by a dagmara
“He’s in Love with you Lil.” The disappointment and hurt was all over her face.
“No he’s in love with love you. He and I are friends nothing more. Even when we dated, we were friends. You know he’s never kissed me.” I hoped my confession to the inability to be kissed would help her see my point.
“Really?” she scrunches her brows tight, looking at me still shocked
“Really; I have an aversion to kissing. I think I was no more than someone he wanted to fix Julie. Chris has a good heart. It’s his nature to nurture, but that said, I think you and he should try. Let him know how you feel. I’ve seen the way he looks at you and vice versa. Take a chance with your heart and just let go Julie.”
She sat up shaking her head. I could tell she held her tears at bay.
“I don’t know what to say. I don’t understand the change in you this morning?” she just shook her head and her tears now fell.
I reached over and hugged her tight. I sensed this is what she needed from me.
Clearing his throat Charlie was at the door.
“I don’t mean to intrude; however, I need to be leaving Julie.” His proper and firm English accent was music to my ears. Oddly, my heart seemed to skip a beat; even knowing that nothing had ever happened between him and me. It was all a dream.
Julie pulled from me and looked wide-eyed to Charlie then to me.
“Lilly this is my brother Charlie. He was going to stay with us, but I now realize that maybe that won’t be such a good idea. I’m canceling my plans to go to Haiti.” Her eyes moved to Charlie.
“Are you backing out? Where do you suppose I stay?” He crossed his arms and looked pissed.
“You’re more than welcome to stay Charlie.” I turned to him “You can use my room, as I plan on going away this weekend.” I knew why he was pissed and it had nothing to do with her not going to Haiti. It had everything to do with this game he was about to play.
“Where are you going Lil?” Julie was quick to jump in
“To the country; my family home. There are things I need to sort out there. However, I’ll be around town. We should do happy hour today. Pickles?” I looked to Julie. “I’m sure it will be a great opportunity as Chris likes that bar.” I raised my eyebrows hinting.
“That sounds great. Ok.” I saw the hope in her eyes.
“Good,” jumping up from the bed, I caught Julie appraise me; I realized I was in nothing but a pair of boy briefs and camisole. I raised my shoulders and laughed.
“I wasn’t thinking about a man in our apartment when I ran in here. I’m sure he’s seen plenty of women half dressed.” I laughed
Turning, I stepped to Charlie, as he looked confused.
“By the way I love your cologne…It reminds me of someone.” I smiled and ran back to my room.
Closing my door behind me, I went for my cell phone calling Brady.
“Everything ok Lilly?”
“I’m not sure, but I need you to meet me at the agency.”
“Why? I thought we discussed this all.”
“Change of plan. I’m folding my hand. I no longer want to play. The price is one I’m not willing to pay.”
“Wow, what happened to you? I thought this was what you wanted?” He now sounded awake and alert.
“Let just say I had a wakeup call. Can you pick me up?”
“Sure. I’ll make the calls and see you in forty”
“Good.”
I ended the call and jumped into the shower.
Shit, I forgot how long it took the water to heat up.
Stepping back out, I opened the cabinet. The box of hair bleach. Looking myself over, I had enough time to bleach my hair back to my natural.
Thirty minutes into my bleaching and showering, I put my makeup on and fixed my hair allowing the natural curls to fall as they would. In my room and into the closet I pulled my navy suit out and a white V-neck wrap shirt.
Dressed and standing at the mirror; I wrapped the pearls around my neck hiding the exposed part of my chest that the shirt didn’t cover.
Sucking in a deep breath and releasing it, I finally felt like me. Turing I grabbed my bags and my phone.
Walking down the hall I was confident Charlie would no longer be here. I was right and Julie just sat alone, still in shock at the kitchen counter.
“Holly shit…your blonde?” again she was in shock
“Yes. It’s too damn hard dyeing it brown every two weeks.” I smiled at her.
“Lilly, I need to tell you something. I’ m not proud of what I have to say, but please hear me out.”
“Julie…don’t worry about it. Let’s say you and I have a lot in common and I understand how easy it is to get lost in misguide thoughts of revenge.”
“You know?”
“I didn’t, but I suspected. And you know what…It doesn’t matter. No, harm no foul Julie. Moreover, I have my own confession and you will learn it soon enough. My real name is Elizabeth Lillian Holtinbach.”
I watched as the name registered.
“Oh my lord…I had no idea.” Shaking her head “Shit Charlie-“
“He’ll know who I am in a few short hours Julie. Don’t worry yourself about him and Sebastian’s stupid wagers. See my father and theirs; played the same type of games, however, their games were strictly in business. They are both about to get a huge shock today. See I’ve been playing the game of revenge for a while now…but this morning I realized it wasn’t worth it. Sometimes the price we pay for vengeance isn’t worth it in the end.” I blinked at her noticing the to go cup waiting for me. I smiled knowing this was Charlie’s doing.
“You know Lilly, I really like you. I can’t wait to hear about this at happy hour.” She laughed, “Charlie is going to shit his pants…and you know this might be what he needs,” she added.
“I’ve got to go but I’ll fill you in…5 at Pickles?”
