Nicholas - September Falls On A Wednesday

Descripción

← Previous Chapter: Chapter 19 [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/p/more-than-enough-boss-x-employeeage-96f?r=6g9s3i] /|\ Next Chapter → Chapter 21 [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/p/more-than-enough-boss-x-employeeage-02f?r=6g9s3i] The usual sound of pans and pots and the smell of cooked food are all absent when I step into my London penthouse. The unusual quiet that greets me sends a chill down my spine. It’s been three weeks since we left Switzerland and came back here for post-production work. Being in a studio and doing interviews from dawn to dusk, isn’t the glamorous part of the job, but it is necessary. Needless to say, coming back to Briony’s waiting arms is usually the best part of my day. Which is why her absence is so noticeable. “Briony?” I call, knocking on her door as I look towards the dark kitchen. “She’s gone,” a voice calls from the sitting room. “Evie?” I walk towards the sitting room to find my sister on the sofa with a murderous gleam in her eye. With her arms folded and her legs crossed at the knee, I don’t feel as though I’m in imminent danger of losing teeth, but I’m positive I’m in for the tongue lashing of my life. I stop short, a sense of dread rising in my chest. Wait… “What do you mean she’s gone? Where has she gone?” Evie shakes her head as she sharply exhales. “I mean just what I said, Nicholas. Evie is gone, no thanks to you. Back to New York.” I feel the blood drain from my face as I slowly shake my head. “That doesn’t make any—why would she do such a thing? We’ll be back in three days—” I break off to pull out my mobile. “Forget it. I have no idea why I’m asking you when I can just call her and sort this all out.” Yet, the longer the phone rings, the more a rising sense of dread gnaws at my stomach. The sound of Briony’s voicemail gives me a start. Dialing again, I’m again sent to voicemail. I’ve never been sent to voicemail until now. Since Briony began working for me, she’s always answered my calls. I slowly look up at Evie who’s sitting completely upright, tight lipped with anger. Crossing to her, I sit on the sofa, but not close enough to be in striking range. “What happened?” I desperately croak. Evie ponders me curiously. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that question? After getting an ominous text message which said exactly what I told you, I drove over here when Briony didn’t respond to texts or phone calls. What did you do?” Evie’s question doesn’t surprise me, but the accusatory tone does give me a moment of hesitation. I stare into my sister’s blue eyes pondering the same question. What did I do? “I have no idea, Evie. She seemed fine this morning after breakfast. We—” Alfie comes through the front door and I leap up to question him. “Did you know Briony left?” The answer is clear in Alfie’s shocked brown eyes. “What do you mean, she left?” I groan as I throw my head back in frustration. “Just what I said, Alf. She isn’t accepting anyone’s calls or texts at the moment. Evie drove over, but she evidently missed Briony, who’s heading back to New York apparently.” Alfie scowls. “And, why would she be doing something like that, Sir?” Evie appears at my elbow, sharply poking me in the shoulder to punctuate each word. “What. Did. You. Do?” I stare back at her as new horror dawns. “We had a small disagreement last night, but surely it couldn’t be over that…” Alfie and Evie cross their arms simultaneously. As they scowl at me, I look back and forth between them. “Spill it, Nicholas.” I flinch at hearing Evie say my full name. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve heard her use it, and two of those occasions occurred today. Rubbing the back of my neck I expel a breath. “It’s really nothing as dramatic as all of that. I don’t know what’s gotten into Briony suddenly. Last night, we were sitting on the balcony after dinner as usual, and…” The breeze had gently fluttered, blowing Briony’s curls around her head. From seemingly far away, the sounds of London traffic could be faintly heard drifting over the park. I unbuttoned the second button on my white knit polo, and sat back in my chair. I should have told her how beautiful she looked in her white and blue striped maxi dress as she lounged on a chaise. Instead I remarked how unseasonably warm it was in London for the time of year. Briony smiled and said, “If London wants to give me a warm sendoff, I’ll take it. It’s going to be nonstop work when I get back, so I’m going to enjoy these last few days.” I shrugged as I savored the tart sweetness of the purple butterfly pea flower lemonade Briony made. “Why don’t you take a couple of weeks off before starting up the truck. Or better yet, why not wait to launch it when we get back from New Zealand? I’ll have time to help you then, too.” Briony’s head slowly turned, like something out of a horror movie, but still, I didn’t take the hint. I laughed. “What? Don’t look at me that way! I only mean that you should get rest while you can. You don’t need to run yourself into the ground.” Briony blinked at me, a look of perfect befuddlement marring her face. “Um. Nick. Wow, I’m made of questions. Where to start?” She put a hand to her mouth as she frowned. “You know I’ve been planning to start this truck for a long time. It means a lot to me.” I took in her somber expression and nodded. “Of course, I know that, love. You’ve hardly spoken of anything else this past year.” Briony nodded as she narrowed her eyes on me. “So, what do you mean wait until after New Zealand to launch it?” I sat my cup down as I leaned over to push her curls over her shoulder. I frowned when she scooted away from me to sit up, but I responded anyway. “I just meant it’s only two months until we leave. If the time crunch is too much, then we can always do it when we get back in February.” She seemed to be angry, but that couldn’t be right. I slapped my forehead as she sat up. “Oh! That’s right, I forgot. Evie’s due date. We’ll be in London for most of March and April. Well, there’s always May. I suppose we could—” I broke off as Briony stiffly stood up, bending to retrieve her glass from the table. “Where are you going, love?” When Briony looked at me, the mixture of hurt, anger, and confusion in her eyes stunned me. “Nick. Just what makes you think I’m willing to put off my plans again?” The tone in her voice caused me to sit up in my chair, a frisson of unease shooting down my spine. I shook my head in confusion. “I don’t wish for you to put it off. It just seemed like a lot to balance between all of our other obligations. I don’t want you to burn out, love.” Briony’s eyebrows shot up, but she tilted her head to the side as she studied me. “Getting Day launched is my only obligation right now, Nick. Next year, with your investment, I’ll get Night launched. That’s all I have going on. I know you’re going to be in New Zealand, but why I would wait until you get back is beyond me. I haven’t needed your help until this point. I don’t see why things would suddenly be too great to deal with when you aren’t around.” A sharp pang shot through me at her words, and I stood to rest my hands on her shoulders as confusion swirled in my mind. “Darling, I think something has been lost in translation. I know you haven’t needed my help in the past, but when I’m around, you have me at your disposal. I didn’t mean to indicate you wouldn’t be able to launch Day in the short window of time. I just thought it might be easier to do so when we’re both available. Taking four months off after the launch then another two months after for Evie’s baby might be a bit taxing. That’s all I meant.” Briony held up both hands as she stepped out of my embrace. “Wait. What do you mean taking four months off?” I stared at her, flabbergasted. “Well, how else would you travel with me to New Zealand?” Her eyes widened to the size of saucers as she spun toward the rail, her hands on her head. When she turned to face me again, her face was a mask of disbelief. “Why would I go with you to New Zealand? I don’t work for you anymore.” I blinked at her as I slowly responded, “I know that, love. However, I’ll be gone for months…do you mean to say, you have no intention of coming with me when I travel for work?” Briony gritted her teeth as she shook her head. “Nick, I have my own job—my own business to run. Why would I take off for months at a time? How would I pay my bills? How would I live?” I swallowed, offering a bewildered smile. “Is that what’s worrying you? We’re together now, darling. What bills do you have to worry about? At some point we’ll be married, and that won’t be a consideration at all.” She stared back at me like I was a man in need of a brain. “Nicholas. Are you suggesting that I should just drop everything to follow you around the world?” She quietly asked. Alarm bells began to go off, and I recognized the need to tread carefully. “No…I wouldn’t suggest