The Heart of Tomorrow (Book Two) (The Tomorrow Series 2)

by Nugen Isbell, Megan

  “I think you’d be good at it. I’ll help you in any way I can if you decide to pursue it.”

  “Thanks, but it’s just a crazy thought,” I said with a laugh.

  “Crazy ideas are sometimes the best ideas,” she said and I thought she might be right.

  ~~~

  “Thanks for taking me out with you today…to see Kara and Mitch in action,” I said to Ava when we got back.

  “You’re welcome. What’d you think?”

  “I had a good time. Kara’s good at her job.”

  “She’s excellent.”

  “Have you ever thought about being a reporter?”

  “I entertained it for about a second until I realized I freeze up every time I see that little red dot on the camera,” she laughed. “Behind the scenes is where I’m meant to be.”

  She hung her coat up and then sat down at her computer. I knew I should leave her alone and get back to my own work, but I didn’t go right away.

  “Can I ask you something?” I asked her and she looked up at me curiously.

  “Go ahead.”

  “I know I’ve only been here a couple of months, but what are the chances of me taking a few days off?”

  “A vacation already?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Not exactly,” I said, sitting down across from her desk.

  “Are you okay?” she asked and I could see concern on her face.

  “Yes, I’m fine. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

  “Then what is it?”

  “Drew, my boyfriend, the one you met at the bar,” I began and she grinned again.

  “Of course I remember Drew,” she said, raising her eyebrows.

  “A few weeks back, he had to go to L.A. for work. His company’s in the middle of an acquisition and he’s got to be there to oversee it. We’re not sure how long he’ll have to be there, but he wants me to come out for a short visit. I told him I wasn’t even sure I could get the time off, but he asked me to try and so I am.” I was rambling now, something I tended to do all too frequently when I was nervous.

  “It’s fine. You have personal time. Use a bit of it and go see Drew.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure. You’ll only be gone a few days…that’s assuming you even come back.”

  “Of course I’m coming back.”

  “I wouldn’t if I was going to see that man,” she said and we both laughed.

  “Thank you, Ava,” I said and then went back to my cubicle.

  After looking at the calendar and deciding on a good date, I cleared the time officially and then picked up the phone to call Drew.

  He was ecstatic when I told him I’d gotten the time off and he immediately went about finding a flight, telling me he’d call me back when he’d arranged something. Drew didn’t waste any time because he called me back ten minutes later.

  “I sent you a flight. Check your email and tell me how it looks.”

  I opened my inbox and clicked on his message. It was a straight flight from JFK to LAX at seven o’clock on Friday after work and arrived at nine o’clock West Coast time. Then I noticed the price. Nearly $2,000 and then I saw why.

  “I don’t need a first class ticket, Drew.”

  “Yes, you do. It’s a nearly a six hour flight and you’ll be coming after a full day’s work. Believe me; you’ll thank me halfway through the flight.”

  “It’s not necessary. I’ve always flown coach…until you came along that is.”

  “And thank God I did. Economy is no way to fly,” he said and then he was silent for a second. “Okay…done.”

  “You bought it?”

  “Sure did.”

  “I didn’t need first class.”

  “Well, too bad. It’s done,” he said and I could hear the triumph in his voice. “No more arguing. I thought you would’ve learned arguing with me is futile, Natalie. I always get what I want,” he said and although he was joking, there was seriousness in his voice as well. I knew very well that he was used to getting what he wanted.

  “I don’t know why I even bother trying when it comes to you.”

  “I don’t know either,” he said with a laugh.

  Fourteen

  I told myself two weeks wouldn’t be that long. I reminded myself of husbands and wives in the military who didn’t see each other for months at a time and that put things into perspective for me. I would stay busy at work, learning more about the job and even going out with Kara into the field a few more times. At night, I looked forward to my Skype sessions with Drew. Sometimes we’d turn it to the same station on the TV and watch a show together, the way we would’ve done had he been home.

  He started sending me links to different places he wanted to take me while I was there. I reminded him that he was there for work, questioning how he planned on being my tour guide as well. Per the usual Drew, he told me not to worry about it and that everything was under control. To be honest, I was actually quite curious as to what he’d come up with. My traveling throughout my life had been limited and I was excited to see California.

  “So, one more week, huh?” Court’s voice said when we met up at another club the following Saturday night. He’d asked me if I wanted to see Sammy and Masons again and rather than spend a lonely night in the apartment, I agreed.

  “Yes,” I said as we got in line.

  “You’re going to love L.A. It’s so different than New York.”

  “We’ll see,” I said and he raised a curious eyebrow at me.

  “We’ll see? You seem doubtful.”

  “I guess I just don’t know what to expect. I’m all for visiting, but he wants me to move out there with him.”

  “What?” he said, grabbing my arm. “You didn’t tell me that.”

  “I guess I left out that little detail,” I said and then looked at my friend, hoping he could give me some insight Drew wasn’t giving me. “How long do you think he’ll have to stay in L.A.?”

  “I don’t know, Natalie,” he said, his voice sounding more somber now. “These things take time. It’s really huge for him…for the whole company actually. He just wants to make sure everything goes all right.”

