“As long as you don’t expect too much from him.” I sigh. “You should be all right.”
“I’m glad my brother is marrying you,” she says, as she hugs me. I hope I’ve said the right things to her, but I will need to speak with Ethan. I don’t want him upsetting Lindsay’s parents.
“Come on lets head back to the restaurant.”
Our mothers are still where we left them, only they have Kieran for company. As I get closer to the table I look at Kieran closely. He looks as bad as I feel. Surely he wasn’t out drinking as well last night.
“Kieran, what’s wrong?” I ask.
“I thought it was just a cold,” he says in between coughing and sniffing. “But it feels so much worse, now.”
“Go home, straight to bed,” I tell him.
“But I can’t.”
“Yes you can. Now go before I change my mind,” I tell him more firmly. Well I know I’m meant to be off, but he needs to be at home more than I do. I will finish his shift. Three sets of eyes are firmly set on me. “What? I’m fine, it’s poor Kieran here who is poorly. I can arrange for Murphy to take you all home.”
I drop Alex a text, instead of interrupting his meeting with a call.
Kieran is sick. I’ve sent him home. Going to cover his shift. Can Murphy pick everyone up please x
Alex texts back almost instantly;
He had better be sick. You’re meant to be home. Yes Murphy will leave now, be there in 30mins x
Love you xx I text back.
I’m glad I text instead of phoning, I know he would’ve tried to talk me out of it. But he is finding out that I can be just as stubborn as him.
I wait until the others leave before working. Karl is really surprised that I’m working when I enter the kitchen with a food order.
“Libby, is there any particular reason you are gracing my kitchen with your presence?” he asks.
“Oh, I just missed you, that much. I needed to see you.” I tease as I hand him a food order. He pulls at my hand.
“What’s this? Do you have news you want to share?” He holds my hand, closely inspecting the ring on my left hand.
“Yes, Alex asked and I said yes.”
“Congratulations, Libby. I’m so happy for both of you. It’s a stunning ring. I wish you all the health and happiness to wear it.” He hugs me. “Alex is one very, very lucky man. He better not forget that.”
“Thank you,” I say as I feel myself blushing.
“Is it common knowledge?”
“Not yet. I never even got a chance to tell Kieran today, with him being sick. I will call him tonight to see how he is and tell him.”
“I’m sure he will be just as thrilled as I am for you. So can we expect the wedding of the year to be held here?” Karl asks with a hint of excitement. God, if this is Karl, what will Kieran be like when I tell him.
“Yes, of course it will be held here. Where else could it possibly be? I have an amazing chef and his team at my disposal. A stunning hotel set within an amazing location. What more could I need?”
“Nothing at all. Everything you need is right here.”
The rest of the afternoon passes by quickly. The restaurant has been busy all day, and has kept me occupied. I had hoped to get a few other things done, including checking the diary, for the wedding. It’s nearly five, when I grab a cup of tea, and head outside for some fresh air. It’s dark and cold outside, but the grounds are well lit, as I walk down toward the water’s edge.
It’s peaceful outside, even the water is calm. I stand with my tea in my hands, to keep them warm, just watching. Although there is really nothing to see. The snow underfoot in places is somewhat slippery now, where others have already walked. The moon is low in the sky, and its reflection can be seen rippling in the water.
It’s been a long and busy day so far. Not once did I think, this morning I would be here working, given how hungover I was. Poor Kieran, I couldn’t have gone home and left him working, not when he is really ill. I hope Alex isn’t too pissed about me working, but it has been noted he hasn’t tried to contact me since. He must still be busy at the casino. Hopefully that means I will get away from here, before James gets here. I am still annoyed at his part, in the whole Katherine fiasco.
I push that thought, where it belongs, in the back of my head. My thoughts slowly turn to Ethan. I hope he knows what he's doing with Sophie. I don’t want any of them to get hurt. I care for them both. I just hope Ethan isn’t using Sophie, as a way of dealing with the past. I also know him seeing anyone is going to upset Lindsay’s parents. But who says there is a time frame, on dealing with grief and moving on? If there is one, who’s to say it’s right for everyone. I put my cup down and take my phone from my pocket.
