by Jill Snow
Days flew by without contact from Emily. He asked Steven to keep an eye on her, as he wasn’t convinced the police had caught the right person. He tried calling, but she wouldn’t take his calls. He sent flowers, but she seemed to dish them out to her employees, if Steven’s reports were anything to go by. Steven seemed to delight in telling Conor his latest bouquet, the biggest, most expensive one the company carried, had been taken home by a young-looking blonde with a huge smile. Nothing seemed to work. His mam, on the other hand, had accepted his apology. Their relationship would never be that of a mother and son, but maybe with time, they could be friends.
After a week, Conor signed himself out of the hospital against the doctors’ wishes. His leg hurt like crazy, but he had to see Emily and put things right between them.
Chapter 41
Emily deleted yet another one of Conor’s messages. When would he get the hint? She didn’t want anything to do with him. She told herself that he wasn’t the person she thought he was and distracted herself with nonstop work. Conor had been right about the vlogs. By changing the format of the video sessions to highlighting the attraction of certain games, she had generated more traffic to her website. The conversations between gamers now attracted other gamers. Instead of begging periodicals and industry press to do features on the foundation, Carrie was inundated with requests for appearances or comments from the Foundation team.
Emily promoted Carrie formally to the head of marketing so her friend could use her strengths to keep the momentum going. Emily refused to deal with any reporters.
The papers seemed to have grown tired of her gold digging story and moved on to more scandalous stories. She had read the truth about Conor’s dad in the statement he released. She guessed he hadn’t wanted to do that, but it was the only way to shut the reporters up. Part of her wished she could just go see Conor, put her arms around him and tell him how sorry she was. What he had found out about his father must have been so hard on him. But he wouldn’t want her to talk about stuff like that. As he said in his voicemails, he wanted to apologize. Nothing more. She knew she should face him like an adult, but it hurt too much. It was better if they had a clean break.
In better news, her stalker seemed to have disappeared. Contrary to what Conor thought, the police must have gotten the right guy. She knew Steven was still looking out for her. She’d told him to get a desk in her building if he needed to be near her.
Carrie was happy. She and Steven had started dating but insisted it wasn’t serious yet. Funny, as they appeared to be smitten with each other. Emily wondered if they would get married but then remembered how wrong she’d been about her own romantic stuff.
“Hey, you ready for next weekend?” Jason asked, popping his head into her office on his way past.
“Yeah, can’t wait.”
“That’s lovely. We’ve all worked so hard on this game. The least you can do is fake a little enthusiasm.”
“Sorry, Jason, I was miles away. Yes, of course. The launch will be amazing and the game is bound to be a hit. You, Carrie and the team have all been awesome.”
Emily turned her attention back to her computer. She had a list of things to do before the big launch, but all the major work she needed to do was done. She could delegate almost everything else. She went over the guest list once again, startled to find Conor’s name was on it.
“Jason, can you check the guest list? It seems we invited half of Sunny Studios to come.”
“Yeah, that’s right. They lent us some talented people. Thought it was the least we could do. Was I wrong?”
Emily kicked herself. She had to stop making things personal. The gaming world was a small family and they needed to keep those relationships positive. “No, of course not. It was a good call. Just nice to see so many names,” she lied quickly.
This was no use. She had to get out of the office.
“Carrie, I’m going to take a break. Can you cover for me?”
“Sure thing, Emily. Why don’t you go have a facial and get your nails done? You look a little rough around the edges.”
“Gee, thanks. With friends like you…”
Carrie smiled and waved goodbye as she picked up her ringing phone. Steven stood up as soon as Emily walked past him.
“If you follow me, I may just kill you. There are some things a girl just has to do alone.” Emily wasn’t taking her bodyguard to see her being pampered. Salons were a girls-only world.
“Okay. Maybe I will just sit back down here.”
“You do that, or better yet, take Carrie to lunch. She deserves it.”
