Bring me to life (The golden collection)

by Carr, Kam

  The cooker timer went off.

  I pulled away. "Go sit and let your future wife take care of you". Blake did as I said and I dished up the dinner.

  "You know I could get used to this!" He laughed. "Being waited on hand and foot. Makes me feel like a proper man coming home to a cooked meal, Wife looking sexy and wine!" He downed the rest of his drink.

  I walked over to the table with the plates. "I wouldn't get too use to it." I placed his plate in front of him.

  He looked at it and then at me. "M and S?"

  I sat down opposite and placed a hand on my chest. "Would I ever do that?" I tried to act coy. Blake beamed and we both tucked into our food. We hadn't done this in a while. In fact I couldn't think of the last time I had a home cooked meal. To be normal at last felt great. No lying, no sneaking around just me and my man.

  "What are the plans for the upcoming week?" I asked enjoying my food. Blake stopped eating and looked up at me. The butterflies began in my stomach. His blonde hair was all floppy in his face and his eyes bright. Even with the extra stubble he looked mouth watery irresistible. I could feel myself biting down on my lip.

  Who in their right mind would even contemplate having when an affair with a boyfriend like Blake Waterman? He was a man and a half plus from next Saturday he was going to be 100 percent mine. I could feel the smile on my face this was blissful.

  "Well," he began. "We have nothing planned for Monday or Tuesday. Wednesday is the dinner with our parents. Thursday is chill out day and Friday is hen and stag night" He placed forkful of salmon in his mouth and swallowed. "Saturday your be my wife and we will make sweet love......"

  There was a knock on the door. We both looked at each other stunned. Blake got up and answered the door. I carried on eating my food. I wasn't expecting anyone and there was no way this was going to waste.

  "George" Blake called out. "I think there is someone here to see you?"

  I rolled my eyes.

  Who the hell was it?

  I turned to face the door and I all most choked on my food. Standing in some bright patchwork trench coat was...

  My mother!

  I slowly got up from the table. This had to be some sort of nightmare. I rubbed my eyes... No she was still there. Blake welcomed her in and closed the door. We just stood staring at each other.

  She had some nerve coming here.

  What did she want?

  She obviously wanted something. I had lived here for over a year and she hadn't bothered before. I hated her for how she treated me in London; Choosing a man over her own flesh and blood. She wasn't a mother...She was the incubator.

  My mother was in Spain.

  "Would you care for a drink?" Blake asked her politely. She nodded and he ran off to fetch it her.

  I walked a little closer hopefully she could see the hatred in my eyes. "What are you doing here?" I spat.

  She raised her eyes innocently and pulled something out of her pocket. I had seen that paper before.

  Oh no not her!!

  It was a wedding invitation.

  "I have come early for your wedding" she smiled. I snatched it from her and looked. "Couldn't miss my little girl walking down the aisle."

  "No! Just half of my life" I ripped the invitation up and threw it at her. "Get out!!"

  "George!" Blake yelled running over. "What are you doing? She's your mother" The look of disgust filled his face. He didn't have a clue did he?

  He was lucky even though his mum was an overbearing control freak she still loved him. Mine ran off to marry a cannabis freak and I was brought up by another woman. Caitlyn was a brilliant mum to me and Dee.

  I couldn't of asked for a better one. I looked at Blake and he raised an eyebrow. I could tell by his eyes he was urging me on to change my mind.

  Could I really allow this woman at my wedding?

  So she gave the gift of life blah blah blah!!!

  Where was she when I needed her?

  Then at the chance of free food and drink here she is. This was too big a decision. What would my Dad say when he saw her? He would go crazy he hated her more than anything in the world. Great, that was all we needed for our big day my family causing a scene. I couldn't believe I was going to do this.

  My father was going to go spare!

  "Where are you staying?" I asked coldly. I folded my arms and glared at her. She felt uncomfortable and shifted on the spot.