I text Ethan;
I love you xxx
Ethan replies instantly;
What’s that for? I kinda thought you wouldn’t be talking to me x
I reply;
Because I mean it and thought you might need to hear it all things considering x
Ethan;
I love you too. Can we talk tomorrow just you and me ???
Me;
Of course I will come to you will call in the morning x
Glad I text Ethan, I don’t want him thinking, I’m not happy with him. At the end of the day, it’s his life as long as his first priority is Lucy.
I text Alex;
I should only be another hour or so x
I stare at the phone, but he doesn't reply. He must still be busy, because he usually replies straight away; I put it back in my pocket. I should head back inside before Karl sends out a search party to see what’s keeping me. I bend down to pick up the cup, but I slip on the snow and ice. I manage not to land on my back, but have definitely hurt myself in the process.
“Libby. Libby is that you?” A voice I would rather not hear, rushes toward me. I turn, as I steady myself on my feet. James Andrews. Time is not the healer everyone says it is. I freeze to the spot, unable to move. I really should’ve known I was bound to run into him sooner, rather than later.
“James,” I reply curtly.
“Libby are you alright?
“Yes I’m fine, just lost my balance.” I draw in a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves at being around him.
“I thought it was you, when I got out the taxi. Here let me help. It’s good to see you again. Really good.” Is it really? Not from my point of view.
“Honestly, James. I’m fine,” I say. I take a step toward him, well the direction of the hotel, but I suddenly feel dizzy again. I stop, close my eyes in the hope that it passes as quickly as all the other times.
“You’re anything but fine. Here take my arm.” James insists I take his arm as we walk toward the hotel.
I don’t feel up to making small talk with him. I would much rather he wasn’t here, and especially this close to me. I sigh to myself, thinking what would happen if Alex was here seeing this. Even though there is nothing in it, I’m sure he would have plenty to say. With each step I take, I have pain shooting through my stomach. Great! Just what I need. I can feel myself, biting on the inside of my mouth, as the pain strikes over and over again.
When we get to the entrance, James takes his case handle, that he obviously left to come to my rescue. I shrug off the cold as we enter the reception. The fire is burning away, keeping the cold where it belongs, outside.
“James, you can let go now we’re inside. There’s nothing for me to fall on.” He nods almost reluctantly as he lets me go.
I approach Sally, who is working at the desk. “Sally this is Mr. Andrews, he’s checking in.”
“Good evening, Mr. Andrews. I hope you’ve had a pleasant journey and I’m sure you will have an enjoyable stay with us here at Stewart Hotel.”
“James, I’ll leave you to get checked in. I do hope you enjoy your stay with us.” I try to smile but it is forced.
“My stay got better the minute I ran into you, Libby. I do hope we will be seeing more
of each other.” Oh dear God, this is the James I remember, a big flirt. At this moment, if I had the energy I would slap that silly grin from his face. But I don’t even have the energy to do that.
Sally’s watchful eyes shift back and forth between James and I. I on the other hand shift very uncomfortably on my feet, which in turn sends the pain rushing through me. I try hard to hide it, all to no avail, both Sally and James are concerned, it’s there on their faces.
“Miss Stewart, what’s wrong?” Sally rushes from behind the desk. I feel dizzy, really light headed. I take a step but don’t manage it. The pain strikes hard and fast. I feel myself falling as my eyes close.
“I’ve got you,” James says as he takes me in his arms, breaking my fall. I open my eyes and stare at the man who now has me in his arms. This is not going down well with me. “Is there somewhere I can take her?”
“Yes, Miss Stewart’s office is just this way.”
He carries me in his arms, as though I’m weightless, without any effort. Now I know Alex would have something to say about this, but right now I couldn’t care less. I don’t have the inclination to argue. When we get to my office, he puts me down on the couch, ever so gently and takes his phone from his pocket. I close my eyes, already knowing who he calling.
