Darling_Rebel

by Mary Suzanne

  As she entered the office, Mark sat at his desk typing a story. "How did your weekend go?"

  "Everything was perfect. My father and new stepmother left for their honeymoon right after the reception. Dad couldn’t have been happier."

  "I’m glad someone is happy,” he chuckled. "I felt like running an advertisement in the paper to get you back early. Mitch was a real tyrant to work for."

  "He wasn't at all happy with me yesterday.”

  "Why was that?"

  "Because he found out my name is Sasha Jardane.”

  "You?” He cocked his head and carefully studied her. “You’re Mike Jardane’s daughter?”

  "Yes,” she sighed, going on to explain the circumstances behind her secret, and how Mitch found out.

  "I'll bet that set him off." He made a whistling sound through his teeth.

  "He was furious, but if he’d known in the beginning, he wouldn't have hired me."

  "You're right; he wouldn't even have interviewed you.”

  The ringing telephone interrupted their conversation. Mark picked up the receiver and listened to the caller. Replacing the receiver, he glanced at her. "We've got a story to cover, so grab your jacket and let’s get started."

  The ride across town took longer than Sasha expected. The wind blew at gale force, piling large mounds of snow in drifts. The car slid sideways more than once on the slick pavement. It looked like the weather was worsening as she eyed several cars already stalled out on the streets.

  The story didn't take long, but the ride back to the office was a slow ordeal. Several times, it was scary, as Mark had to swerve around parked automobiles and snowplows.

  When he pulled up to the entrance of the newspaper, Sasha said a silent thank you that they’d made it safely.

  "I'll park here,” he told her, noticing several spots vacant out in front. He glanced at his watch. "Do you realize we've been gone for three hours?"

  "With this weather, anything is possible.”

  After walking into the main lobby, they caught the elevator to their floor. When they reached the office, Sasha sat at her desk and began working the story they just covered.

  As she typed, she lost track of time and her surroundings. The important part for her was to get the story typed and to the printer before press time. All other thoughts, including Mitch, fled her mind.

  Eleven

  Hours later, Sasha leaned back in her chair and looked at Mark. "Since Mitch drove me this morning, I'm going to call and see what time he wants to leave.” When he didn’t answer, she shrugged her shoulders.

  Mark heard her use the phone, but didn’t hear her speak to anyone, "Can’t get a hold of him?"

  "No, but I'll try again in a few minutes."

  "I'm going down to the printer with the story.” He stood and stretched, "I'll be back in a jiffy."

  Sasha nodded and picked up the phone again. She dialed Mitch’s apartment to see if he had gone home for something. When he answered, she frowned. “Mitch, I’ve been trying to…, she didn’t get a chance to finish her sentence.

  "Where in the hell are you?"

  "I'm at the office,” she answered in a confused tone. “You didn’t tell me you were leaving.”

  "I tried, but you weren't around.” She heard his frustrated sigh. “I thought Mark drove you home."

  "We were out covering a story.”

  "You’ve got to be kidding,” he snapped. “Where's Mark?"

  "He's delivering his story to the printer."

  "I don’t see how he’s going to manage to get out a story with everyone gone.”

  "What do you mean?”

  "Most everyone’s probably gone. There are blizzard conditions outside."

  She looked out the window, “I know it’s been snowing, but I’ve been so busy, I didn’t notice.”

  "Have Mark call me when he gets back." Sasha heard the distress in his voice.

  "I will,” She hung up the phone.

  Mark walked through the door a few minutes later. "I've checked every floor in the building and there isn't anyone here."

  "I reached Mitch at his apartment and he said everyone left early. He wants you to call him."

  "How could I have been so stupid?” he sighed. “The weather did look threatening, but I didn't think it would turn into a blizzard.” He shook his head, “Chicago…” He stared at the phone, apprehension on his face, “I’d better get the call over with."

  Mark’s face looked flush and he didn’t get the chance to say much to Mitch during the call. Eventually, he replaced the receiver.