“I can do that.” Steven grinned, standing taller and sticking his chest out.
Wow, he was an attractive man. And he was beginning to soften up and become a little warmer and easier to talk to. Carrie could do much worse.
Chapter 42
Conor inhaled sharply. Between his headache and the ache in his body, he was finding it hard to focus on his work. His thoughts kept traveling to Emily. He wanted to see her, to tell her he loved her. Maybe he should just confess his feelings on voicemail. But that wouldn’t work. She hadn’t replied when he called to say he just wanted to say he was sorry.
“You still sitting there fretting?”
“Sorry, Crystal, I was miles away. Did you want something?”
“Yes, but I doubt I’ll get it.”
“You know I would do anything I could for you. What is it?”
“Nothing wrong in my little world, but you need to do something about yours. It’s falling down around you.”
“Now you sound like Jude, complaining about falling stock prices and losing money. Dollars don’t mean everything.”
“If you ever compare me to that man again, it will be the last thing you say as my boss.”
Startled, he sat up straighter.
“The business will be fine. I was talking about your personal life. That girl was the best thing to ever happen to you and you’re just letting her walk away.”
“What can I do? She won’t see me or take my calls. Nothing.”
“Make her see you. Go to her apartment. Take these and give them to Dan with my compliments,” she said, pushing a container full of baked goods across his desk.
“You know Dan the doorman?”
“Sure, I do. I know everyone and he happens to have a fetish for my double chocolate brownies. Now, get your backside out of that chair and go. Nobody ever won a lady by staring at a screen. Not a real life one, anyway.”
The door to the office burst open admitting Jude Ryan, a harassed look on his face.
“Good, you’re still here. Get out, Crystal. I need to speak to Conor.”
“Jude Ryan, you are lucky I’m a God-fearing woman and therefore won’t whip your backside for talking to me like that.” Crystal marched out of the room, leaving Jude staring after her, open-mouthed
“What did I say?”
“You were rude and obnoxious, but what else is new? Apologize to her and make an appointment to see me. I’m busy,” Conor dismissed him. He wasn’t in the mood for Jude now.
“So I can see.” Jude’s sarcasm upped the tension in the room.
Conor did his best to hold his temper, but Jude was making it very difficult.
“Seems to me you haven’t been on the ball since you met that Emily chick. When are you going to get over her? Find someone else. Sandra has lots of friends you could do the horizontal dance with.”
“Get out, Jude.”
“But Conor, these investments—”
“Get out. And stay out. You’re fired.” Conor tried, but failed, to keep his voice down. He couldn’t wait to see the back of the despicable man standing in front of him.
“You can’t fire me.”
“I just did.”
“I’ll sue.”
“Try your best, but I think you’ll find you don’t have a leg to stand on. I don’t know why I tolerated you for so long, you horrid piece of—”
“That’s a fine
way to talk to your long-time friend and the man who made you millions. Nice to see the gratitude.”
“I don’t have anything to feel grateful to you for. You disgust me. You have for ages, but I was too blind to see it. We are different people. All you care about is dollars.”
“And you don’t?” The sneer on Jude’s face was nearly the undoing of Conor.
Instead, he stood with his hands clasped firmly behind his back. He couldn’t afford to hit Jude. “No, I don’t. Now get out, or do you want me to call security?”
“You’ll be sorry you did this,” Jude threatened. “You’d be nothing without me.”
Conor turned his back, ignoring Jude’s mutterings and threats. He couldn’t wait for him to leave. The sight of him sickened Conor. Why had he ever gotten involved with him in the first place? Then sprigs of embarrassment bloomed in his stomach. He knew why he’d involved himself with Jude. It was because he knew Jude could help him make more money than he ever needed. So he would never be poor again.
Conor remained silent until Jude left his office, the door almost coming off its hinges when he slammed it.
“Crystal, can you get John Baker on the phone for me please.”