“Looking forward to it” she smiled and looking closely she appeared as the weight of all her problems melted away.
Walking to the door, I heard her call out.
“Yes Julie?”
“Thank you.” She offered
“For?”
“For keeping me in check. Thank you for not hating me.”
“Julie, I don’t hate you, never have. This was partly my fault too. I’m glad that that we both have the chance to walk away from this. No harm no foul Julie”
Laughing she repeated my last words.
I walked out from the apartment and through the hall. I laughed at the Elevator and walked by to the stairs.
I took them down to the lobby and stepped out to Brady’s Hummer parked on the side.
Opening the door and climbing in, I expected his reaction to my hair along with multiple questions.
“So, you really are doing this?” he grinned pulling from the curb.
“Yes. I am Brady. If you had a chance to see into the future and know the outcome of your choices, the ripple effect those choices would cause. I believe you would think twice before you act. That’s precisely what happened to me this morning. I allowed myself to truly see and feel the ripple effect.”
“I suppose your right. You are the genius here. ” He laugh, yet I saw the disbelief in his expression
I pulled a grin on and shook my head to his comment.
“Yes I am,” I added
We drove to the Agency going over a few minor details of how to play this out. Not knowing the end result was new for me. Therefore, we would let things fall where they would. I didn’t care that they were taking over the agency as that was how I had set it all up from go.
We parked and walked to the lobby of the building. Mr. Leiber was very aware all this time who I was. He was my old friend and playing his assistant was no longer the plan.
“Good morning Lillian.” He offered as I walked in.
“Good morning Foster. Is everyone in the conference room?”
“Yes, just as Brady instructed, all the suits from both sides are
present.”
“Good. I think it’s time we introduced them to whom they are dealing with.”
We walked past Security and Peter smiled the biggest smile to date. Peter had originally worked for my Father years back. He meant a lot to me and I always made sure he was where I needed him to be.
“Good morning Elizabeth.” He added to his grin. “It’s nice to see the girl I once remember.”
“It’s nice to be me again Peter.” I replied as we made our way to the Elevators.
We entered and Brady hit the fifth floor. As that was where this charade was meeting.
The doors opened, as I spotted Sam. Her eyes caught Brady then fell to me in shock.
“Holly shit!” She gasped.
Walking to her, I grabbed her arm gently.
“I’ll explain later. Meet me at Pickles after work.”
“Ugh…ok?” She was shocked, but grinning knowing something big was about to unfold.
I released her and watched how Brady looked at her. He was in Love. He just didn’t realize it yet. I would have to set out and make sure he stopped denying it.
“Are you ready for this?” he turned to me.
“Now or never Brady.” I walked past him offering a smile.
Walking to the double doors of the conference room, I dropped my belongings with Lisa, the receptionist.
Reaching down to the handles, it was now or never.
Deep breath in, and I opened the doors.
“Good Morning gentlemen. Thank you for your patience as traffic was a bitch.” I smirked and spotted both Sebastian and Charlie.
“Please stay seated. Let’s get things moving, I have a lot of things that need my attention today.” I offered in a cool strong tone.
Brady closed the doors behind me, as we both moved to the opposite end of the conference table.
Sebastian shook his head. He looked amused with the sudden knowledge.
“I don’t understand, I thought we were acquiring this agency thru Vision Holdings?” He offered in question.
“You are and I own Vision Holdings Mr. Vaihn. I was liquidating this agency from my holdings company, as I am no longer interested in the advertising world. It’s run its course for me. I’m sure you can understand that motive.” I grinned looking between him and Charlie.
“Wow…this certainly is an interesting turn in events.” Charlie sat back laughing.
“By the way thank you for the coffee this morning…very thoughtful and admittedly you make a very good cup of coffee. I’m sure Foster, the senior editor would appreciate it as it doesn’t nearly compare to the one I make.” I laughed.
“You were a brunette this morning…Holly shit, I didn’t even put it together.” Charlie shook his head looking at Sebastian.
“Well gentlemen it seems we should move on with this last formality. Elizabeth has signed all the necessary documentation and it has been filed accordingly. Congratulations as you now have control of the Agency.” He turned to me and grinned.
“Well, it seems we’re done here.” I turned from Brady then back to the Vaihn brother’s whom still had shock written all over their faces.
I stood up from the table and placed my hands down. Still grinning. I hadn’t won anything, yet I felt like I was on top of the world. I couldn’t help myself as the words were about to explode from my mouth.
“Sebastian, Charlie…let me leave you with one piece of advice. Always know your opponent and well. Placing wagers blindly will never baud well to your favor as the house always has the advantage.” With that, I looked to Brady who didn’t know how to respond, he simply grinned and shook his head.
“Brady, love, I’m starving and I’m sure they all know what they are doing so let’s leave them to it.”
“You’re the boss.” he stood up and nodded to all in the room.
“If I may add just one thing; you have an incredible staff here. I’m sure they won’t disappoint; as I did my best selecting them.” I moved to the doors and opened them with Brady in suit behind me.
“Well that was painless,” Brady smirked.
“Indeed it was…painless” I laughed.
“Elizabeth?” Charlie followed us out.