that. It’s just…why are we together if we aren’t going to be…together? That doesn’t make much sense, does it?” Briony inhaled sharply, a range of emotions crossing her face. The confusion I felt only became more pronounced as I struggled to understand where we were failing to communicate. “Ok,” I said, holding up my hands. “Let’s just calm down. If you don’t want to travel with me to New Zealand, you don’t have to. I assumed that you would want to continue spending as much time together as possible. I shouldn’t have assumed. I’m sorry. But, what am I supposed to do without you for four months? Live off of Alfie’s food?” My poor attempt at a joke fell flat. I knew it as soon as it left my mouth, yet the conversation had me at sixes and sevens. What was I supposed to say? Briony ran a hand over her face. “You know what, Nick. I don’t know what you’re going to do for four months. All I know is that if this is going to work—if we’re going to work, then you’re going to have to respect the work that I do. I don’t exist just to cook your meals and escort you around the world!” It felt like all of the oxygen evaporated from the balcony in that moment, and I closed my eyes as I tried to pull in a breath. “That isn’t fair, Briony. You know that I value you more than that. Why else would I offer to invest in Night? In fact—” “I’m tired, Nick. Let’s just end it here. I’m going to bed.” For the first time, I noticed the dark grey bags under her eyes, and the way her shoulders drooped, as if under some great weight. I nodded. “Alright. Get some rest, my love. We can discuss it tomorrow. I have to be at the studio a little later tomorrow, so a light dinner should be fine.” Briony looked at me then, and I could have sworn I saw something shine in her eyes before she quickly turned toward the balcony doors. “Good bye, Nick.” “Good Night, love.” I wanted to reach out and wrap her in my arms as I had done so many times over the past three weeks. To hold her and tell her it would be alright. That we’d figure it out. Yet, there was a prickliness about her…something that screamed don’t touch. So, instead, I watched her traipse through the doors as I tried to figure out what exactly had just happened… Alfie claps a hand to his forehead as Evie groans. “So, what did you do after that?” My sister asks. I look between the two of them in confusion. “What do you mean? I didn’t do anything? I went to bed. She seemed fine this morning…maybe a bit quiet if anything. I’m sure you can see there was nothing to indicate something so dramatic as leaving the country unannounced.” While Evie and Alfie stare at me in disbelief, I shrug my shoulders. “If either of you have something to say, now would be a good time. I should probably call again to see if she’s willing to talk.” Evie pokes me in the chest. “How could you? You know how much her food truck business means to her!” The irritation rises in my chest as I brush Evie’s hand aside. “Of course, I know how much it means to her. If there’s some misunderstanding about that, we’ll clear it up. Why are you all being so dramatic?” Alfie says something under his breath, then aloud, “I’m cancelling the wedding.” I frown, the panic returning in a rush. “What? No! I’ve just gotten used to the idea! Why would you—” Alfie starts pushing buttons on his phone as he turns away. “Sir, respectfully, you don’t deserve her.” My brows shoot to my hairline, something like panic setting in. “How could you of all people say that! You know how I feel about her!” Alfie whirls back on me, his face a cold mask. “Did you know that her fish vendor fell through on her yesterday? Or that she’s been fighting with the mechanics over the billing since they want to be paid in cash when they said they accepted credit at first? Or that she’s been worried that she won’t have the time to get the truck painted out because the mechanics don’t want to deliver the truck unless she’s there to receive it?” My mouth opens and closes as a wave of dread washes over me. “No..I—she didn’t mention—” Alfie’s dark eyes flash as he growls, “No, but she wouldn’t, would she? Do you ever ask how her day was? Or, how things are going? Or do you just wait for her to mention something in passing?” I stare dumbly at him. Surely, I’ve…at least once. But..no. I know I haven’t. We talk about nearly everything else. I collapse on the sofa, as I try to sort it all out. I could get upset with her for not sharing these things with me, but the truth is, I’m upset with myself. I should know these things. I should be taking an interest in one of the most important things in her life. Instead, I’ve ignored it as much as I could. Why? “Did you ever tell her that you love her?” Evie asks, more than a little concern in her voice. I blink up at her, my stomach pitching wildly. “Well, no..not yet. I wanted to…it should be under different circumstances…” “Oh? When will that be? Before your first child goes to kindergarten, I hope!” Alfie huffs. What is happening today? I look between the two of them wildly. “Are you all out of your minds? I’m the one struggling to figure out what’s going on. Why does it feel as though there’s one grand secret being kept from me?” Evie sighs as she rubs her eyes. “Alfie, give us a minute, please.” Alfie looks back at me, shaking his head on his way upstairs. Evie sits next to me on the sofa, turning to face me. “Why do you think Briony left early, Nick?” I scrub my hands over my face before slowly running them through my hair. I’ve been at the studio at 6am every day this week, and want nothing more than to have something hot to eat and pass out. “I don’t know, Evie,” I say tiredly. “I guess that’s something I should ask her when I see her on Saturday.” Her eyes narrow on me. “Ah, so you’re going back on your original flight.” I wave a hand helplessly in the air. “I don’t see why not. I still have work to wrap up.” “Nicky,” Evie drops her chin, as she pins me with her Mother look..the one that says she’d rather just smack me in the head. “I’m going to speak slowly, so keep up. Who is the most important person in your life?” I frown. “It’s Briony, of course.” Evie nods. “Right. But, why?” I pause. “She’s the person I spend the most time with in a day. She literally keeps me alive.” Evie raises a brow. “How about something a little less proximity related. Or, even job related for that matter.” Sighing, I prop my chin on a fist. “What do I say? She’s brilliant, talented, gorgeous, she cares about people. She cares about me, and not just that I eat in a timely manner. She sees me. Nick the person, not Nicholas the actor. I’m a better person for being around her, and the idea of being separated from her physically pains me.” Evie nods. “Ok, so why haven’t you told her that?” My mind whirls as I blankly stare at her. “I…” My voice trails off as I come up empty. “I don’t know.” “Ok, let’s come back to that. Briony is the most important person in your life. If it were anyone other than Briony, I would take issue with being bumped from the spot. However, I’m willing to concede to my best friend because she’s awesome. Do you think you’re awesome enough to bump me from her number one spot?” My brows raise. “That’s a pretty high opinion of yourself isn’t it? After all, Wyn is her fleshly sister.” Evie waves a hand as she shakes her head. “Semantics. We’re all top three for sure. The point is…where do you rank yourself in her eyes? Are you not giving your all because you’re afraid?” “What would I have to be afraid of?” I swallow. “I know how we feel about each other at the moment. That’s all that matters.” She hikes a brow. “At the moment? Are your feelings transient?” I glare at her. “Not at all. I’ve never been more certain of my feelings.” Evie nods. “That’s wonderful. Do you feel the same way about Briony’s feelings? Do you think she can easily change her mind about how she feels about you?” Rubbing the back of my neck, I shrug, doing my best to ignore a cold lump that has settled in the pit of my stomach. “Nick, do you think you’re worth Briony’s time?” I open my mouth to respond, but nothing comes out. “Well…” My mouth dries, and the words stick in my throat. Evie nods. “So, what are you afraid of? That you’re not good enough for her? That she’ll ultimately reject you?” “No…” The word comes out on a puff of air. There’s no strength behind it, as I realize Evie may be on to something. Evie tilts her head to the side, reminding me of Briony. “Is that why you haven’t hyper focused on her like you do with everything else you love? Have you been taking it slowly because you’re afraid you’ll lose her?” Her question resonates somewhere deep within me, and I realize it’s true. I’ll surely be ruined if I lose Briony now. Living without her would be difficult, but if I focus all of my energy on her, and go all in, only to be rejected later? I don’t think I would survive. I nod miserably as tears prickle at the back of my eyes. “What if I’m not enough for her, Evie? What if I give her my all and she