“Sure thing, boss. But I thought you were going out.”
“I am, but I have to do something first. Something important and I’m sure you’ll approve.”
“You’re the boss.”
He’d been struck with inspiration and was quickly forming a plan that would not only get Emily back in his life, but also show her how much he loved her. He grinned broadly as Crystal told him John was waiting on line one.
He made a couple of other calls before he put on his jacket and walked out the door.
“Crystal, wish me luck.”
“You don’t need it. Just sweep her off her feet.”
“Actually, Crystal, you need to come with me. I forgot I need a driver.”
Chapter 43
Sometime later, Conor and Crystal arrived at the retirement facility to pick up Gertie, Joe and Nurse Kathy.
“Thank you for coming on your time off, Kathy. I really appreciate it.”
“I’m dying to see what you’re planning. My nosiness couldn’t stop me from coming.” Kathy’s laugh was so infectious, everyone else joined in.
“Where are you taking us, Mr. Dunne?” Gertie asked.
“Ah, Gertie, my old star. Can’t you call me Conor? After all, we did live together once.”
“Excuse me, young man, but that happens to be my lady you’re speaking to,” Joe said.
“Ah, it’s okay, Joe. We had a chaperone, didn’t we, Gertie?”
Gertie, Crystal and Kathy were too busy laughing to answer. All had tears running down their faces. Gertie finally recovered and gave Joe a hug before turning back to Conor.
“Conor Dunne, you are a naughty man.”
“But I made you laugh. Have you forgiven me yet?”
“The flowers and chocolates helped. But it’s not me that has to forgive you, it’s my granddaughter.”
“I thought you might put in a good word for me,” Conor said hopefully.
“Not a chance. I don’t want to be on my Emily’s bad side. You’re on your own, kiddo.”
“Might as well drop you back, then,” he joked.
“Conor Dunne, stop playing and tell us what you’re up to.”
“Nope, it’s a secret and we all know women can’t keep secrets.”
This time, it was Joe who answered. “You’re a brave young man saying that to my Gertie.”
Finally, they reached their destination. Conor directed Crystal to pull up outside a large home. He jumped out to help Gertie, Joe and Kathy out of the car.
“Well, what do you think?” he asked them.
“Conor you’re like a child with a new toy. It’s lovely, but why are you so excited? Is it for you and Emily?” Gertie asked.
“All this? I know you want great grandchildren but how many are you after?” Conor teased.
“Then tell us why we’re here. I don’t have much time for jokes at my age.”
“Well, Joe, I was thinking. Wouldn’t it be much nicer to spend your time in a house like this? All of you,” Conor said, unable to contain his excitement. He wanted them to be as excited as he was, but they were all looking at him rather blankly.
“You mean all the patients at Flower Meadows?” Nurse Kathy asked, a worried look on her face.
“Well, all those who want to come live here.”
“But what about staff? Some of us need medical assistance,” Joe asked, blushing slightly.
“I have a plan for that, too.” Conor stared at Nurse Kathy, making Gertie and Joe look at her, too. Crystal stood with a huge smile on her face. She’d obviously guessed what he planned.
“What you all looking at me for? I haven’t a clue what Mr. Dunne is up to,” Nurse Kathy said.
“Well, I was thinking that small house over there would make a cute home, wouldn’t it? I mean the area is nice and it would be great for kids to have a beach to play on, don’t you think? And the local schools are good, too. I checked.”
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying? I’d never be able to rent a place like that.” Nurse Kathy shook her head, but Conor had seen the gleam in her eye. He could tell she loved the house.
“You wouldn’t be renting. You would own it.”
Nurse Kathy gave him a look, suggesting he belonged in an entirely different type of facility. Putting her hands on her hips, she addressed him severely as if speaking to a naughty child. “Me? Are you stark raving mad? Don’t you know how much I get paid? No nurse I know of could afford to buy a house like that.”
