Olivia is sitting in the sand, next to her is a bouquet of yellow roses, she looks at peace and happy. She again stands and says, “Ash, I’m so proud of you. I knew you could get back out there. I know you still feel guilty. Please listen to me.” She puts her hands on my face and looks in my eyes. “Ash, you are an amazing, loving man. You are kind and faithful. You’re always there for your family and friends. You have a generous heart, open it fully to the possibility of loving again. You and I both deserve that. I’ll say it as many times as you need me to say it, you are not cheating on me. I want you to do this. I need you to do this, for me.”
“Oh, Olivia,” comes out as a whisper and I wrap her in a tight hug.
“Shh, you don’t have to say anything. This is what I want for you. The life you have is a gift, don’t live it in sorrow anymore. That’s not what I want for you. I want you to be happy and opening your heart again is what I need you to do, for me. Promise me you’ll try, Ash, open your beautiful heart and live your life happy. Know that I’m happy and I cherish the memories that we have. There’s no regret, just love and beautiful memories. The sun is coming up; I have to go.” She kisses me on the cheek, as I feel the sun on my face and tears in my eyes.
Waking up, wiping my face, I feel tears, I was actually crying in my sleep. What did I do to deserve such a wonderful wife? Why did she have to be taken from me so early? But, I feel more at peace with my decision to see Willow. With Olivia’s encouragement, I feel like anything is possible. Grabbing my phone, I text Amelia:
9:57 AM Thanks for the encouragement. I took your advice, and she’s coming to dinner tonight. A
10:03 AM That’s great, I’m so happy for you, I talked to everyone else. We’re all happy for you. Can’t wait to meet your mystery girl. A
Feeling happier than I have in years, I grab my duffle bag and head to the gym. I feel like a teenager again. After the gym, I head to the office to get a few things done. While there, I order another arrangement of flowers. The look on her face every time she sees I have flowers for her makes my day. She has a twinkle in her eye, and I love making her feel happy.
Wrapping up my work, it’s time to pick up the flowers and head home to get ready for my date. That’s right, I said date. And it feels right, the guilt is slowly lifting. I think seeing Olivia in my dreams is helping. Probably shouldn’t tell anyone about that, though, they might have me committed.
Pulling up in front of Willow’s condo, I grab the flowers and head to her door, knock three times and hear Lucy barking on the other side of the door. She opens the door, and I shove the flowers in front of her face. With a big smile, she thanks me.
“These are beautiful, thank you. I’m almost ready, come on in. I’ll just be a second.” Lucy is standing on her hind legs, pawing at my pant leg, wagging her little tail behind her. “Looks like you two made friends. Make yourself at home, I’ll be right out.”
She heads back upstairs, Lucy looks her way and follows her upstairs as well. Looking around her house again, I notice there are no photos on the walls of family or friends. I want to find out more about her. Find out why she’s going through chemo on her own. I know she just moved here, but you’d think there’d be someone in her life concerned for her.
“All ready, now Lucy you be a good girl while momma’s gone, and I’ll bring you back a treat.”
It’s funny how she talks to her dog, cute actually. Never being a dog person, I can see the possibility of maybe getting one. I grab her coat, help her into it, and we head out the door.
“You know I have to admit, I’m a little nervous about meeting your brothers and sisters. It’s been a long time since I dated. This is a really big step for me.”
“Trust me. I feel the same way, not about you meeting my family, but about it being a long time since dating anyone. I’m excited to introduce you to my family. I think you’ll get along with my sisters just fine. They are two of the nicest people I know. Actually, don’t tell them, but my brothers are pretty nice too.”
Glancing from the road for a split second, I can see she has a smile on her face, good maybe she won’t be so nervous anymore. Pulling up to the restaurant and turning off the car, I twist to the side and pick up her hand. “Willow you’ll do just fine. Trust me, they will love you.”
“I hope so.”