still decides she doesn’t want this…want me?” “Then, that’s her right as a human being,” Evie nods firmly. “But, what if you continue like this, holding yourself back from the full effort, and she still leaves? Wouldn’t it hurt more knowing that you could have done something to change the outcome?” I choke on the spit that I sharply inhale, and after a fit of coughing I stare back at Evie in amazement. “This goes back to the idea of loving someone the way they want to be loved, doesn’t it?” Evie grasps my hand and gives it gentle shake. “If you don’t love with everything, don’t you think the other person will know it? Especially with someone who knows you as well as you say Briony does? It’s tempting to put the people we love on a pedestal and hope that they love us enough to stay there. However, that rarely works for people who want to live rather than be enjoyed.” I frown in response. “So, you’re saying by loving her in halves, I’m not only not getting the full experience, I’m also not giving her the full experience.” Evie taps a finger to her chin as she thinks. “It’s the same as taking your most prized possession, putting it on a pedestal, shining a spotlight on it, and visiting it every day, but never dusting it, or putting in the effort to clean it. The minimal effort may work for a while, but eventually the piece will dull. It may get caked with dust and grime. It won’t shine the way it could, and it will no longer be appealing on the pedestal.” My brows shoot up as she continues. “Only, Briony, is a person, with feelings and emotions, desires and motivations that change, like you and me. As a good partner, how do you love completely if you merely show half an interest in them? If you don’t have those conversations?” “I know how she feels about things…” “But what about her life, Nicky? What about the things that make her tick? You can observe forever, but until you’re willing to steep yourself in the essence of who she is, you’ll never be the partner she needs, because you won’t be able to show up in the ways that truly matter to her. You know what tea she likes? Wonderful. So does her barista at Starbucks. You mean more than they do, so you have to dig deeper than they do. Deeper than you’ve ever gone with another person.” I look away in shame. It’s something that I should know, and yet, for the first time, it’s clear to me that in trying to preserve my own feelings, I’ve been neglectful of Briony’s. I feel sick as Evie continues. “Look, Nicky, I know you can do it. You feel deeply, so I don’t think your feelings are shallow. But, I do think the very fear that’s keeping you from going all in, is the same fear that will ultimately sabotage your relationship. It’s up to you what you do from here.” She then stands and gives me a hug. “I love you both, and you’ll both be in my life no matter what happens.” Evie pulls back to look me in the eye. “But if you think for a minute I’m putting her out of the delivery room because you couldn’t get yourself together, you’d better think again.” I offer a tight smile as I hug her in return. “We can’t have that now, can we?” She taps me on the shoulder. “Which is why you’ll figure it out. I believe Briony’s planning to pack up her cottage and put everything in storage until she can find a place to stay. Hopefully, you can talk her out of it.” I abruptly stand up. “She had agreed to stay!” Evie levels me with a stern look. “Then, give her a reason, Nicky.” Resting a hand on my cheek she smiles. “Aren’t you the one always quoting Byron? ‘Friendship is love without its wings!’ It’s about time that you fully take the leap and give your friendship some wings, darling.” With that she collects her things and sails out of the door with promises to keep in touch. I slowly trudge upstairs as I contemplate everything that happened in the past 24 hours. I have to fix this..I’m going to fix this. When I enter my navy and tan bedroom, it takes me a moment to notice the white card on my blue duvet. Recognizing Briony’s handwriting, I rip open the card and stare at the two sentences written there. I just need some time to figure out if this is going where we both need it to go. If not, some difficult, but necessary changes need to be made. Briony I don’t know how long I stand there holding the card. Does this mean…she’s breaking up with me? As the thought fills my mind, it lights a fire in me, and I spring into action. Storming into the hallway, I bang on Alfie’s door. When it swings open, I waste no time. “Reschedule me for what ever work remains to be done, but I need to be in New York by tomorrow. We’ll need a jet, Alf.” Alfie looks back at me in surprise at first, then as a slow smile spreads across his face, I turn to walk away. “I’m getting Tiffany place settings for your wedding present!” He calls out gleefully. “Make sure it’s for 12,” I shout, jogging to my room to pack. I toss a few things in a satchel, knowing Alf will get everything else sorted later, but my mind is on my wife. If wings are what Briony is after, then that’s what she’s going to get. In spades… ← Previous Chapter: Chapter 19 [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/p/more-than-enough-boss-x-employeeage-96f?r=6g9s3i] /|\ Next Chapter → Chapter 21 [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/p/more-than-enough-boss-x-employeeage-02f?r=6g9s3i] Subscribe for new posts every week! Get full access to I'm Just Here For BOOKS at everblueauthor.substack.com/subscribe [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Briony - Essence of Love

← Previous Chapter: Chapter 20 [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/p/more-than-enough-boss-x-employeeage-8d3?r=6g9s3i] /|\ Next Chapter → Chapter 22 [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/p/chapter-22?r=6g9s3i] If I don’t count the seven hours I spent riding the fence over the pros and cons of staying at Nick’s cottage, the flight home was uneventful. Before I left for Heathrow Airport yesterday afternoon, I was perfectly calm. I wasn’t angry, there wasn’t any angst involved in my decision to remove myself from his presence. Just a need for quiet, to allow myself to think clearly. Could I have left in a less dramatic way? Yes. I could have told Nick I was leaving. Yet, I somehow knew he’d manage to keep me there. I’m not a weak woman, either. The man just has the power of persuasion always at the ready. I don’t stand a chance if I don’t have things figured out before discussing it. No, I deserved to have space to think without anyone else’s input. For once, I was going to get just that. Yet, nearly as soon as I left the penthouse and sat down in the black taxi, I began to have serious doubts. I love Nick, and I know he loves me. So, what am I trying to prove? Does it really matter something seems not quite right? Don’t get me wrong, Nick has been warm and respectful, and just wonderful in general since the night he gave me the necklace. Yet… It’s as if Nick thinks I’m fragile, so he’s afraid to touch me. I mean that both figuratively and literally. It feels like Nick is holding back, and that doesn’t begin to cover how he’s only held my hand or given me hugs. Not one kiss! I know it’s only been a short time since we’ve been seeing each other romantically. But, honestly…not even a peck on the lips? We’re not exactly strangers! I just keep wondering…what’s he waiting for? Because if he thinks I’m going to be in one of those medieval marriages that were strictly platonic, he’d better have another think coming. Still, there would be times that he would look at me with so much tenderness and heat, that I felt as if I were imagining things. So, I thought, maybe he’s just nervous. Maybe he didn’t feel it was the right time. Maybe he needed more from me. As the days slipped by, I eventually ran out of excuses. I don’t doubt his love, but I began to doubt he knew the difference between a friend and a lover. The discussion of the night before just seemed to blow up the issue, leaving me with more questions. What does he want to marry me for? To have someone cook his meals? To discuss plays and run lines with him? To accompany him on his long stretches out of the country? Ok, I know that isn’t fair to him. He really does listen to me, and he’s always seemed to care more about what I think than any other man I’ve known. There’s just…something missing. Besides the kisses that is. Something that I can’t put my finger on. The thought strikes me about the fifth hour of the flight. What’s missing is the passion, and I don’t mean the physical variety. There’s no sharing ice cream, or having chats every night until we fall asleep. There’s no sharing giggles, except for the occasional banter, and certainly no dreaming of the future. We may watch War and Peace or Oliver Twist and discuss every plot point, but at some point, we stopped sharing the pieces of ourselves that mattered the most. I don’t know what happened, but I don’t like it. Pointing it out, meant being brushed off