Your ass is mine Serena O’Malley.
Well he can just go and fuck himself royally up the arse. He can say what he wants. He can’t prove anything happened between me and Dylan. The twat is all talk and no fucking action. Knobhead. As if to prove a point that my arse is in fact his, he uses my married name. Well he can think again, arsehole.
It’s after I’ve read Steve’s text and everything else on my phone, that I notice I don’t have any messages or missed calls from Bonnie, like she said she had sent me.
“Erm, Bon?” I look up from my phone and raise a questioning eyebrow at her. “You said you had tried to call and text me, only there's nothing on my phone from you.”
In an instant she pales and guilt is written all over her face.
“Bonnie! You had better start talking… now.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Dylan
This is one fucked up situation. Steve threatens her and my natural instinct to protect her gets me thrown out. I thought I was getting through to her, but obviously her guard has shot up. What the fuck am I going to do now? Well if she thinks she’s not working for me after all this, she can think again.
Dylan Proctor doesn’t lose.
Finding Jack’s number in my contacts I decide to call him instead. I’m ready to put my own reputation on the line if it means getting Jack on side. I know he thinks of Serena like a relative, even if it has only been a short time, she’s worked for him.
“Dylan?” He answers confused, “What can I do for you?”
“We have a problem. Serena’s changed her mind about the contract. It seems Steve O’Malley is putting rumours around that she slept with me to get the contract.”
“Say that again?” Before I get chance to answer he goes on, “What did I warn you about Dylan? If he doesn’t get his own way, he fabricates stuff to win. How’s Serena?”
“How do you think?”
“Oh Jesus. It took me a while to get her to believe she was better than that name and she could succeed.”
“I need you to talk to her.”
“And say what…
“I don’t know, but she deserves this job, Jack.”
“I know she does. Why don’t you tell me what has exactly gone on between you two?”
Shit. Oh well, time to come clean.
“Fine.”
I begin to tell Jack how we first met in on a night out. After that I’d looked her up and went after her. I have no secrets where she’s concerned anymore.
“Oh, and Jack, this is between us.” I add. I also tell him about all the shit with Steve and the threat he dished out in my conference room. At the end of it all he’s quiet, too quiet. I don’t think he knows what to say, until he breaks the silence with his scratchy voice.
“Leave it with me.”
I breathe a sigh of relief.
“Now tell me what’s going on with you two.”
I should’ve known he’d pick up on something.
“I like her, a lot.”
“Listen. I like you Dylan. You’re a brilliant businessman, but I won’t have her hurt by anyone, do you hear me?”
“Jack, I understand that. I don’t want to see her hurt, but putting everything else aside, she’ll be a fantastic addition to the company and could bring me and you a lot of business.”
“As I said Dylan, I’ll talk to her.”
“Thanks Jack.”
I put down the phone and think what can I do next. I can’t go back over there. She won’t let me in, she was too upset. Instead I find Bonnie’s number that I found in Serena’s phone - yes you can add snooping to that long list of felonies... and press call.
My knee bounces impatiently as I wait for her to answer. I very nearly give up thinking she’s going to ignore it, when a voice comes through the phone.
“Hello.”
“Hi Bonnie it’s Dylan Proctor.”
“Oh wow, from the club the other week, as in the one who was after my best friend?”
“That would be me. Look I haven’t got time for small talk, but I need you to go over to Serena’s and see her. She’s a little upset and she’s kicked me out. Will you do that for me?”
“Have you hurt her?” She snaps.
“Would I be ringing you if I’d hurt her intentionally? I don’t think so.”
“How did you get my number?”
“Please will you go over? I’m sure she’ll tell y
ou all about it.”
“Yeah of course I will…”
“Thanks Bonnie. She needs a friend.”
“Her best friend, you mean?”
“Yeah, that’s what I meant.”
I put down the phone and decide to move on to my next problem - Steve O’Malley. I have to do this right, professional. I need Neil for that. He’ll give me the legal side and the other side of my actions. He’s the only person I’ll accept a mental beat down from...
I need to see you in the morning as early as you can. I have a problem and I need your help.