I give her hand one more squeeze, jump out and go around to open her car door.
“Always the gentlemen, thank you,” she says.
I take her hand and head into the restaurant. I see all four of my siblings sitting at a table, and we head in that direction. I can feel Willow stopping short, and then she tries to pull her hand out of mine.
“What’s wrong, are you feeling alright?” I ask concerned.
She has an expression on her face I can’t read. Not getting an answer, Amelia stands up.
“Willow, what are you doing here?” Amelia asks.
“Wait, you two already know each other,” I say confused.
I look from Willow to Amelia, not understanding the problem. Happy actually, that she already knows her, maybe they’re friends, which would be great. My two brothers stand, then Ava, looking confused too.
Amelia has a smirk on her face looking back and forth from Willow to me.
“This is your mystery girl?” she asks, looking at me. Then she looks at Willow, and says, “This is Gorgeous Eyes, your mystery man?”
Willow turns five shades of red as Aiden clears his throat, then sticks out his hand and introduces himself.
“Sorry for my manners, these are my older brothers Aiden and Adrian and these are my younger sisters, you seem to know Amelia, and this is Ava. So how do you two know each other?” I ask Willow.
Glancing back at Willow, she has a shocked look on her face, and she looks back and forth between Amelia and me.
“You’re Asher Wellington, of Wellington Corp.? Oh God, this can’t be happening.”
She pulls her hand from mine and starts walking fast toward the front door.
“What the hell is going on here?” I ask.
I start to go after her, but Amelia puts her hand on my arm, “I’ll go, and I’ll tell you about it in a few minutes. I think I know what’s going on here.”
Chapter 8
Willow
After rushing out of the restaurant completely embarrassed, I have to go home. I need a cab. Just as I’m about to raise my arm for a cab, Amelia places her hand on my shoulder.
“Willow, you don’t need to go. I can tell you didn’t know that Asher is my brother. This isn’t a big deal, come back inside. I left Asher in there, worried and he’ll kill me if I don’t bring you back inside.”
With tears in my eyes, I say, “Amelia, no I didn’t know that he’s your brother. I never knew his last name. I can’t go back in there. I just made a fool of myself in front of everyone, rushing out like that.”
“Willow, no one thinks that. Come back inside, so we can talk about this. Here’s a tissue let’s get you cleaned up and go back to the table. I promise everything will be fine,” she insists.
“Amelia, I can’t date Asher anymore, there’s a no fraternizing policy at work. I’m more upset about that right now than embarrassed. I was really starting to have feelings for Asher.”
“Silly girl, the no fraternizing policy is only for people directly under you. I’m your boss and Asher is your boss’s boss. The fraternizing policy doesn’t apply.”
“Really, are you sure? Amelia, I love working for you, I don’t want this to become awkward.”
“Willow, I’m positive. I talked yesterday to Asher; he told me all about his mystery girl. Well, he left out your name and the cancer part, but he’s had nothing but positive things to say about you and I couldn’t be happier for him. I think you are an amazing person, and I can see why he’s so worked up about you. Putting your two stories together now, I can’t believe I didn’t realize it sooner. Come on, if I know Asher, he’s worried sick about you. But Willow, I know the things you’
ve told me about him and can I just say there’s more to Asher than you know. Be patient with him, he’s come a long way. I know that’s a confusing thing to hear, but I know when he’s ready, he’ll tell you his story.”
“OK, you’re right. I’m confused, but I can see there’s something about Asher. I can see it in his eyes, something deep. I love spending time with him and he’s been there for me these last two rounds of chemo. I don’t know what I would have done without him. I promise to be patient. He’s been nothing but kind and patient with me.”
“Alright, let’s go back inside. I can re-introduce you, and I promise it won’t be weird, well at least not because of what happened. Them all being weird, they’re on their own with that one.”
We head back over to the table and all three men stand as we approach. Must be a Wellington thing. Their mom must have raised them all to be gentlemen. Asher pulls out my chair with a concerned look on his face.