  “What are you and Anna Beth doing now that Drew’s in L.A.?”

  “What we normally do, but with more focus on the merger. He mentioned needing one of us to come out possibly and help train the new assistants. He hasn’t decided yet though.”

  “New assistants?”

  “Well, not new. They were part of the old company, but things are done a little differently at Taylor and Saben and he wants it all streamlined, plus there’s a new project he was just awarded yesterday.”

  “I had no idea. Sometimes I feel so out of the loop.”

  “He didn’t tell you any of this?”

  “No. Ever since I stopped working there, he hardly ever talks shop with me.”

  “Do you blame him? Work is work. When he comes home to your sweet little ass, that’s the last thing he wants to talk about.”

  I chose to ignore his comment, although it made me laugh.

  “Maybe it wouldn’t be such a big deal if I hadn’t been in the thick of it for so long. If I’d met Drew without working for him, I probably wouldn’t know better.”

  “You give him that release he needs and I actually find it very romantic that he’s so desperate to be with you when he’s got a whole bevy of California girls at his fingertips.”

  “Bevy?”

  “Perhaps that’s a little much, but from the video conferencing we’ve had, it appears a majority of the new office is women, and young, attractive women at that.”

  I felt a little knot forming in my stomach. I trusted Drew, but I’d be lying if I said the thought of him surrounded by women didn’t bother me a little.

  “I take it he left out that little tidbit as well,” Court continued. “Don’t let it bother you, Natalie. That man adores you. He’d probably walk through fire for you.”

  “I’m not bothered b
y it,” I said and he nudged me in the side with his elbow.

  “Liar,” he said and I rolled my eyes at him as we approached the bouncer, showing our IDs and paying the cover charge before walking into the crowded club.

  I thought I recognized the song that was playing when we walked inside. Obviously, we’d either been late or Sammy and Masons took the stage earlier than scheduled.

  “I think I know this song,” I shouted to Court over the noise.

  “It’s a cover of Pictures of You by The Cure,” he said, then looked at me skeptically. “You have heard of The Cure before, right?”

  “I’ve heard of them,” I said as we settled into the crowd.

  “You have so much to learn, Natalie.” He laughed as we got closer to the stage.

  “Are you drinking tonight?” Court asked a few minutes later and I shook my head.

  “No. I think last week set my limit for the month.”

  I was surprised he didn’t harass me about it. Instead, he focused his attention back on the music.

  The band played for another hour and I was hot from the jumping around and dancing Court and I had done.

  “I have to run to the restroom. Don’t disappear on me,” I told Court a little while later.

  “I’m not making any promises,” Court teased and then I pushed my way through the crowd to find the ladies room. I shouldn’t have been surprised to see there was a line. It moved quickly though and when I was done, I washed my hands and made my way back into the club. The crowd seemed to have gotten bigger and I could barely make my way through. I glanced to my right and saw an open path along the wall and thought that looked like my quickest route.

  It took a little effort, but I eventually made it out, but before I could make my way to Court, I was staring into a set of deep brown eyes I’d recognize anywhere. I couldn’t breathe for a second as I tried to register the fact that Ethan was only a foot away. We’d nearly crashed into each other and he seemed just as startled as I was to see him.

  “Natalie.” His voice was almost a whisper and I took a moment to look him over. I hadn’t seen him since November. We’d been the biggest part of each other’s lives for four years and then we were just finished. I’d hurt him and I hated that I’d hurt him. I’d loved Ethan so deeply once, but people change and they don’t always change together. We had grown apart, but a piece of my heart would always belong to Ethan. First loves do that. They grab on and never let go.

  He looked good. His brown hair was a little longer than I was used to and he had a light shadow on his face like he hadn’t shaved in a couple of days.

  “Ethan. Hi,” I said, finally finding my voice and it was quiet again for a few awkward seconds.

  “How are you?” he finally asked.

  “I’m good. You?” I asked, feeling guilty that I could ask him such a mundane question.

  “I’m alive, so I guess I can’t complain,” he said with a forced grin and I nodded awkwardly. “What brings you out here tonight?”

  “Court likes the band,” I answered and he looked around curiously.

  “Court? No Drew?”

  “He’s in L.A. for work. I’m actually heading out there next week to visit.”

  “L.A. Sounds nice.”

  “Yeah,” was all I could think to say and the silence that settled between us was killing me.

  “Well, I should get back to my friends,” he said. “Take care, Natalie.” He brushed gently past me, his familiar scent catching my attention as he did so and I turned to watch the back of him as he walked away.

  “Wait, Ethan,” I called out and he stopped and looked at me. “How are you? Really?” I could hear the guilt oozing from my voice and he didn’t answer me right away

  “I’m fine, Natalie. Believe it or not, you leaving me didn’t destroy me how you may think.” There was a harshness in his voice that I didn’t like hearing.

  “I…I didn’t think that,” I stammered. “I just want to know you’re okay.”

  “I’m okay. You can stop feeling guilty for what you did,” he said and then paused for a moment before continuing. “I know the last time we spoke, it wasn’t good. I was angry, but we changed, Nat. Plain and simple. Everything happens for a reason. I’m still trying to figure out that reason, but I’m okay.”