  "She can stay with us" Blake quickly said. He looked at her and gave his smile. It was wasted on her. "We have a spare room so stay here if you want. I guess you and George have a lot of catching up to do." I gave a little laugh. Blake glared at me. "I'll show you your room" he picked up her bag and led her away.

  I ran over to the breakfast bar and picked up the bottle of wine. I needed it if I was going to spend a week with her. I looked round my glass had vanished. Sod it, I began to drink from the bottle.

  "What are you doing now?" Blake sounded disgusted and grabbed the bottle from me. "This isn't the answer."

  "No!" I snatched the bottle back. "It will make things fucking easier" and downed some more from the bottle. Bruno Mars was now singing about grenades. I would tell you one place I would throw one....

  I slammed the bottle down on the breakfast bar and took a deep breath.

  "What's the matter with you?"

  "Huh!!! I'm sorry... I should be happy the woman who abandon me wants to be part of my day!" I carried my bottle over to the sofa and sat down. I needed more. Anything that would help me get through this night was welcomed.

  Could this week get any worse??

  Blake came and sat down next to me. He placed a hand on mine and gave it a little squeeze. "Don't be hard on her... Maybe she has come to sort everything out. At the end of the day she is still your mother."

  I rolled my eyes, he really didn't have a clue did he? I had made an effort a few weeks ago and she threw it in my face. Now she got a chance to play mother of the bride here she was. My Dad was going to go ballistic at the sight of her. The thought was too daunting to think about.

  "You have a wonderful home?" my mother gushed as she made way into the living area. I didn't even bother to reply I just carried on downing wine out of the bottle. She took a seat on the other sofa. "Your Blake?" she asked. I could tell by her voice she was flirting. Some things never changed!

  "Yes" he smiled. "And your name is?"

  "You can call me Tilly" she laughed. I watched as she looked around the room and took it all in. It was more impressive than her place in London and she had nothing to do with it. Surely it must be a horrible thought to think your daughter was doing better than you were.

  The wine was bringing out my bitchy side.

  I placed the bottle down on the coffee table. I shouldn't drink any more for the sake of Blake. He was right it didn't help. She was still here and now I had to bite my tongue.

  "You must be starving, Tilly. Our dinner has gone cold! Why don't I order us all a Chinese and we can watch a DVD. This is going to be a fun week!"

  I gave him a dirty look. I know he was trying to make light of the situation but my mother staying here was not fun. Blake went off to order dinner. I glared over at my mother.

  "Why are you really here?" I spat.

  "To see you" she gave a half smile. "And to say sorry for how I was a few weeks ago."

  "He didn't show up did he?" I snorted.

  "No" she looked down at her hands. "How's the job going?"

  "I left!"

  "Oh, I see. You're still really angry with me aren't you?" I looked over and her eyes were low with sadness. For the first time I actually witnessed that she had a guilty conscience. So she should have. No decent mother would do what she had done.

  "I really am sorry Georgina and I promise this week I will make it up to you. Hang on!" She got up and ran out of the room.

  What was she doing?

  A few seconds she ran back into the room holding a bag. "This is for you?" I reluctantly took the b
ag off her. It was a Tiffany and Co's bag.

  How could she afford to shop here?

  I looked at her amused.

  "I sold a few of my paintings to an art dealer" she answered my unspoken question. "Open it!"

  I pulled out the box and opened it up. Inside was a bow pendant. The bow was made out of diamonds and it looked like white gold.

  How on earth could she afford something like this?

  I was shocked. I looked over and she was smiling ear to ear. "I can't take this" I gasped. "This is too much. Surely you need the money?"

  I went to hand it back but she stopped me. "No, Georgina... I want you to have it. I haven't been much of a mother." She looked down at her hands and her voice lowered. "I have done some terrible things and I need to make it up to you. Please, take it and wear it on your wedding day. Please, I beg you."

  I got the urge to hug her. Never before had she admitted she had done wrong. I wrapped my arms around her and I hugged her tight.

  My mother...

  How could I possibly hate the person who gave me life. If she was willing to do what she had just done then I guessed I had to forgive her. The only person we had to worry about was my Dad and that was not going to be fun.