He leans in close and whispers in my ear, “That was the third time I’ve heard the Gorgeous Eyes comment, later you’re going to tell me what it means.”
With a gentle kiss on the cheek, he pulls away with a smile on his lips. Great, more embarrassing moments to come. Now I have to tell him about my little pet name for him.
“So, it appears I already know Willow. Asher, I know you don’t poke your head in my little world on the fifteenth floor very often, but Willow is my new assistant. She was upset because, when she realized who you were that, she was breaking the no fraternizing policy. I told her it only applies to your direct boss and since you’re my boss that gets you off the hook on the policy.
“So, enough about that. Willow, I know we said their names once, but let’s get everyone acquainted. This is Adrian; he’s the oldest. He owns a construction company. This is Aiden, the second oldest. He’s a lawyer; he works in legal at Wellington Corp. Asher is next in line, and then myself, well you know I’m your boss,” she says with a wink and a smile. “And, last but not least, the baby of the family, Ava. She’s a lawyer as well, but doesn’t work at Wellington Corp. She’s a traitor that way,” she says, winking at Ava.
“Hey, that’s not nice, I’m trying to be independent and do things on my own, not with the help of my big brother like the rest of you,” Ava says.
Aiden laughs, then says, “Amelia is right about the legal stuff; you have nothing to worry about. The policy is directed at your immediate supervisor only.”
“Of course it is, and if it weren’t, I’m the CEO, I would amend that policy right away,” Asher says with a wink and a smile.
Dinner turns out to be fun and everyone gets along so well, I wonder what it was like to grow up in the Wellington household. I bet it was filled with laughter and happy memories. It makes me sad that I didn’t grow up with siblings. Asher must have sensed my mood change. He grabs my hand and gives a gentle squeeze.
“Are you feeling alright?” he asks in a low voice.
I lean over and whisper, “Yes, I’m fine, sorry. I was just thinking about something.”
“Will you tell me later?” he asks.
With a nod, I straighten back in my seat and catch the expression on Amelia’s face.
At first I think she doesn’t approve of us holding hands and whispering. But then she darts her eyes to my chest. I quickly look down to see that while I leaned over to talk to Asher my scarf shifted and my port is exposed. I glance back up and see everyone’s eyes on the same thing.
Without missing a beat, I adjust my scarf and look at each of them and say. “Asher and Amelia know, so it’s only fair that the rest of you do too. I have breast cancer. It was caught very early. I have one more round of chemo, and things are looking positive. Now, what about dessert. Does this place have good dessert?”
Asher
After Willow’s announcement to everyone that she has breast cancer, I hold my breath and wait for everyone’s reaction. Not even a second later Ava grabs the desert menu.
“They do, you have got to try their cheesecake. They make five different kinds. Do you like chocolate? The triple chocolate cheesecake is pure heaven.”
I don’t know why I feel relieved. I should’ve known my family would make her feel comfortable.
Adrian snorts, “Hell no, you have to eat it plain, nothing on it. That’s just sacrilege to put other flavors, or anything on top of cheesecake for that matter.”
I can see Willow visibly relax. I’m so proud of her, she really is a strong woman. After dessert, we sit around for a few minutes sipping coffee and talking. It’s getting late and I should probably take Willow home. I know she has to be exhausted.
“Well guys, it was really nice to see everyone. Next time Mom and Dad are out of town we should do this again,” I say standing.
Aiden and Adrian stand as Willow does. Aiden says, “Willow, it was nice to meet you. Our parents will be back in town next Sunday, you should come.”
Willow has a surprised look on her face, and says, “Oh really, I couldn’t impose, that’s family time.”
I look her in the eyes, and say, “No, that’s a great idea. I don’t know why I didn’t say it first. My folks would love to meet you. You wouldn’t be imposing at all.”