“That is a real pity and a horrible sign of our times, Kathy, and if I could change things for nurses in general, I would. But in the meantime, maybe I can change things for you. And your family. You have given all your time and care to other folks so now it’s your turn.”
“But why? When? How? Oh, I am all confused.”
“Why don’t we go in and sit down? I asked a friend of mine, John Baker, to meet us here. He has some experience in retirement villages and is willing to help me.”
Conor ushered all of them into the bigger house. The whole thing gave him such a rush. Better than signing any business deal.
“Now, sit down and have some cool water. See that view?”
“Conor, it’s fabulous.” Gertie looked from the ocean to him with tears in her eyes.
“I want you to see that first thing every morning and last thing every night. I want you to have all you should have, Gertie. And you, Joe, and all the rest of your friends.”
“Really?” Joe said, looking stunned.
“Yes, really.” Conor knew he was grinning like the Cheshire Cat but he couldn’t help it. As soon as he saw this house for sale, he knew it would fit the project festering in his mind since he had first visited Emily’s grandmother at the retirement facility. He was so glad these people loved it as much as he did.
“But we can’t afford a place like this,” Gertie said.
“That’s the best part. You can. I would charge a small fee, less than you are paying now, but the money would go into a fund for the upkeep of the property. Now, Nurse Kathy, I want you to go home and discuss this with your children. My idea is for you to take over management of this home. You would have one hundred percent control. You hire and fire. No more horrible nurses, they could all be angels like you and the nurses I came across when I was in the E.R.”
“Really?” Kathy looked around her. “I think I must be dreaming. Pinch me, Gertie.”
“Well, if you’re dreaming, then I’m right there with you. I can’t believe this,” Gertie said.
Joe stood up and put his hand out to shake Conor’s. “Thank you, Mr. Dunne. We would love to accept on behalf of all the residents of Flower Meadows. Nurse Kathy will have to make her own decision.”
Conor shook Joe’s hand. Crystal hugged him close whispering how proud she was of
him, and then the door opened and John walked in.
“Everyone, this is John Baker. He has a history of developing upscale retirement homes and villages. His people will soon have this old house looking like a palace for you guys, but with the hospital facilities you all need. He’ll show you around in a minute. Gertie, I think you might like the pool best.”
Gertie stood and walked over to Conor. He expected her to shake his hand, but instead she pulled him into a tight bear hug.
“Your grandmother would be so proud of you today, Conor, darling.”
This time, it was his eyes that filled with tears. “I think she would like it, Gertie.”
Embarrassed to be so emotional in front of everyone, Conor made an excuse to go back to his car. When he returned fully composed, he saw John with a set of plans, Joe beside him, both of them in deep conversation. Crystal was waiting for him. There was no sign of Nurse Kathy or Gertie.
“I phoned the agent and they accepted my offer. It’s officially ours,” Conor announced.
Joe clapped. John gave him a slap on the back before re-taking his seat.
“I’m going to leave Crystal to bring you home, if that’s all right. I have someone I need to see.”
“Good luck, young man. If Emily is anything like her grandmother, she is a bit too stubborn for her own good. But she is also worth her weight in gold.”
“She sure is, Joe. See you later.”
Conor almost skipped back to the cab he’d called for. He smiled at the thought of Jude Ryan’s face when he saw how much this project would cost and the lack of financial returns. Then he remembered he’d fired Jude Ryan and grinned even wider. He felt like his life was finally on track, with just one more giant detail to sort out.
Chapter 44
Conor sang along to the radio. The cab driver gave him some funny looks but he didn’t care. Life was wonderful. He was going to make Emily listen to him and then take her back to see the house. He knew she wasn’t at work as Steven had told him she’d gone home. When he pulled up outside her apartment building, he noticed the blinds were closed on her bedroom window. Was she asleep? Maybe he should let her have a nap and come back later? No, if he left now, he might never screw up his courage to do this. He had to face her.