  "What's wrong?”

  "Mitch just told me off,” he shrugged.

  "Don’t let it bother you,” she consoled him. “We have a warm place to sleep, and we can catch-up on some backlogged work.”

  His only answer was a nod.

  For the next four hours, they worked steadily. Mark had just cleared his desk when the phone rang. Again, he didn't get a chance to say much, so she assumed it was Mitch calling.

  "Mitch?”she asked as he hung up.

  “You guessed right.” He could still hear Mitch’s caustic words ringing through his ear. “He wanted to know if we still had heat in the building. There are power outages throughout the city. I think the man protests too much,” he grinned wickedly at Sasha. “He’s been bitten by the love bug.”

  “He’s just worried about us.” She wasn’t ready to believe that Mitch loved her. “We'll just have to make the most of the situation."

  Mark went to the window; the Chicago skyline had disappeared into a white-out, “We don’t have a choice.”

  Later that evening, they searched the building for bedding. Eventually finding blankets in a storeroom, Sasha walked into Mitch's office and switched on the light.

  "Why not sleep in here? There's no sense in going all the way back downstairs."

  "At least we'll have thick carpeting.” Mark placed the blankets on the floor and walked to the window. "Come take a look at this."

  Sasha glanced down at the street. "Phew!" Snow covered Mark's car with only the top showing.

  "We’re lucky the heats still on. I don't know about you, but I'm glad we have a warm place to sleep.” Mark stretched out on the floor.

  "Me, too,” she murmured, pulling the blanket up to her chin.

  * * * * *

  The following morning she awoke, stiff from her night on the floor. As she stretched languidly, she saw that Mark was up and gone already. She walked to the window and looked down at the street. The snowplows were at work and traffic was moving slowly along the city street.

  She splashed cold water on her face in the bathroom before going in search of Mark. Sasha stepped off the elevator and heard raised voices coming from her office.

  When she looked inside, she saw Mitch standing near Mark’s desk. He was saying something, but she wasn't in time to hear. Mitch must have caught her movements in the hallway. He looked out at her.

  "Get your coat. I'm taking you home,” he told her, not bothering to ask.

  "Aren't we going to work today?" she frowned.

  "You aren't.”

  On the ride down in the elevator, she could feel Mitch's tension. When they reached his car, she glanced at him. "Why are you so angry? It wasn't our fault the city had a blizzard."

  "Mark should have had more sense than to take you out on a story in this weather,” he glared at her. "Anything could have happened to you."

  "Well, nothing did!”

  The tense state in the car almost stifled Sasha. She felt relieved when he stopped in the parking lot outside her apartment.

  “Thanks for the ride,” she jumped out, slammed the door and hurried to her apartment.

  * * * * *

  The next few days flew by and the night of the blizzard faded from her thoughts. Christmas was just around the corner with the holidays fast approaching. Everyone at the newspaper had his or her own special editions to write.

  Two weeks passed and Sasha still did
n't see any evidence of thawing in Mitch's attitude toward her. She realized his anger wasn't rational under the circumstances.

  One morning, she walked into the office to find Mark reviewing a long list of names. "What are those for?"

  "This is the guest list for Mitch's going away party.”

  “What date has he planned to leave?” Sasha tried to hide the depression suddenly overwhelming her at Mark's news.

  "His last day will be on the eighteenth, the week before Christmas. Since it's only a week away, we don't have much time to make plans."

  Sasha felt her eyes burning with tears. She turned away blinking her lashes to hide her distress. Walking to her desk, she lowered her head and glanced at the work Mark had left for her. She’d hoped for a miracle that Mitch might change his mind about going, but felt that miracle wasn’t going to happen. The words on the paper became a blur and she had to look away to focus her eyes. If Mark suspected her low mood, he didn't let on.

  Over lunch that day, Mark again mentioned Mitch leaving the paper. "The party's going to be at the banquet hall on the first floor of the newspaper office."