Turning around to face him I offered, “I prefer Lilly”
“What game or you playing now?”
I walked up to him standing no more than mere inches from. He was so tall and the scent of his cologne was heaven.
“No games Charlie. No more games. You’ll thank me later. I’m sure of it.”
Trapped in his green eyes; sent my emotions reeling thru the dream. It would be all too easy to fall for him right now.
He cocked his head and pursed his lips for a moment.
“And what games would you be referring to Lilly?” he grinned looking down at me. Yes, those eyes had me trapped. His ever seductive and dangerous eyes.
“You underestimate me and perhaps even yourself Charlie. I know you. I know you well.”
“Do you now?” He smirked “Do you want to test your confidence?”
“Another game Charlie?”
“Are you afraid Lilly?” he grinned
“No, but you should be Charlie…you may just discover that you have a heart” I pushed up to his body; slowly moving my face to the side of his. His body stilled and I felt his breath hitch. Placing my hand to the other side of his face, I kissed his cheek slow and suggestively before pulling back down.
Releasing my hand from his face; he swiftly grabbed it and moved it with in his suit jacket; forcing me to feel the strength and perfectly tone body, pressing it firm over his heart.
“No fear Lilly as I do have a heart” he grinned looking down to me.
“I didn’t need an introduction to your chest Charlie. I’m very well aware of how tone and sculpted you are under your clothes.”
“I don’t see how your imagination could compare with reality”
“Oh Charlie…Don’t say I didn’t play fair.” Grinning the memory of a vending room on Prom night flashed before me. “I’m very aware, if memory serves me correctly, I’ve had an introduction,” Laughing, “Vending rooms certainly have their appeal don’t they Charlie.”
“What the fuck is going on between the two of you?” Sebastian stood watching in shock.
“I would love to hear the answer that question as well?” Brady added. “Vending rooms?” Brady looked to me.
“Nothing” I turned to Sebastian. “Nothing yet” I added as I walked to Lisa who was holding my purse and bag.
“Did you fuck her?” Sebastian accused Charlie.
“No.” he responded and laughed amused with our play.
“Charlie?” I turned to him, “I’ll be at pickles; your sister knows the place. If you intend on playing games we can pick this up in a more suited place. I’m afraid your interest is standing to attention.”
“Son of Bitch!” he turned shaking his head. His arousal was more than telling threw his suit.
Catching Lisa’s expression, her eyes had definitely caught sight of his intentions. “Holly shit she mouthed”, unaware that I was watching her.
She looked up to me and grinned. “Have fun with that” she laughed shaking her head in disbelief.
Leaning to her: “I plan too, just don’t tell him that.” I whispered.
I walked from her grabbing Brady’s arm. He looked down to me and laughed.
“What are you up to?” he asked as we walked to the elevators.
“I have no clue…but I’m just taking a chance for a change.” I kissed him on his cheek the way a sister would her brother. “I suggest you do the same.”
“And what does that mean?” he looked down to my constant grin.
“You’re in love with Sam.” I stepped into the elevator. He said nothing but grinned then looked to me.
“How did you know?” he responded the moment the doors closed.
“I’ve learned one truth and that is when you truly open your eyes, and I mean really open them; it’s amazi
ng what you can see.” I slighted my head and grinned from ear to ear.
“You must have had one hell of a dream last night!”
“I did Brady.”
“So what are these important matters that need your attention?”
“I’m going to buy a new car, and then I’m going to my house in Parkton. I believe Nana is there dealing with the delivery guys.”
“The house is done?”
“Yes, the use of occupancy was issued about a month ago. I’ve been decorating. I’m planning on moving in this weekend.”
“Are you ready for that? It’s a big step for you.”
“It’s time Brady. I’m finally ready to go home. It’s time for me to let go and truly start living.”
He reached over and hugged me.
“It’s about damn time Lilly. I’m not sure what changed for you but I’m so glad it has.”
“Brady…you’re squeezing me. I can’t breathe.”
“Sorry” he let go and we stepped out from the elevator.
Walking thru the lobby, I stopped and hugged Peter.
“Thank you for always looking out for me.”
“Oh, Lilly you’re like a daughter. It’s my pleasure.” He smiled and looked to Brady quizzically.
“Don’t ask Peter, I have no idea what the change is.” Brady raised his hands up.
“You never question a horse with a gift in its mouth,” Peter offered.
Chapter 9
Releasing Nana from deliveryman duty, allowed for her to pack the fridge and start baking away. The house was so much more than I remembered, not even the dream could compare to the reality.
This was a good start to life. My Life UN planned. I had the mover’s empty my room from the apartment. I left a blanket and sheets on the bed for Charlie, but I was sure he wouldn’t be staying there.
Julie was good with me moving out, as she didn’t need a roommate after all. Surprisingly, she was good with letting the vendetta she held go.
We even laughed, when she gave me low down about the Office and Charlie’s reaction. Apparently, he was more than frustrated with the entire experience. She said that Sebastian was quick to call it a draw on their wager regarding me. Sebastian said I was an off limit and their bet was invalid for that reason, but he also had conceded that Charlie had his hands full if he attempted any pursuit of me.