  I could feel myself starting to choke up. I’d hurt him so badly and yet he was trying to help me let go and move on.

  “I’m glad,” I said softly and then he walked towards me, his hand resting on my arm. He looked as if he wanted to say something more, but he didn’t. He just smiled a little and then I felt his lips on my cheek, warm and soft, just as I remembered. He pulled away a moment later, meeting his gaze with mine again and then he was gone, disappearing into the crowd as abruptly as he had appeared. I swallowed through the lump in my throat and then exhaled deeply, finally able to breathe again.

  “What’s the matter with you?” Court asked when I returned. “You look all pale. You could definitely use some blush.”

  He started pinching my cheeks, but when I shooed his hands away, he could tell I wasn’t in the mood.

  “Seriously, Natalie, what’s wrong?” he asked again and I sighed.

  “I just ran into Ethan,” I told him and I saw Court flinch a little.

  “How was it? Did he rip your head off?” he said with a little laugh.

  “No. He was actually very cordial. Too cordial. He seems totally fine,” I said and I told myself it shouldn’t bother me so much.

  “That’s a good thing. You can let go of the guilt now,” Court said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

  “I know,” I said quietly. “I’m glad he’s doing okay. It just brings up a lot of memories seeing him again.”

  “Having second thoughts about choosing the rich stud over old faithful?”

  “No, Court,” I said firmly. “I don’t have second thoughts, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still care about Ethan.”

  “I wish my life was as exciting as yours.”

  “No, you don’t,” I assured him.

  “Buck up, Natalie,” he teased.

  “Not gonna happen, Court,” I sighed. “I actually think I’m going to head home.”

  “I have no clue why I even bother inviting you out. I might as well ask my mother. She likes to turn in before nine as well.”

  “Then ask your mother next time.” I laughed and then waved before he could say anything and headed towards the door, but not before I caught a glimpse of Ethan again, deep in conversation with a girl who seemed completely enamored with my former boyfriend. I remembered conversations with Ethan like that and I suddenly missed them. My life had been so different then. It was so much simpler, even though I hadn’t realized it then. A little part of me missed the way we used to sit up talking all night and the innocence of our relationship. We’d had nothing but each other when we moved to New York, but obviously that hadn’t been enough and I’d ended up losing my best friend. I loved Drew, but that didn’t mean I still didn’t miss Ethan sometimes. He was just different than Drew and as I glanced at him once more before walking out, I knew he was happy.

  Fifteen

  LAX was bustling. I was dragging my bag behind me, dodging my way through the crowd, anxious to get to baggage claim where I knew Drew would be waiting for me. It’d been a long flight and he’d been right, I was grateful for his generosity in purchasing me a first class ticket.

  Even though I was excited to see him, I was exhausted. It’d been a long day at work and I’d stayed up late the night before getting packed. I couldn’t wait to take a shower and crawl into bed. It may only be nine o’clock in Los Angeles, but I was still on East Coast time, so my body thought it was midnight.

  I climbed onto the crowded escalator and tried peering over the heads of the people in front of me, hoping to catch a glimpse of Drew. I felt my mouth curl up into a wide smile and I had to stifle a laugh when I finally spotted him. He stood at the bottom of the escalator in a black suit and tie, hol
ding a sign with VASSER printed on it in bold, black letters.

  Our eyes met and his eyes moved over my body, but his mouth remained in a serious line. As I neared the bottom and then stepped off, I expected him to step towards me, but he didn’t. I went to him, standing in front of him and yet he remained still.

  “Hello,” I said in a formal voice, trying to play along with him.

  “Good evening. Are you Natalie Vasser?”

  “I am.”

  “Excellent. I’ll be your driver tonight.”

  “Lucky me. I didn’t expect such a handsome chauffeur.”

  “And I didn’t expect to be escorting such an exquisite woman,” he said in a deep, throaty voice. “Do you have any bags?”

  “I do. Just one.”

  “Very well then,” he said, extending his arm so I linked mine with his and we started walking towards the baggage carousels. “What brings you to lovely Los Angeles? Business or pleasure?”

  “Pleasure, most definitely,” I said, loving this little role playing game. “And how long have you been a chauffeur?”

  “Tonight’s my first night. How am I doing?”

  “Very good,” I said and then he abruptly stopped, pulling me into a corner and cradling my face with his hands as his green eyes pierced mine. His lips were on mine a moment later, kissing me hungrily, leaving me breathless when he pulled away.

  “Do you know how hard it was to keep my hands off you when you stepped off that escalator?” he panted, his lips only inches from mine. “I’m so glad you’re finally here, Natalie. I don’t know if I could’ve waited another day.”

  “Me too,” I said softly and we continued to look at each other, our breathing growing harder until I finally managed to speak. “Let’s get my bag and go.”

  I could tell he understood exactly what I was implying and I knew he felt the same way. He took my hand, holding it tightly as we finished our walk to the baggage carousels that had been interrupted.

  “I liked your little sign,” I said to Drew as we stood next to each other, still holding hands as the carousel started spitting out luggage.