It doesn’t take long to get an answer.
I’ll be there for 8.
I put my phone down, decide to go to bed and get some sleep. I need a clear head for this, thoughts of Serena and the way she’s beginning to make me feel isn’t going to help. I need to shut everything off and be the Dylan Proctor everybody in this business knows me to be. A ruthless bastard.
It doesn’t seem five minutes that I was going to sleep with a newfound aggression, that I’m back in the office.
“What the fuck you were thinking Dylan? You can’t go around threatening people. Not someone like him anyway. It’s not like you’re in the kind of position to not end up with a lawsuit.”
“Have you finished whining? Are you going to back me up?”
“You know I’ll get you out of this shit. I just can’t believe you put yourself in this position, that’s all.”
“If you’d heard what he said and the expression on her face after, you’d have done the exact same thing.”
He pushes the legs of his chair back and stands…
“Hmm, only I’m more diplomatic. I’ll call you later.”
Neil leaves the room and with a small smile to myself, I’m ready to put my plan into action. If Steve O’Malley thinks he can threaten Serena and take the piss out of me, then he’s got another thing coming.
Opening my inbox, I write a new email sending it to all the contacts that I know work with him. One word from me and he’ll be finished. If that doesn’t work, I’ll be making another visit to him. The next time I won’t be quite as pleasant about it.
By the time I’m finished with him, he’ll be flipping burgers in McDonalds.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Serena
Waking up the following morning, I’m still angry at both of them. I don’t know who I want to murder first? Dylan for snooping and going behind my back… again. Or Bonnie for actually falling for his bullshit and doing what he asked her to do, the moment he told her to jump. Being the best friend, she is, Bonnie didn’t dare not tell me how she come to end up at my house. The bitch fell into his web of charm just like I did. Only she didn’t take it to the extreme like me.
I guess I can’t be too hard on Bonnie. She explained that once she had spoken to Dylan, she was concerned about me. That if I had called her myself, she would have come over to see me anyway. Dylan just beat me to it. Sensing I wasn’t in the mood after she had told me, she excused herself and went home. She knew I was okay, that I wasn’t going to be hanging from the shower curtain any time soon.
With a new found resolve to not let Dylan Proctor get to me any longer, I pull my shit together and get ready for my day.
Once I’m ready and I’ve finished faffing about. I stop in front of my mirror and have a little pep talk with myself.
“You’re a strong woman, Serena Davenport. Steve didn’t break you; you will not let Dylan break you either.”
With that done I grab my shit and before I know it, I’m in my car and driving to the office.
Strolling in, I’m greeted by Hayley and like she knows I need it she hands me my morning coffee.
“Jacks been by. He wants you to go straight to his office the moment you arrive.” She politely informs me.
Groaning inwardly, I thank her before taking all my shit into my office and dumping it onto my desk. Well there’s no time like the present. I need to tell my boss that I’ve just walked away from one of the biggest contracts this company has ever had. All because I let my heart and vagina do the thinking for me.
Great.
He’s more than likely going to fire my arse now as well. Straightening my shoulders and holding my head high, I make my way to deliver the news to Jack. I knew I would have to do this; I just didn’t think it would be this hard. The last thing I wanted to do was let him down. He’s done nothing but sing my praises to anyone that would listen since I’ve been here. Having every faith in me when I didn’t have faith in myself.
Reaching his door, I lightly knock on the hardwood announcing my arrival.
“Morning Jack, you wanted to see me?”
“Oh hi, Serena. Yes, I do. Please come in and shut the door.”
Shuffling some papers, he’s been looking at around on the hardwood of his desk, he eventually looks up at me as I take a seat opposite him.
“Now what’s this I hear you’re walking off the Dylan Proctor project? Because let me tell you now, Serena. There is no-one more perfect for that account than you. When Proctor came to me with the idea, I knew it was meant for you. I really don’t understand why you would give it up. Do you care to explain it to me?”