with a remark about how busy his schedule is during post production. To be fair to him, he’s right, but if I’m going to be penciled in under ‘get milk,’ if I’m going to be treated as a convenience…it’s just not going to work. Yesterday wasn’t the only straw, but it was certainly the last. I’ve been battling all summer to get this food truck off the ground. Yet, it’s been one thing after another. In the middle of yet another soulless conversation, I realized he has no idea the stress I’m under. Nor did he appear to care. Sure, I could have brought it up. He would have politely listened as he always did, but that would have been the end. We would have gone on to something else. The one thing that Nick and I seemed to have before, even if it was just a glimmer, was an ability to talk to each other honestly. Yet, now, even that’s missing, and the only thing I can figure, is that neither of us know how to date. It’s our first time doing this, therefore, there are going to be growing pains. So, what do we do about that? By the time I reach my cottage around midnight, shower and crawl into bed, both body and brain are exhausted mush. My last thought before closing my eyes, is to wonder what Nick had for dinner. After emailing back and forth with a promising new fish vendor, I look up at the clock on my bedroom wall. 9:04am. As good a time as any to drag myself out of bed. Pulling on a cream, mustard and French blue maxi skirt with a matching blue cropped tank, I pad barefoot to the front door. It’s much warmer here than it is in Europe, but as I look at the tall trees, still full of vibrant green color, I know it won’t be long before autumn sweeps in with its hint of frost colored in orange, red and gold. Collecting all of the groceries I had delivered, I shuffle everything back to the kitchen. It’s been so long since I’ve cooked something purely for myself, so I’m going straight to comfort food. There’s still two days before Nick gets home, and I plan to be happily fed when he returns, if nothing else. After putting the rest of the groceries away, I set about making Beef Bourguignon and mashed potatoes. I make extra in case Annie and Ben want to join me for lunch. I know there isn’t much for Annie to clean with Nick being gone, so she may have already gone home. But, if Ben isn’t mowing lawns, then he’s pruning bushes, or trees, or fixing something or other. He can at least take some home with him. While I wait for the stew to finish cooking, I make a fruit tart for dessert. I’ve just poured a glass of mint green tea lemonade a couple of hours later when my door bell rings. I haven’t even told my family that I’m home early, so I wonder who it could be. I start towards the door, but pull myself up short when I see Nick’s grizzled profile through the glass. What’s he doing here? Self consciously touching a hand to my curls, frizzy with humidity, my heart beats faster as I open the door and freeze. Nick’s eyes are molten blue pools as they rake me from head to toe and back again. He slowly extends a bouquet of pink and white flowers toward me. “My life, I’ve missed you..may I come in?” Slowly nodding in shock, I accept the flowers and step aside for him. “Thank you for the flowers.” His eyes never leave me as he steps inside and closes the door. He’s buzzing with a quiet energy that feels different from the usual easiness that exists between us. Dipping my head to smell the pretty buds, I decide he must have had a lot of coffee on his trip over. “They’re Asters,” he unexpectedly says. I look up at him uncertainly, and wonder when he crept closer. “It smells amazing in here. Is it alright if I stay for lunch?” I tilt my head as I consider him. His pressed, white button up and khaki shorts aren’t travel worn, so he must have changed at home before walking over. “You’re always welcome at my table, Nick.” I turn and hustle back to the kitchen to get the flowers in a vase. Sitting the crystal vase on the wood block island, I turn back for the scissors, but I’m surprised when I see Nick already has them. “Allow me, love.” As he takes the flowers and begins cutting the stems, neatly arranging them in the vase, I shake my head in surprise. Who knew a man could look like that, and smell like him, while arranging flowers? I need to get a grip. “What are you doing here, Nick?” His eyes flick to mine, before flicking back to the flowers. “At the moment? Arranging a bouquet of flowers. Presently? Desperately hoping that I haven’t lost the woman whom I hope is still my fiancée.” For the first time in a month, his gaze is unguarded, and the mix of fear, affection, and longing take me by surprise. He drops his gaze to continue arranging his flowers, but I don’t miss the slight tremor in his hands. Pursing my lips as I ponder how to say what I thought I had days to come up with, I walk to the cupboards and pull out a couple of pasta bowls to set the table. By the time I’ve got the stew and mashed potatoes in serving bowls and on the table, Nick has arranged the flowers in the middle of the dining table, and sat down to join me. “Wine?” I ask. “What do you have?” “I can do a pinot noir or a cab sav.” Nick purses his lips. “Surprise me.” After retrieving a bottle and uncorking it, Nick pours for us, and sits down to eat. I’m surprised when he loads up on mashed potatoes, but I don’t say a word. I’m no longer his chef. “The pinot pairs well with the beef,” he hums after a sip. When I nod in response, he continues. “I love the stew over the mashed potatoes. It’s like they’re made for one another,” he shoots me a meaningful look. I smile wanly. “Perhaps.” We eat in silence, and I must admit, I don’t savor much of the meal, since I’m more concerned about what he’s going to say. The same can’t be said for Nick however, who seems to be having a spiritual experience with every bite and sip. I would be jealous, but I know how hard he works to eat healthy. This is a real cheat meal for him, and if I’m being honest, I’m just happy to see him so rapturous. “I’m glad to see you enjoying something, Nick.” Ooh..that had more of an edge than I intended. He opens his eyes and pins me with a lazy smile. “I learned from the best, my life.” I grimace at the nickname, unsure what to say to that. “What does it mean when you keep saying, ‘my life’?” Nick smiles as he sips his wine, never breaking eye contact. “It surprised me that its owner so quickly forgot the meaning of their own pet name.” I raise a brow. “Are you trying to say I made up that nickname?” Nick gives a short nod as he helps himself to a third serving of stew and potatoes. “Among other things, yes.” I scowl in frustration. “When did I do such a thing, and why would I do it?” Nick smirks. “It was on the night you proposed. I suppose it was your proposal gift to me.” I chuckle in disbelief as I slap a hand to my chest. “Me? I proposed to you? When was this?” He chuckles softly, his eyes alight with amusement. “I don’t know if I should be offended that you don’t remember the most important night of our lives thus far, but yes, you did. It was the night we spent together in Nottinghamshire.” My face immediately flushes under Nick’s watchful eye. I clear my throat, and mutter “Why couldn’t you say the night you got sick?” Nick playfully shrugs his broad shoulders. “You remember it how you want, and I’ll remember it the way it was.” I scowl as I rub an eye. “How can you remember anything? You were out of it if I recall.” Nick swallows his last bite. “Do you think I would forget something like that? I memorize lines for a living. I’ll never forget the most important words ever spoken to me. It’s why we carry them with us, wherever we go.” My brows rise. “What’s that supposed to mean?” He nods towards me as his gaze lowers. “It means you wear these words over your heart, just as I do mine.” My eyes involuntarily drop to the chain that Nick wears beneath his shirt. It had appeared not too long after I received my own chain, but I hesitated to ask the meaning in it. Overpowered by a burning curiosity, I stand to lean over the table and lift his chain from beneath his shirt. Nick gazes at me earnestly, but doesn’t say anything. His simple gold chain has a similar set of dashes and dots, but his dashes are gold, and his dots appear to be made of onyx beads. I’m startled when his large hand covers mine. I look into his pale blue eyes, and the fire burning there leaves me breathless. “Briony.” That’s it. He just exhales my name, and I melt, crumpling back into my chair as he releases my hand. His intent gaze pins me in place, and I find myself barely breathing as he begins to speak. “After you proposed to me, you asked what I would like to call you. I said my love and my wife. You said that makes you ‘my life’. I couldn’t agree more. Which is why those are the words that sit above your heart.” I swallow around a lump in my throat. This is a lot heavier than I expected. “Ah. I thought Be Mine sounded a bit too Hallmark. I’m glad you went with something