  "What date have you picked for it?" Sasha had to force the question past her numbed lips.

  "Next Saturday night will be convenient for everyone."

  "Oh,” she looked down at her food, her hunger leaving her as her world tumbled out of control.

  She didn't know how she managed to get through the rest of the day, and she was happy to hear from her father that night. "I wanted to call you about Saturday. We can drive over and give you a ride to Mitch's party."

  "I'd appreciate it,” she kept her tone light. "What time?”

  "About eight,” he said cheerfully. "See you then, honey."

  Five days left before Mitch leaves. Suddenly, it felt as if a giant fist hit her in the chest. The aching pain wouldn't leave her. For the remainder of the evening she couldn't interest herself in reading or watching television. She moped around the apartment in a depressed mood.

  *****

  Saturday seemed endless for Sasha. Finally, it was time to begin getting ready for the party. She dressed and applied her makeup, but her heart wasn't in it. She walked into the living room and placed Mitch's gift of a pair of cuff links and a matching tie clasp on the coffee table. She heard a car pulling onto the lot and looked out to see her father and Brenda had arrived. Sasha picked up her package and walked out to meet them. She smiled a greeting, but deep inside the pain was almost unbearable for her.

  "You look different tonight,” Mike said thoughtfully.

  The sadness showing in her eyes was the only difference Sasha could see. ”I don't know what it could be.”

  At the party her stomach quivered with nervous anticipation. Her gaze made a search of the room looking to see if Mitch had arrived.

  Mike claimed a table, and Sasha tried showing an interest in conversation with Brenda, but her mind continued to drift to the one subject occupying it the most: Mitch Jenner.

  One last night to see him before he leaves me for good. Blinking her eyelids, she tried hiding the moistness coating her long lashes as her father glanced in her direction.

  "It looks as if Mitch's going to be late for his party,” Mike remarked. He was trying to make light of the situation, but he could see how distressed Sasha looked.

  A roar of applause filled the room and Sasha turned her head to see what had caused all the commotion. She didn't have to look far to find her answer.

  Twelve

  Mitch's arrival, with the beautiful blonde holding his arm, made Sasha's heart plummet. This was the same woman she saw visiting his apartment and spending the night several weeks earlier.

  He leaned toward the woman, and his lips curved with a grin as he listened to her. The sight of the two of them huddled so close caused a fresh pain to pierce her heart.

  From the corner of her eye, she saw his movements as he made his way across the room greeting the guests. She wondered how long it would take him to reach their table. Eventually, Sasha's coveted gaze saw him walking toward them. When he reached their table, he was alone.

  "Hello, Mitch,” she greeted him, politely, formally, her voice holding an icy edge.

  "Hello, Sasha,” he returned her formal greeting, his eyes capturing hers, if only for a moment. "Mitch, I'd like you to meet my father, Mike Jardane, and my stepmother, Brenda.”

  Mike shook Mitch's hand. "It's good to finally meet you,” he said warmly. "I wasn't happy to hear that you're leaving the paper."

  "The offer was too good to pass up, but it was nice working here.”

  "I hope everything turns out well for you.” Mike looked at Sasha’s strained features and felt the need to keep Mitch at their table a little longer. “Why not join us for a drink?"

  "Since I've already talked to everyone, I believe I will,” he accepted Mike’s offer and took a seat.

  Mitch stopped a passing waiter and removed four glasses from his tray. As he handed Sasha her drink, their eyes locked. She felt her pulse rising as Mitch's gaze continued to search hers. It looked as if he was searching for something in their depths, but hadn’t yet found the answer.

  She bit her lip and looked away, only to spy the blonde sitting at another table with Mark and other members of the staff. The woman seemed to be very talkative and bubbly, totally unconcerned about Mitch sitting with them.

  Her father’s voice interrupted her private thoughts. "When are you leaving for New York, Mitch?"