There you have it… Dylan Proctor has once again fucked me off. Why am I even surprised that he even got to Jack before I did? If he can get to my best friend with minimal effort, then speaking to my boss isn’t exactly a challenge for him. That man really mustn't like his balls, because the way he’s going, he’s going to lose them courtesy of my six-inch heel.
Trying my damned hardest not to go all crazy on Jack. I inhale a breath through my nose and blowing it out slowly out of my mouth. Going nuts on Jack for something that isn’t his fault wouldn’t be fair on him.
“Jack, whatever Dylan's told you I’m sure you’ll make your own mind up about, but right now, I can’t take that job. Steve is on the warpath; it won’t be just me he destroys. With my name on that account and associated with Boston, he’ll take your company down as well. I know him and he will go to extreme lengths to get his way. I’m willing not to take the risk. I’m sorry.”
Leaning forward and resting his elbows on the desk, he looks me straight in the eye and surprises me further.
“That maybe so, but I also know that’s just your way of bullshitting yourself. You can fool yourself Serena, but you can’t fool me. I know a woman in love when I see one. Believe me, I love my wife. After twenty years of marriage, we’re still like horny teenagers most days. Whereas I appreciate your loyalty where Steve’s concerned, that fucker isn’t going to bring anybody down. You’re just using him as an excuse. Now as you’ve probably guessed, I’ve spoken to Dylan. He’s concerned and frankly I don’t blame him. I’m also taking a shot at guessing here, when I say that you haven’t told him the real reason you’re walking away?”
Well fuck me. Jack can be deep when he wants to be.
I’m in utter shock.
Am I really that transparent?
I thought I had hidden everything pretty well, turns out I was wrong.
For the first time in a very long time I’m lost for words. My mouths gone dry. I have the gut feeling that he’s not going let me give this up so easy, it’s making me feel queasy. I can’t even tell him that he’s wrong. That he’s seeing things that aren’t there, because then I’d be lying to him. A liar is one of the things, I’m not.
“You have two choices from what I can see. You can let Steve carry on ruining your life. Or you can be the woman I know you are, and fight him on this. Dylan may seem like the big bad wolf, but when I spoke to him, I can honestly say I’ve never heard him sound so miserable. That man doesn’t trust or love easy, Serena. I’ve known him since he was just an apprentice. I think you might find that he’s just as scared as you are. There’s things about Dylan that he keeps hidden, but he’s also letting them rule his life in some aspects. Go easy on him will you. He’s dealing with shit the way he only knows ho
w to. Ruthlessly.”
Still not knowing what to say to Jack, I stand from my seat with my mind in a thousand pieces not knowing what to think.
“Is that all? I have things to be getting on with, that is unless you’re sacking me?”
Shaking his head at me, he reassures me I’m not sacked and I’m on my way back to my office.
What the fuck have I done?
None of this was part of my plan… ever.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Dylan
I haven’t heard a single thing from Serena and I haven’t contacted her either. I’m doing exactly what she wanted and giving her some space. I’ve thrown myself into my work, it’s the only way I can forget her for now.
I’m slaving away doing some damage control for Serena’s reputation and my own, when Sandy’s voice comes through the speaker on phone.
“Mr Proctor you have a visitor.”
My mind starts to travel at a thousand miles a second when I wonder who it is. I don't have any meetings today. It could of course be Serena, but I doubt that. She was really angry last night. As arrogant as I’d like to be - I can understand it. I mean I basically took over and took it upon myself to be her knight in shining armour. Me? I’m no-ones knight, so I don’t know why I thought this time could be different. Maybe it’s time for me to see that I’m never going to change.
I lift up the receiver so the person waiting in the office can’t hear.
“I don’t have any appointments today send them away. I’m not in the mood.”
“It’s Mr O’Malley.”
My fists clench on the top of my desk just as my teeth grind with the mention of that twat’s name.
“Show him in.” I huff in annoyance.
I tidy up my desk, then lean back in my chair waiting for him to show his face. How he even dares to do that, is way beyond me.
The door opens, Sandy enters first with Steve following behind her. He’s trying to hide his contempt for me through a grin, but failing miserably.
The Forever Plan Page 12