more original.” His lips twist in a wry smile. “I thought you’d approve, love.” Gesturing toward the chain around his neck, I nod. “So, what does yours say?” Nick shakes his head. “Some things should be sacred.” That draws a smile out of me. “It’ll remain sacred in my mind. So, what does it say?” Nick smirks. “Alright, my love. Just don’t be too hard on yourself. It may not be your finest work, but it will be one of your most enduring.” My eyes snap to his, as I look at it harder. “It’s not the same as mine. There are more dashes and dots on yours.” He nods with a smirk. “I believe you combined the words, husband and lover for my pet name.” I look at him askance. “Well that doesn’t make any sense. What would that be? My lusband?” He laughs as he leans on the table, folding his hands beneath his chin. “I believe you made me your ‘hover..’” “Whaaat?” I shake my head in disbelief as Nick laughs. “It’s horrible!” “I know, love, but what can I do? It’s what you came up with.” I laugh at the incongruity of it. “So, you put My Hover on the chain?” Nick winks at me. “It’s a sacred inside joke. Don’t make me regret telling you.” “Or else what? You’re going to buzz around my head like a mosquito?” I snort. “Among other things…” he says softly. Just like that the tension is back. I finish my last sip of wine and sit the glass down. “So…did you accept my proposal?” Nick relaxes back in his chair, his arm draped across the back. “What do you think we’re doing here, my life?” I close my eyes and take a breath. “I know what I’m doing here, but what are you doing here? There are still two days left in your post-production schedule. You’re supposed to be in London until Saturday.” He waves a hand dismissively. “That’s been handled. But…” Leaning forward earnestly, his Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. “More important is that I apologize. I’m sorry Briony, that I haven’t been pouring my all into our relationship. I don’t want to love you like an afterthought, rather I want to love you like you’re the main point. You deserve nothing less. I’m hoping that you can forgive me, and give me another chance.” I’m pretty sure my eyebrows have lifted clean off my face, but I nod in response. Did he say, love? “Ah..Ok.” Nick shakes his head slightly, his confusion reflected in his eyes. “Wait, what do you mean, ok? You’re giving me another chance? Just like that?” I nod again with a wrinkle in my brow. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I?” Nick sets his glasses on the table to scrub his hands down his face. “So, wait…why did you fly home early if you weren’t upset? I thought I’d have to do serious groveling to get your forgiveness.” I raise a brow. “I think you’ve been reading too many scripts. Forgiveness isn’t something that can be earned on some sort of point system. I was upset enough to remove myself, so that I’d have time to think. I’ve done that. You acknowledged you made a mistake, and indicated you want to make changes. I accept that.” He silently appraises me, his lips pursed as if he’s solving an impossible problem. “I don’t need the groveling,” I shrug. “It’s that simple. And, I don’t think begging on hands and knees for forgiveness will do a thing to make our relationship stronger…unless you have some compulsive need for it. In that case, I won’t stop you, but there’s a $50 maximum on any grand gestures that follow.” Nick smiles as some of the tension leaves his shoulders. “Who puts a cap on grand gestures?” I fold my arms. “There are better ways to spend money than on releasing a thousand white doves for me. A trip to Bora Bora as an expression of love, without it being attached to a memory of how someone messed up, would be much nicer and involve a lot less bird poop.” I sigh with a shake of my head. “Can we just agree that our memories of beautiful experiences can be kept free of the guilt that would forever be associated with a grand gesture? Please?” Nick shakes his head with a smile. “You have a point, my love. That’s fair. We can save Bora Bora for our honeymoon.” I raise a brow. “I hear private yacht rentals are a fantastic way to spend a honeymoon. We can hop around the South Pacific visiting different islands, dressed in nothing but our bathing suits for the whole three weeks. I’ll just need a couple of years to pay for it.” Nick laughs. “Maybe it’ll take that long for me to propose. So, we’re even.” I stand to clear the plates. “I thought we were engaged already.” Nick helps me bring dishes into the kitchen, and begins rinsing dishes to sit in the dishwasher. “Of course, we are. Yet, I admit to being a bit old fashioned in that I’d like to ask you, and hear you willingly agree to be mine.” I stop putting food in containers to throw my hands on my hips in mock outrage. “Well, what do you call this necklace, if it isn’t an engagement necklace? Didn’t you ask me then?” Nick flicks water at me. “Are you telling me you’re that easy to bring into my life? That I’ve spent all of this time overthinking it?” “Uh-uh!” I quickly run a hand under water and flick him as he tries to dodge. “The word isn’t easy, it’s willing.” Fast as lightning, he reaches out and catches me by the arm as he fills up a glass with water in the other. I squeal in laughter as I try to get away. “You’d better not!” “What?” He asks feigning innocence. “I thought you were willing?” “To marry you!” I squeal as he drips some of the water on me as I try to get free. “Not to be splashed!” He smirks as he gazes at me calculatingly. “I still haven’t asked, but do hold onto that thought, love. It won’t be long now.” With that he begins drinking the glass of water. As his arm raises, I see my opportunity, and I take it. But, as soon as I begin tickling him, he immediately sprays water in my face in a big gush. We both freeze staring at each other, before collapsing in a fit of laughter. After we get me and the kitchen cleaned up, we settle on the swing on the back porch with our slices of fruit tart and iced tea. I love it back here year round, but especially in summer. The tall evergreen trees that serve as a privacy barrier, provide ample shade, but my smaller yard space is still edged with honeysuckle bushes that provide extra privacy. The sweet smelling reddish buds, always attract hummingbirds at this time of year, and we lazily watch them float back and forth in the waning summer heat. “So, tell me, love. What other woes brought you across the pond?” Nick asks solemnly. I sigh as I lean back and set the swing in motion. “It’s a headache, even for me. Are you sure you want to know, Nick?” His hand brushes over my curls as he responds. “Tell me everything.” So I do. I start from the beginning with every single thing that’s happened until now. Nick is perfectly attentive, but also engaging, asking questions, and being a sounding board for some of the solutions I’ve come up with. Just like that, my Nick is back, and I’m amazed at the turn around within the last 24 hours. After we’re done brainstorming, Nick surprises me by asking, “Well, what can I do to help?” My head swings in his direction, and he unflinchingly meets my dubious gaze. “What can you do? You’re leaving in less than two months.” “Yes, but you launch in three weeks. You said that you’re having trouble finding a daily storage place. Why don’t you park it in the garage here? I can even help you get the truck organized.” My brows shoot up as I contemplate his offer. Sure, he has a five car garage that could double as fire station. It doesn’t mean I should use it. “Why do you insist on making me take advantage of you? Do me a favor. Never gamble, ok? You’d just give away money.” Nick’s laughter resonates in the trees, as his tousled blonde waves bounce in the breeze. “Unless I’m playing with you, I’d like to think I have more sense than that. Besides, I think it makes the case for you to continue living here.” “What? Why wouldn’t I continue to live here?” Nick looks at me askance. “So you won’t be moving out?” “Not at the moment, no.” I shake my head. “But, we should discuss rent.” Nick’s look of surprise is priceless. “The cottage belongs to you, so I don’t know what rent you think I’m supposed to accept.” Shaking my head, I rest my head against the arm he’s stretched behind me. “There are always taxes. At least let me pay for that.” “Why would I? The estate is mine, the cottage is yours. Why on earth would I calculate taxes on something I pay as a whole? No, darling. Let’s not and say we did.” I raise a brow. “I don’t recall having that conversation, but you have to accept something for it. I can’t just live here for free.” The determined set of Nick’s jaw says otherwise. “Sure you can. You’ve already been doing it for years. At any rate, you’re my fiancée, and I say it’s perfectly alright.” “I believe,” I growl sitting up, “that in fact, you’re my fiancé, since, allegedly, I’m the only one who’s done any asking around here.” Nick smirks. “A fact that will be remedied as soon as possible. What point