“Alex . . . I’m at the hotel . . . Yes . . . Look there is a reason for my call . . . I’m with Libby . . . She’s had a bit of a fall . . . Well two falls now since I’ve been here . . . She’s in a lot of pain . . . I’m going to get staff to phone an ambulance . . .”
I jump in pain at his words. “You will do no such thing,” I snap. “Give me that phone.”
James hands me his phone, shaking his head, as Sally leaves the office.
“Alex.”
“Libby, what’s happened?”
“I slipped outside on some snow and ice. I’m fine, really.”
“James sounds worried and it’s not like him to be worried about anyone.”
“Well he has just carried me to the office, because I couldn’t walk.”
“WHAT THE!”
James is smirking when I look at him. He heard Alex and is enjoying this, albeit at my expense. Sally enters the office with Karl in tow.
“I’m leaving just now. I should be there shortly. See if someone other than James can stay with you until I get there.” I laugh at his words and it bloody hurts like hell.
“Sally has just come in with Karl,” I tell him before ending our call.
“Libby, we can’t leave you alone for even a few minutes. What am I going to do with you? Can I presume Alex is on his way?” I nod, as he looks suspiciously at James.
“Karl, this is James. He’s here on business with Alex.”
“Hi.” Is all Karl can say to James. He continues to watch him, as he sits with me. “Libby, can I have a look at what you've done?” Karl asks. “Do you mind giving us a minute, James?” he says rudely.
“Not at all,” he says leaving the room with Sally.
“Karl, what was that all about?” I ask.
“Libby, I think I know everything that happened while you were in New York. So my question is. Is that the same James, that helped stir up trouble with Katherine?” I nod. “Right okay, now what have you done?”
“I slipped outside. I didn’t fall, I managed to stop myself, but twisted my whole body in the process. With every step I took, I had a shooting pain in my stomach. James helped me inside. But I was a bit dizzy and he carried me here.” Well that’s the shortened version of events.
“Loosen off your clothes.”
“Now there’s an offer I should say no to, considering my recent engagement. You do know we should really stop meeting like this. What will people say?” I say laughing.
“Enough with the laughing, and right now I couldn’t care less what others will say. Let’s have a look and see what damage you’ve done.” I loosen my blouse at the bottom and the top of my trousers. I flinch when his cold hands touch my side. He presses on my side and back before touching my stomach. If I flinched when his cold hands touched me, that was nothing compared to the pain I’m in just now.
“Libby. I’d like to say it’s muscular, probably just the way you've twisted it, but I see the pain you’re in. I would be much happier if we got you checked out at a hospital. When Alex gets here, he can take you. I don’t think we need to be so dramatic as to you leaving here in an ambulance.” Thank God for that, but when Alex gets here the only place I’m going is home. “I will get Sally to get you a warm drink, and shall I let James back? But I will be staying as well, I don’t trust him.”
“Fine, because that makes two of us.”
He lets James back in. Sally is already one step ahead of Karl as she brings in a mug of tea. That girl is a godsend. She even has some paracetamol for me to take, which I do, hoping they will help ease the pain a little. She even got James checked in whilst they were out the office. The kitchen pages Karl, he’s needed but doesn’t want to leave. God, he’s worse than my brother and Alex.
“Sally,” says Karl as he walks toward the door. “Ask Libby to share her news with you.” He smirks at me as he walks away. James frowns and Sally she looks on. Ah that’s one way of putting James out.
“Well you have news?”
“Yes,” I say, lifting my left hand.
“OH. MY. GOD.” She squeals. “It’s stunning. When did this happen?” I catch James from the corner of my eye, shaking his head. I try to ignore him, which is proving hard. Why is he still here? There’s no need for him to be here.
“Christmas night in front of all our families,” I tell her.