  CHAPTER 18

  Family dinner!!

  Ha what a joke.

  I had better things to do on a Tuesday evening than sit around here watching Amber draped herself all over Brett. What was he even doing here? Didn't he have a business to run somewhere else.

  I looked down at Mum's traditional family roast. I felt sick and pushed it away. I looked over at my other two brothers Tim and James. I was the oldest, then Tim, then James and the baby of the family was Amber.

  Spoilt brat more like.

  "What's wrong with your food Maxwell?" my mum asked brushing her red hair out of her face. I shrugged and looked back down at the table. I hadn't eaten or even slept since last Thursday. I kept thinking about getting in contact with her but something kept telling me not to. The Temp I hired was useless. She couldn't even write a simple letter. The place didn't feel the same without Georgina and I missed her like mad.

  "He's probably still crying over Georgina?" Amber laughed. I gave her a dirty look. What did she know about anything...

  Nothing!!

  Just because she had a boyfriend now she thought she could shove it in anyone’s face. Brett would do a runner as soon as he knew what a spoilt selfish mouthy little brat she was.

  A little smirk came on my face. "How's Uni Amber?" She didn't reply just returned the dirty look.

  "Who's Georgina?" James asked. Amber and her big mouth. I didn't want to talk about it. I didn't go round telling everyone my business. My parents knew nothing about my life and I liked it that way. The only reason Amber knew was because she gate crashed the weekend.

  I stood up from the table. "I'm going for a smoke" I snapped and left them mumbling to themselves. I stepped out into the back garden and took in the fresh air. I sat down on the step that lead to the back door.

  Why didn't I just say I was working?

  I could of gone home and welled in my self pity. I took out a cigarette and lit it.

  "Hey?" I looked up and it was Brett. He took a seat next to me and I carried on smoking. "You shouldn't listen to Amber."

  "I never do" I huffed blowing out smoke. "What you doing here? Who's taking care of the bar?"

  "I thought I would come for a holiday, see the parents and have a break from the bar." He gave a little laugh. "Tell the truth Libby is watching it..." I glared at him. "Hey, she comes in handy for something! What happened with you and Georgina?"

  I rolled my eyes here he was fishing for dirt again. I shrugged and took another drag of the cigarette. "Didn't work out!" I sighed.

  "She still getting married?"

  "Yep" I threw the butt down on the floor. "Saturday and I got invited." I gave a hysterical laugh. "Can you believe that? Not to mention the dinner I have been invited to tomorrow night."

  "Are you going?"

  "Am I fuck" I snorted. Like I really wanted to be sitting in the same room as the fucker who broke my nose. Listening to people congratulating them. I would rather pull my teeth out. I ran a hand through my hair. I hadn't been the same since last Thursday.

  My life actually felt like it had no meaning.

  Yes I was rich my business had got that massive contract but I was lonely. I was still craving Georgina. I kept kicking myself.

  Why did I tell her to leave?

  "I think you should go" Brett chirped.

  My eyes glared at him in shock.

  Why would anyone suggest that?

  Was he completely crazy?

  I couldn't show up tomorrow night like nothing had happened. I didn't want another broken nose.

  "You're crazy?" I laughed. "Her boyfriend found out, marched into my office and broke my nose!"

  Brett raised an eyebrow. "You're just going to hide away? The Maxwell Thomas I know would stick two fingers up and prove no one gets to him. The Maxwell Thomas I know doesn't have a heart and is not sentimental."

  I gave a little laugh yeah maybe the old Maxwell Thomas. Georgina had changed me. She had made me realize what it felt to really love someone. I felt that low sinking pain in my heart again. She had changed my life and the way I saw things. I was desperate to see her again. Maybe tomorrow night would be my final chance. I looked out into the garden. Here I was in my parents garden having a heart to heart with my best friend. Guess there was a first time for everything.

