The pilot’s voice came over the loudspeaker, “Please fasten your seat belt while we approach for landing.” I complied, my stomach in knots. I leaned back in my seat, took a deep breath, and thought about Shawn waiting for me at the airport terminal. He was always there for me — giving me a pep talk right before a big meeting and standing by my side when I knocked it out of the park. I could count on that tradition as sure as the plane was landing.
The plane shuddered and shook as it descended, and landed with a loud thud. The door opened, revealing the bright sunlight on the tarmac. He was waiting there, leaning against the car with his sunglasses perched atop his head, a Cheshire cat grin spread across his face. “What took you so long? I've been standing here for eternity,” he said, comically exaggerating with laughter.
“Oh, you know, the captain was trying to make me late.”
I got into the passenger side of his car, and we took off to the office.
“You ready for today?”
“I’ve been ready. You know I’ve had this presentation set up for months now. Just been waiting on him to make the call that he was interested. I have no doubt that he’ll be signing today. Mark my words.”
I didn’t mean to sound cocky, but I was. This man had been circling us for years. It was only a matter of time untilhe approached us about investing. We’d been in magazines, newspapers, and even Forbes. We were known for being successful in all our ventures.
“If you say so. No need for a pep talk, then?”
“You practically gave me one last night. But I’m okay with another one if you think I need it.”
He laughed, punching me in the shoulder. “You were born to do this.”
Chapter Seven
ELLA
The past few days had been a rollercoaster of emotions. After our date, I was over the moon. But then, the next morning, Alexander was gone. It was as if our night together had never happened. I wanted to believe he'd come back to me, but I knew deep down that it was a lost cause. I wished I had never agreed to go on the date with him.
As I prepared for my evening routine, pouring my glass of wine and running a hot bath, my phone lit up with a unfamiliar number. I hesitated to answer it, but after a few moments, I finally picked up.
“Ella? It’s Alexander,” a voice said on the other line. My heart raced as I felt my chest tighten.
“And you decide to call me now? Three days later?” I spat in anger. Despite how much I wanted to hear his voice, the disappointment in him calling so late had me seething.
“I had an urgent business trip and had to catch a flight back to Baltimore,” he said, “I had to ask one of my staff members to track down your phone number since you never gave it to me.”
“I’m not sure how I feel about that. You’ve been gone for days.”
I opened my mouth, wanting to tell him the truth, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I was so angry with him, but I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.
"Ella, I won't do it again. I promise."
I could hear his sincerity on the other end. “This will be your last chance. Don’t go asking for another one.”
“I’m on my way back. Landing in about an hour. Are you free?”
I wanted to say no and make him feel bad about abandoning me, but I wanted to see him. “I guess, see you then.”
When he arrived, he stammered an apology. Despite his obvious guilt, he tried to sound sincere, but I could tell it was forced. He said I could do whatever I wanted tonight. I wasn't ready to forgive him yet.
He guided me to the cinema, his arm resting lightly around my shoulder. We found two seats in the back corner, and he immediately pulled me close, my head resting on his shoulder. I felt the tingle of his cologne as I breathed in deeply. His warmth was comforting as I tried to focus on the movie, but I was more captivated by being so close to him.
As the movie credits rolled, he stifled a yawn and rubbed his eyes. I asked what he wanted to do, and he grinned and said he wanted to keep hanging out. I thought of the mini golf course down the street and suggested we give it a try.
“How are you so good?”
The corners of his mouth turned up in a half-smile. “I used to play all the time with my mom as a child,” he said, his voice softening. “We had this special bond. We didn't have much, butwe had each other and the game. I miss it.” The corners of his mouth drooped and he sighed.
“Why did you guys stop?” I asked, my hand instinctively reaching out to touch his arm in comfort.
“Well, she passed.” His shoulders slumped and his gaze fell to the floor, revealing a sadness that even he couldn't hide. “She was a single mom who raised me alone and never had a partner to lean on. My dad never showed up when I was born, and I never met him. That history is why I'm so hesitant to have kids - I want to make sure both the mother and the father are fully committed before it happens.”