“Oh that’s lovely, so romantic. A guy that’s not afraid to show his feelings, you really should keep hold of him.” James lets out a low laugh, but both Sally and I turn toward him. “I’m so happy for you both,” Sally tells me.
“Thank you, Sally.”
Sally has a few things to attend to out in the reception. She leaves the door open. I move position on the couch, but it really hurts when I move. I sit up with some help from James, not that I want his help. He’s very insistent on helping. He still looks concerned as he helps. I’m sure he would much rather have stayed in the position I was in, but I felt rather vulnerable, lying there. It seems it’s just me that’s uncomfortable, James is acting as though we are close friends. He’s not my friend. I don’t think we could ever be friends. I know he and Alex don’t get along, that I could put up with. What I can’t put up with is someone lying, being deceitful, deliberately hurting someone. The way I was lured to the office, and then made to think something was going on with Alex and Katherine. James played his part in New York that night. A big part.
The pain is getting stronger, when I move and I’m struggling to sit still. I close my eyes, trying to channel my thoughts to something, anything other than the pain. I think of the wedding, of what I want. Alex is all I want. More than I could ever have dreamed of. I already know I will probably agree to a January wedding, if that’s what he really wants. I will need to see Kirsty tomorrow, to ask her to be my bridesmaid. I hope she can help with the organising, because with five weeks to plan the perfect wedding, I will need all the help I can get. Then I will speak with Sophie, I’ve already told Alex I want her to be a bridesmaid as well. Nothing has changed I still want her to be, things with Ethan will be fine, I tell myself.
“James can you do me a favour?” I ask.
“Of course, anything,” he says with a warm smile. A smile that I’m sure melts hearts, although not this one given our past.
“There is a large diary on my desk, could you get it along with a pen.”
James gets the diary and hands it to me. He must think I’m mad, lying here in pain and still thinking about work. It’s not work, really, this is personal. I smile to myself. I flick through the pages until the thirtieth of January, and I’m surprised to see it’s clear, no function or special events. Well it has one now.
‘Wedding Reception for Mr. Mathews and Miss L
Stewart’ I write across the top of the page. I just need to sort out the details. Impose on Karl with a menu of my choice and then I can leave Kieran and the staff to sort out everything else here.
“Is everything okay?” James asks as he watches me scribbling away.
“Yes just something I meant to do earlier.” I pause as he studies me. The pain is starting to become unbearable as I move. “Could you ask Sally to get me some water, please. And also ask her to page Karl.” I know Karl has not been gone long, but I would feel more comfortable if Karl was with me when Alex gets here.
James leaves the room. And I breathe a huge sigh of relief. I rest my hands on either side of me on the couch and try to lift myself up. After a few attempts I manage to stand, even if I’m shaky on my feet. I laugh to myself thinking this could be the worst hangover I’ve ever had. All day I’ve been fine, but my head is bursting now and the room is spinning. Add that to the pain I’m in from my near fall, not a great combination. I wish Alex was here, he really should be here by now.
I bend and lift the diary, walking back to the desk, to put it back. Again I feel dizzy and now I feel sick. I clutch at the table, hoping to steady myself. Willing the feelings to pass, as quickly as they came. But they don’t.
“Sally,” I call out as my legs give way. I feel the ground open beneath me, pulling me downward.
“Shit, Libby.” It’s Karl’s voice that brings me back to the present. I open my eyes and James and Sally are at his back. Karl is with me on the floor, holding me.
“Make them go, please.” My voice is almost a whisper, but he does hear me and nods.
“Could I ask you both to step out the room? Keep an eye out for Alex.” ‘Thank you’ I mouth to him. “Right Miss, what’s happened since I left?”
“I put the date of my wedding in the diary,” I mutter to him.
“Seriously, Libby, less of the joking around, we will deal with one thing at a time.” He shakes his head, obviously frustrated at my words.
“I needed to move, so stood and walked, but got really dizzy and sick. Then I can only presume I fainted, because when I open my eyes, there was a handsome knight smiling at me.”
He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) Page 11