  I shook my head Brett was right! Why was he always fucking right? I was Maxwell Thomas the cold hard businessman who didn't give a toss about anyone. I was incapable of love and I didn't want to love. I didn't need the distractions of a girlfriend or her rich boyfriend. I was going to go tomorrow and prove to those two that I couldn't care less about their dumb wedding!!

  * * *

  I thought this was meant to be a quiet family dinner but it looked like the witch had gone all out. Decorations, waiters with champagne and many people I didn't know socializing with each other. I looked at the clock above the grand staircase. My father was going to be here very soon. Mum was off chatting to some man in the corner. I had lent her a dress of mine and she looked completely different. In fact she looked like an older version of me.

  I looked down at my peach dress. Blake insisted I wore the entire outfit he had brought me for my birthday. I had left my hair loose and my Tiffany and Co's necklace finished the outfit off perfectly.

  I looked around and I couldn't see Blake anywhere. A waiter came over and handed me a glass. I was really worried about my Dad's reaction when he saw my mother. My Dad wouldn't care who was about. If he had something to say he would say it!! My mother came running to me with a massive smile on her face.

  "This is wonderful, George" she gushed. "It's like a fairy tale!" I laughed looking at her you wouldn't think she was paint throwing old hippy. I actually liked spending time with her over the last few days. We had done many daughter/mother things; Shopping, eating, relax in front of the TV, baking and most all gossiping. I felt little sad that it had taken us too long to get to the place we were in now.

  "Georgina!" I knew that voice. I froze like a statue.

  He was here and she was here!!!

  I slowly turned round to face the entrance and there he was. He was dressed in a suit and Caitlyn was dressed in a ball gown. She looked elegant like she was a film star. Dad looked over at my mother and I cringed. It was going to kick off now. Dad walked over to me, gave me a big hug and held his hand out to my mum.

  "Tilly, how you are doing?" Mum shook his hand and I looked shocked.

  “Where was the fireworks??? "

  You haven't met my wife Caitlyn have you?" Mum shook her head and Dad pushed Caitlyn forward.

  "Hello Tilly" Caitlyn said politely. I really couldn't understand what was going on here. Everyone was being civil. I grabbed my Dad's arm and pulled him towards me.

  "Why a
re you being nice?" I whispered.

  "You see all these people?" He circled his finger around the room. I raised an eyebrow. What did that have to do with anything.? "They all look very rich and fancy!"

  "So?" I yelled.

  "They might need cars!!" Dad laughed.

  I felt like slapping my hand over my forehead. Only he would think of my wedding as a profit booster. I downed the rest of my drink.

  I scanned the room... Where was Blake?

  Suddenly I felt two arms wrap round my waist. I turned round in shock and there he was with his mum and Dad.

  "Richie" my Dad beamed at him, grabbing hold of his hand and nearly shaking it off.

  "Ummm... Blake !" He muttered surprised by my father's reaction.

  Dad slapped Blake on the back so hard he nearly fell over. "I know, just teasing!" He turned to face Blake's parents. "Well.. You must be lord and lady Waterman." He hugged the witch and she froze in complete shock. I looked at Blake and we had to stop ourselves bursting into fits of laughter. "You have a mighty fine home... Can you believe one day our daughter will be Lady Georgina!!"

  The witch's face turned to stone. Don't think she liked the idea of that and nor did I!!

  "Thank you" Blake’s Dad smiled. "We are really glad you could make tonight."

  "Wouldn't of missed my little girls night for the world" Dad placed a finger to his lips. "Just wondering... Do you need a car?"

  "Dad!" I jumped in. "Why don't you take Caitlyn and introduce yourself to everyone." Dad glared at me, I glared at Dad and he finally got the message. Him and Caitlyn walked off funny enough with my mother in tow. I looked at Blake and gave a sigh of relief.

  Only my Dad would be so blatant.

  "Your Dad is quite a character" Blake's Dad laughed. "I like him."

  "Come on" the witch snapped. "Let's check the marquee!!"

  I turned to look at Blake.

  "Marquee?? I thought we were just having dinner. I thought it was a family do!! Why are all these people here and why is there a marquee??" I could feel myself over reacting to everything.