  "I'm waiting until next week.” His glance strayed to Sasha again. “I'll need a few days to settle things before I leave."

  His answer sounded vague to Sasha, and she noticed how he studied the amber liquid in his glass. He swirled the ice cubes around in it nonstop.

  "I want to make a toast to your future success,” Mike raised his glass.

  "Thanks,” Mitch tapped Mike’s glass and swallowed the contents.

  Mike nodded toward the front of the room, "There’s someone motioning for you to come up front, Mitch.”

  Mitch nodded and stood.

  "Now, that's the type of son-in-law I've always wanted, strong and with a purpose in life. I believe he's very interested in you, Sasha."

  "I received the same impression,” Brenda smiled warmly at Sasha.

  "I doubt that very much,” she could barely get the words past the lump in her throat. "We argue constantly when we're together."

  "Little disagreements are usually the first signs of love,” he said lightly. “Don't let him get away, honey."

  She noticed how the voices quieted when Mitch walked to the podium. She watched him, drinking in the sight of his virile masculinity. When he spoke, the words passed over her head, her focus was on the husky tone of his voice. She remembered how he'd uttered passionate words to her in the same tone when they'd made love.

  After finishing his speech, someone announced that it was time for dinner. Sasha followed the crowd into the next room. The evening was almost at a close, and she dreaded it. If she weren’t around Mitch every day, maybe it would help her heart to heal from the aching pain eating at it.

  The crowd mingled after dinner, but Sasha didn’t feel up to making conversation and was grateful when her father suggested they leave. On the ride to her apartment, she remained quiet, drawing several curious glances from Mike and Brenda.

  As Mike pulled to her door, she got out and looked into the car window. “Good night, Dad and Brenda." She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "I'll call you later in the week.”

  In her apartment, Sasha made her way to her bedroom to change. After fastening the belt around her green satin robe, she walked into the hallway when she heard the sound of the doorbell. She opened the door and saw Mitch on the threshold, still dressed in his black tuxedo.

  "I’m waiting for an invitation to come in, Rebel,” he grinned at her. "I thought you might offer a neighbor a drink.” He moved into the room, and she still hadn't said one word. Her tongue felt too thick to speak.

&n
bsp; She walked to the liquor cabinet and poured out two drinks. When he accepted his, he tapped her glass lightly. "I thought we should have one toast together-in private. This will probably be our last one. Here's to our future."

  Sasha swallowed, yet felt like choking. She pretended to toast him as well, but her heart was crying out for him to stay in Chicago.

  "I heard you telling my father you were leaving on Friday." The burning tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them away.

  "I'd planned on Friday,” his tone was vague. "If I don't see you again, I want to wish you luck."

  "Thank you,” she murmured, almost inaudibly. "Good luck to you, too, with your new job."

  He nodded and placed his glass on the liquor cabinet. "Good night, Rebel, and thanks for the drink."

  "Good night, Mitch." She turned away, refusing to watch him leave.

  She wanted desperately to run after him and confess her love, but he hadn't given her any sign that he cared for her. She feared she would make a complete fool of herself and she didn’t want that to happen. Sasha had to be strong when it came to losing Mitch Jenner. In reality, she'd never really had him.

  * * * * *

  The day she’d dreaded finally arrived. On Friday, Sasha left her apartment for work and her eyes drifted to Mitch's car parked near hers. Suits and other clothing hung in plastic bags along the back windows. She swallowed the lump in her throat and turned her head.

  The day at the office lasted forever. She sighed with frustration when Mark told her they would have to work late that evening. But, then again, she wouldn’t have to watch Mitch leaving.

  By eight that evening, she and Mark were on the main floor having coffee with a group of other workers. Everyone was working overtime. The room was noisy as usual, but the activity kept her from thinking too much. Suddenly, a hush fell over the room and Sasha glanced around to see what had caused it.

  Mitch's long strides ate up the distance between them. When he reached her, he removed the coffee cup from her hand and placed it on the desk.