are you trying to make, my life?” As he gazes at me lovingly, I rest the cool glass against my cheeks. “Well…” I hedge, “What if we break up? How could I continue to live here without some sort of agreement?” Nick’s face contorts as a thousand emotions cross his face. He settles on a scowl as he replies. “That’s a bridge that we’ll never come to, because all bridges off this island have been blown up. Whatever happens, we’ll figure it out, but I can guarantee, there is no option that includes me accepting money for your cottage. Besides. What precedent would you be setting for our next tenant, once we’re married?” I stare back at him in confusion. “What next tenant? And why is there so much talk of being married, when we haven’t been officially engaged yet?” He smiles sheepishly. “I may be a bit over excited, dearest. What would you like to do with the cottage, once we’re married?” I look up at him, dumbfounded. There he goes again! “I don’t know…guest house? Home office? What am I saying?” I drop my head in my hands, and as Nick begins to rub my back, I groan. “This feels so surreal. Is this really happening? Are we really talking about being married? We haven’t even kissed, and we’re discussing what we’ll do with the cottage. Don’t get me wrong, I love that we’re talking about these things, I just…what’s wrong?” Nick’s hand has stilled on my back, and when I peer over my shoulder I see he’s frowning as he stares at a point in the distance. “Ah…nothing. You just mentioned…kissing, and I was wondering what that…has to do with anything.” I don’t think my eyebrows have climbed to my hairline faster than they do at that statement. I lean away from him as I sit my glass on the side table. “Wait just a minute. What do you mean, you’re wondering what kissing has to do with anything? You don’t believe in some medieval idea of courtly marriage do you? Because let me tell you, if that’s what you think this will be, we are signing up for therapy like, yesterday.” Nick starts coughing as he sputters. “What? No! I don’t…where would you get such an idea?” When he finally looks at me, the seriousness is back, the heat of it working to steal my breath away. Oh, sure, it’s tinged with humor and curiosity, but that is not the main dish it’s serving tonight. I pick up my glass to return the coolness against my reddening cheeks. “Um. Well, if I’m being honest…you just haven’t seemed very interested in figuring out that part of our relationship…” I’m fidgeting with the folds of my skirt, and I’m forced to stop when Nick’s hand covers mine. I risk another glance at him, and find him gazing at me intently, his glasses pushed to the top of his head. “I respect you, Bri. I just want you to know that.” I pull my bottom lip between my teeth to gnaw on it. How do I get him to see that I need this respect to translate into actual affection at some point. “Hm. Yes. I know. You respect me, I respect me. I respect you, too. But…just let me know what I’m dealing with here.” Nick never takes his eyes off of me as he pushes my curls over a shoulder, and allows his hand to rest at my throat. My heart skips a beat as he gently presses on my rapidly beating pulse. “Let me assure you, my life. I have no interest in courtly love. We can debate the pros and cons of it another time, but for now, suffice it to say, it won’t be an idea introduced in our home. Is that clear enough for you?” My eyes widen as I nod, trying to control my breathing and wildly beating heart. It doesn’t help that I’m completely engulfed in Nick’s spicy lemon lavender scent. He nods with a little smile. “Good. Now, tell me what you want me to do to allay your fears.” I swallow hard, causing him to grin. “Um, I think…just kn-knowing where we stand is good for now.” Liar! We want kisses and lots of them! I clear my throat as I glance away, trying to not be distracted with the way his thumb is moving against my throat. His smile turns dangerous as he draws me closer. “I’m so glad that you’re satisfied with that explanation, love.” He presses a kiss to my jaw beneath my ear and raggedly whispers, “I don’t want you to think for a moment that my being respectful has to do with a lack of attraction, or anything else on your part.” He pulls back, his eyes searching mine as he softly says, “I want you, Briony. All of you. I can surely wait a few months to make sure that it happens before God and everyone else.” Um. What? “A few months?” I squeak. “Mmhm,” he nods, his gaze turning molten when his eyes drop to my mouth. “But, with your permission—” I have nowhere to go as his head dips towards mine, his hand slipping to the back of my neck as our lips meet. The kiss is gentle at first. A soft flutter of his lips against mine, as I grip his shirt to steady myself. Then, he deepens the kiss, I kiss him in return, and it becomes more urgent. When I melt against him, I can sense his surprise when he abruptly draws back to look at me. “Are you sure this is your f-first kiss?” He stutters hoarsely. I frown at him in a daze as I try to catch my breath. “Yes,” I whisper. Nick looks at me in amazement as he once again runs his thumb over my throat. Dropping a peck on my lips, he pulls me into his arms. He’s gripping me so tightly, I’m beginning to think I messed it up. “What’s wrong, Nick? Did I do something wrong?” He relaxes his hold minutely as his gravelly chuckle sends a jolt through me. “Not at all. It’s only…I think that I may have misapprehended something before, and this was actually my first kiss, too. To be honest..I’m a bit shaken by it.” I pull back in confusion as I look up at him. His gaze is hot on me, as he manages to look both thunderstruck and a bit bewildered. “But, you’ve kissed so many women over the years. You just kissed Amelia Raglan less than a month ago. Multiple times if I recall correctly,” I add, trying not to sound too bitter about it. Nick chuckles again. “I’m just as surprised as you, love. I didn’t know that being in love with the person makes so much of a difference.” I look up at him as a smile starts to spread across my face. “So, you love me, which is why our kiss rocked your world.” He laughs as he pulls me back into his arms, resting his head on mine. “There aren’t enough words to tell you how much I love you. But, yes, I love you, Briony. With my whole heart.” The rush of tears to my eyes is immediate. Turning my face into his neck, I place a gentle kiss there causing him to still. And, I don’t know..it might be my new favorite thing. Ok, I lied. It’s totally my new favorite thing. “I love you, too, Nick.” I smile. “Now, I completely respect your decision not to go any further until we’re married. But can we at least replace the number of kisses that Amelia received?” He drops a kiss on my temple. “Bri baby, that one kiss has wiped out every single kiss I’ve ever had. But, I’ll happily oblige your request…out of respect you understand.” I chuckle before I’m melting into his kiss yet again. Respect indeed! ← Previous Chapter: Chapter 20 [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/p/more-than-enough-boss-x-employeeage-8d3?r=6g9s3i] /|\ Next Chapter → Chapter 22 [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/p/chapter-22?r=6g9s3i] Subscribe for new posts every week! Get full access to I'm Just Here For BOOKS at everblueauthor.substack.com/subscribe [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

10 de nov de 202532 min

Briony - Where The Pieces Fall

← Previous Chapter: Chapter 18 [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/p/more-than-enough-boss-x-employeeage-4a1?r=6g9s3i] /|\ Next Chapter → Chapter 20 [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/p/more-than-enough-boss-x-employeeage-8d3?r=6g9s3i] Just do it. Why are you being so dramatic? There’s nothing to worry about this time. I pause on the steps of the camper as I look out at the film set. After the last of the indoor scenes in the cottage were filmed this morning, the cameras were set up for filming the last scene this afternoon. Although, it’s technically not the last scene of the series, since that was filmed when we first arrived in May. That scene had involved a sweeping panoramic shot of Rafe and Annika running toward each other across the field. I shudder as I remember how many times I’d gagged watching Amelia end up in Nick’s arms, where she practically tried to maul him, despite it not being a kissing scene. At least there’s none of that today. This scene ends in a lover’s quarrel. I’ve never seen Nick raise his voice at a woman in real life, so it’s always fascinating to watch his process when he’s acting. Yeah, I definitely don’t want to miss this. Thankfully, I don’t have to go far. As soon as I step out of the camper, Alfie sees me, and comes over to escort me to Nick’s seat. Before I know it, I’m bundled in blankets with a thermos full of hot tea, as the AD hands me a pair of headphones. Andrew, strolls over on the way to his director’s chair and stops to look at me curiously. “You