Everyone at the table is giving her encouragement and agreeing that it’s a great idea. I’m truly blessed. I have the best family in the world. Grabbing her coat, I help her into it, while my four siblings argue over who gets to pay the bill.
“You’re all too slow, I already paid the bill. I’ll see you guys later, I’m going to get Willow home.”
Placing my hand in hers, I lead her to the front door, then help her in the car and jog back to the driver’s seat.
“So, how did you think it went aside from the whole not knowing I’m your boss’s boss? How did you like everyone? I know Amelia already loves you. That’s all she talks about is her new assistant.”
“You have a wonderful family; you’re all so close. At dinner, I got a little upset thinking how I never had any real family. It was just my mom and I. I was just wondering what it would have been like to have a big family. Everyone was really great. I just love working for Amelia. She’s the best boss. She’s always made me feel like we have more than an employee relationship. She even offered to drive me home after chemo, but by then I had met you and well, you know the rest.”
Pulling into her driveway, I want to ask her about her mom, but I don’t want to overstep my bounds, she’ll tell me when she’s ready. Holding her door open and offering her my hand to help her out of the car, she says, “It’s not too late, did you want to come in for a while? I’m just not ready for the day to be over. I had such a nice time with your family. Could you stay for a little while, please?”
How can I say no to that? I was thinking the same thing. I just didn’t want to tire her out.
“Sure, I’d love to, but I won’t stay too long. You look tired. I don’t want you to do too much.”
“Always the worrier, I’m fine, that’s sweet of you to be concerned, though.”
Settling on the couch, she sits Indian style again facing me. Lucy jumps up and curls in her lap, resting her head on Willow’s arm.
“So, I told myself I wouldn’t ask, and if you want to tell me to mind my own business, please do. Why don’t you talk to your mom?”
“It’s alright; you can ask. I’m too old for games, and I’m more of a say it like is kind of girl, as you know sometimes too much. I grew up in a small town in Illinois in a trailer park. I had friends, but my mom and I never really got along. Well, we didn’t not get along either. She worked midnights, so we really never saw each other. I pretty much raised myself. When we did see each other it was in passing, she was just getting home from work and heading to bed, while I was on my way out to school.
“When I would get home from school, she would already be gone for work. On her days off, she slept in. I was probably just the typical teenage girl with an attitude. I couldn’t wait to graduate and get out of there. We had a big ar
gument the day of my senior graduation. She couldn’t get out of work. I told her if she didn’t show up, I never wanted to see her again. She didn’t show up. I felt so alone at my graduation, without a single family member to cheer for me when they announced my name.
“All my friends had family and friends cheering them on. They were handed flowers and gifts. I had no one. I was so angry. When I got home, I wrote her a nasty letter that I left on her pillow. I packed up my car and headed out west. I told her to never try to find me and that I hated her. I know it was stupid. I knew she had no way of finding me.
“As the years went by, I realized she was doing the best she could with what she had. A million times I’ve picked up the phone to call her, and I’ve written just as many letters that I never send. When I was diagnosed, I wanted to call her, but I didn’t want her to think I was only calling because I needed something. I think about her all the time. I know how proud she’d be of me, for putting myself through college and getting my degree.
“Wow, that was a lot of information all at once. I hope you don’t think I’m a bad person for what I did. I was angry at her for her not being there for me for so long. Since being diagnosed, I’ve changed my mind about a lot of things. Things just mean different things to me now. I want to get in touch with her, I really do. I miss her. I’m just afraid that it’s been too long, and that maybe she doesn’t want me back in her life.”
“Willow, I don’t think you’re a bad person. I think you’re one of the strongest people I know. If you want to get in touch with your mom, I can help you find her. If she‘s moved around, it might be difficult to find her. Just think about it. If you want my help, you’ve got it. I’ll always be here by your side if you need me. My family has always been close, and I don’t know what I would’ve done without them, especially a few years ago.”
Running Into Love - The Complete Box Set Page 5