gave us quite the scare, Briony!” I’ve barely nodded, when his slender face lights up in a grin. “I’m glad to see you’re alright, darling. I’ve never seen anyone turn as pale as Nicholas did before he dove off that pier yesterday. Are you quite alright? Can we get you anything?” Wide eyed, I shake my head and thank him before he heads over to his seat. Last night, after talking to Evie and Wyn on the phone, I pulled up the footage from online news articles about the event. The videos showed everything from Nick diving into the water, to him performing CPR on me, to him storming past the camera, stone faced as he carried me through the crowd. It all looked like something out of a movie. Some were claiming it was part of a publicity stunt, while others hailed him a hero, and still others speculated whether or not we were in a relationship. The general consensus on the last piece of gossip, was that I was his secret wife, and we were expecting our first child. I’d laughed at that one, but when I looked back at those videos, as I did many, many times last night, I saw what everyone else saw. From the fear in his eyes when he swam back to the dock and passed me to Alfie, to the anguish on his face when he started chest compressions, and the tender way he held me as he carried me through the crowd, gripping me for dear life. Heck, even I swooned watching it the first time. Nick looked like a man in love. Could it be? Could he really be just as much in love with me as I am with him? Come on Briony, you can’t leave me like this. Come on, love! whispers to me from the deep recesses of my mind. Was that Nick? Did he really say that? Looking around, everyone is busy getting ready for this closing scene. Martin waves at me as he passes by. He’d been so nice as he examined me a few times throughout the day. At first, Nick seemed really tense when I climbed into the van this morning. Yet, when he saw how Martin took care to make sure I was ok, I think he was relieved I hadn’t stayed at the chalet alone. Andrew says something to the AD, and the call to places is made through walkie talkies. They do a couple of takes, before making some adjustments. From a screen we can see the shot taken from the inside of the cottage in front of the door, and as Nick’s handsome face fills the screen with a last bit of rushing around, Andrew again calls, “Action!” Nick looks up and suddenly, it’s Rafe on the screen, his face a mask of determination as Annika quietly insists, “Someone else can do it.” Rafe shakes his head, and looks up at her, his eyes anguished. “It’s my duty. I’m honor bound to see this through.” Annika’s face twists in fury as she yells. “And, what about how you and I are bound?” Rafe quietly works his jaw, before he stands and begins packing his few belongings into a satchel. The silence becomes a breathing thing, a thousand words spilling, unspoken into its void. “Why?” Annika finally demands, crossing to the small room to shove him. “Why?” She screams, tears slowly falling. Rafe turns to look at her, his eyes tortured when he shouts, “They died on this very mountain, Ani!” His voice becomes hoarse, his eyes welling with tears as he gestures helplessly outside. “I can’t go on living here like a..coward. I won’t,” he grits out in a stronger voice. “They were all good men. They had lives…they had families.” Rafe stares off in the distance as he works to get his emotions under control. “They deserve more…they deserved better than what they got.” His voice cracks on the last word, and he falls silent as he finishes throwing his clothes in the satchel and closes it up. Annika, beginning to look desperate, rushes over to cling to him as he takes his bag and walks to the door. “You said you were done with war—you were done with racking up debts you can’t pay back to God!” Rafe freezes, his hand on the door, wavering in indecision. “Stay,” she pleads, pulling on his arm, tears in her eyes. “We’ll figure it out.” Rafe looks back at her, quiet devastation apparent on his face, before he opens the door and steps outside. He turns back, slowly raising his eyes to meet hers. “I’ll never be the man you need me to be if I do.” Annika then raises her hand with lightning speed and slaps him across the face. That was not scripted and I immediately jump up as I hear the crack through the headphones and see Nick’s head turn with the blow. As I snatch off the headphones, ready to throw hands with Amelia, Alfie rests a hand on my shoulder. I look over at Andrew who has a hand up so that no one interferes and lets the scene play out. I plan to set some people on fire later, but for now, I’m going to let Nick do his job. I slam the headphones back on my head as I sit down and try to focus on the scene in front of me. The anguish of loss plays out across Rafe’s face, yet his resolve is apparent in his eyes, even as he stretches a gentle hand out toward Annika’s face. It hovers near her cheek a few seconds without touching her, before it drops, and he backs away with a firm set of his jaw. Turning without a word, he silently walks away, his steps more sure as he leaves her weeping in the doorway. I look up in amazement to watch Nick walk towards the setting sun as Annika collapses in the doorway behind him. In the script, Annika doesn’t slap him. Instead, Rafe pulls her close and softly kisses her on the forehead, before he walks away. The revision is poignant, and as the camera zooms in to capture Rafe’s look of determination as he goes off to his uncertain future, the audience is left with an uneasy apprehension. When the last episode airs, the audience will complete the journey with Rafe as he goes on trial for desertion when he refuses to go back to war. He makes an impassioned plea for conscientious objection, but still ends up going to prison for three years. A full year after the war has ended, he’s released from prison with a dishonorable discharge. The last scene, where he finally makes it back to Annika is a fitting ending for the boy who loved to fly, as he becomes a man who learns to stand his ground. The cast is elated as Andrew yells, “Cut!” So many hoots and hollers go up in fact, that it’s a wonder the sheep in the field nearby don’t join in. Andrew calls for some more shots of Nick walking away through the field, but everyone knows it’s solid gold, and when the final ‘Cut! That’s a wrap!’ is called, the applause is heartfelt. The amount and quality of work that this cast put in has been amazing to see, and I get a bit teary eyed along with the rest of the crew. Cast and crew are walking around congratulating each other, and I can’t believe this part of the production is over. I can’t believe this is my last time seeing the magic behind the scenes… As I look around for Nick, I spot him just as Amelia launches herself at him. He catches her, and sets her down as she excitedly talks waving her arms around. Unbelievable. Here I am, ready to skin that woman alive, and he’s hugging her? Her hand print is still on his face! When he nods at her, offering a little smile, I take my blankets and empty thermos back to the van. Once I’m inside, I sit the thermos in the sink, put a baggie of metal cubes in the little ice box, and head in to the bedroom to lay down. About twenty minutes later, Nick’s lemon lavender scent drifts in on the breeze when he opens the door, and I immediately close my eyes. I can’t explain the emotions running through me at the moment, but I know that I’m not ready to see his face. Yet, when the bed sinks as he settles in behind me, I bolt upright. His smirking face isn’t the least bit amusing. “What are you doing back here?” I demand. Nick smiles as he leans against the headboard. “I was going to have a bit of a lie down myself. Alfie is going to drop off the staff gifts, and I’m going back to the chalet to have dinner with you.” My brows rise involuntarily. “You’re going to miss the wrap party? Why?” Nick shrugs as he closes his eyes. “Maybe I’m old, and I can’t party like I used to.” Leaning close, I can see the dull handprint is still visible, although it has lost some of it’s redness. I raise a hand to touch it, and that’s when I notice Nick is staring at me, his blue eyes lit with some emotion I can’t name. “Does it still hurt?” I ask. Nick shakes his head dismissively, a ghost of a smile on his lips. “Only when I think about it.” I start to smile in return, before I remember I’m mad at him, and cross my arms. “I almost came out the box to snatch Amelia up.” Nick’s smile blossoms as he dips his head. “Why didn’t you?” I narrow my eyes at him. “Alfie saved her, then, as you continued acting, I realized it was something you all cooked up before hand. I’m still angry with you for not telling me in advance.” Nick laughs as he pulls me into a hug. “I’m sorry, love. Andrew swore us to secrecy. You know I would have told you otherwise.” I grimace, although I relax in his arms. “I thought we agreed not to keep secrets after you, Tom and Tobey pulled that last prank on set?” I can feel his chuckle rumble through his chest, and I close my eyes to bask in the sound. “I thought that promise only referred to pranks, but you’re right. I’ll not do anything that will scare you again without your prior knowledge.” I pull away to twist around and scowl at him. “Nor will you allow someone to put any marks on your body if it’s not done with makeup. Especially not your face.” Nick smothers a grin as he nods, his blue eyes glinting with amusement. “You’re right. It was a terrible decision. To be fair, I didn’t realize Ms. Raglan would slap me quite as hard as she did.” I glare at him, but he just bursts into laughter and pulls me in for another hug. “You’re right, my life. It’s my fault, and I shouldn’t have allowed it.” I hum in indignation, but I settle back against him. “This is absolutely no way for a courting man to behave.” Nick’s laughter is nearly immediate. “Honestly, love, I think you really are older than me. Who says courting anymore?” I elbow him in side. “I do! Unless…” I sit back to peer at him scandalized, arms crossed over my chest. “Yesterday when you spoke of taking things farther, did you only mean you wanted to date me? Are you only trying to woo me for selfish gains?” Nick laughs again as he cups his injured cheek. “Stop making me laugh! It hurts!” I smile devilishly. “That’s what happens when you mess with me. Do you get workers comp for that?” Nick chuckles. “No, but I’ll ask for injury pay. The force was excessive.” I move to get off the bed, as I say, “Don’t forget to ask for stunt pay. You should also get pay for emotional pain and suffering, because you had to get a lecture from me. And, you need pay to cover the therapy, from the emotional wounds you suffer—” “Alright!” He throws his hands up in surrender as he laughs. “I’m sorry, I won’t make this mistake again. I promise. Where are you going?” I’ve stood up, and turn around to answer. “I have something for you in the kitchen. I’ll be right back.” Filling a cup with water, I sit it on the counter as I reach into the ice box for the metal cubes, which are now ice cold. I wrap a kitchen towel around them, and pick up my cup of water before turning towards the bedroom. KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! A look out of the window reveals it’s Amelia. She’s changed out of her costume, and dressed in a black Louis Vuitton v-neck jumpsuit. A gold belt and heels match the gold flashing at her ears and wrists. She’s even styled her long pale blonde hair in a tangle of curls around her face. I slide open the door of the van, pleased to see her flinch when she sees me. “Oh! Briony. I didn’t realize—I saw when Nick—Nicholas rescued you yesterday. Are you alright, darling?” Amelia asks, her nose wrinkling in disgust. I smile heartily. “I’ve never been better, thank you so much for visiting just to ask. Now, if you’ll excuse—” Amelia holds up a slim hand as she haughtily interrupts me. “Actually, I’m here to see Nicholas. I heard he won’t be in attendance at the wrap party, so I dropped by to personally thank him for a lovely shoot. Now, do you mind stepping out so that I can check on him? I’m sure his cheek needs tending.” I laugh quietly. This girl is really trying it. Well, she asked for it. “You know what? He’s fine. We’re actually resting right now. But, I do have something to return to you.” Turning slightly, I take my cup and throw the contents, watching as the water arcs through the air before landing on her in a satisfying way. Amelia screams and sputters as she tries to shake the water off. “What’s wrong with you!” She shrieks, her curls now plastered to her face. “Whoops!” I frown. “Oh dear. It’s a bit slippery there. You might want to watch your step.” With that I swing the door closed, and startle when I see Nick lazily leaning against the wall with a broad grin on his face. “Finally standing up for yourself, I see. Or was that for me?” I snort. “If I were standing up for you, she would be leaving here with two black eyes, not drenched in something that will dry in an hour without any residue.” His mouth twists in a wry smile. “I’m sure her face and hair will dry. I’m not sure how her designer suit will fare.” I smile serenely. “Personal problems aren’t my problems.” Nick laughs, but his smile drops as he pulls me into a hug. “I think you need to rest, love. We ha—” Whatever he’s about to say is interrupted by insistent tapping on the door. He leans past me to roll it open as a red faced Amelia stands on the other side. I smirk as she points an accusatory finger at me. “Nicholas, I think you should do something about your staff. Do you know she threw water all over me! My suit is ruined! I expect to be fully compensated for this—” Nick had leaned against the counter top when he swung the door open, but now, he pulls me into his arms as Amelia begins sputtering. “Oh, Miss Raglan. Yes, Briony can get rather cross with people who take certain liberties. I’m sure you’re glad it was only water.” Amelia turns a deeper shade of red when I rest my head against Nick’s chest as he begins rubbing my back. “Nick doesn’t really like to get involved in my disputes, Amelia, but if you wish to continue this conversation with me outside, I’m happy to oblige.” Amelia’s eyes widen in disbelief as she looks back and forth between us, open mouthed. Nick puts his hand on the door handle. “Well, if that’s all Amelia, please excuse us. You’ve caught us quite in the middle of wooing one another,” he concludes, shooting me a look that melts me in a puddle of giggles. Amelia’s lips form the word ‘woo’ as she looks at the both of us like we’re crazy. “Wait a minute. The rumors are true, then? You two are…?” I raise a brow as Nick shakes his head. “No, the rumors aren’t true. We aren’t an item. I’m Briony’s future husband, as long as she’ll still have me.” He looks down at my startled face, adding, “That is what courting means, my love. And that’s what’s happening here after all.” I grin, a wave of warmth traveling through me as something molten sinks into my belly. I love this man so much. “Ah,” Amelia exclaims, much louder than the situation calls for. “I hadn’t realized. I apologize for my..er, intrusion. Briony, if you’d like to exchange information, to settle the matter of the wardrobe that needs to be compensated, I’ll be glad to—” “How thoughtful of you, Miss Raglan,” Nick interrupts dryly. “Briony didn’t want to bring it up, feeling that it would be uncouth to request compensation for something that was so obviously not intended. But, since you’ve brought it up, we’re much obliged. We’ll get you the receipts for the new suit, and have Alfie send it to you.” Amelia’s head snaps back in surprise as she frowns. “You’ll send me the receipts?” Nick nods as he lazily traces a circle on my back. “Of course, Miss Raglan. Don’t worry, it was only £4000 to replace Briony’s motorbike kit after you spilled your soft drink all over her that day.” Amelia’s eyes round as she exclaims, “£4000?” I smirk as Nick nods. “It’s inclusive of tax of course.” Amelia looks around, perhaps searching for a way out of this conversation, when she erupts in high pitched laughter. “Surely between friends, we wouldn’t expect—?” “No, no of course not,” Nick smoothly interjects. “Naturally, I didn’t include the cost of express shipping, since our desire to replace it as quickly as possible wasn’t out of necessity, but our own desire to have done with it as quickly as possible.” Amelia’s high pitched laughter rings out again, and Nick raises a brow. “If there’s nothing else Miss Raglan, we have wooing to get back to..” “Yes, and you’ll probably want to get changed before the wrap party starts,” I add. Amelia backs away from the van with a jerky nod of her head. “Yes. Of course, well thank you for…I’ll expect your receipts.” “Have a good evening,” Nick calls, as he leans over to roll the camper door shut. In one fluid movement, he then picks me up and deposits me on the bed. “Now. What did you have for me, love?” He asks, looking down at me curiously. My brows immediately shoot up. “What?” I ask, the word coming out louder than I anticipated. Nick lowers his brows. “When you left the room, you said you had something for me. What was it?” A wave of relief races through me so powerfully, that I’m sure I would have collapsed if I weren’t already sitting down. “Oh! Here,” I say, holding up the towel wrapped around the baggie of metal cubes. “For your face.” Nick takes them from me with a smile as he sits at the edge of the bed. “Thank you, my love. What would I do without you?” I look at him askance as he presses the towel to his face. “I assume you would live out your days dodging Amelia, while reading poetry in your garden, and eating food that tastes like cardboard.” Nick laughs, his eyes sparkling gleefully. “You’ve certainly said it all!” We’re snuggled next to each other under a blanket on the back deck, looking at the stars, when Nick turns towards me. “Briony,” he says softly, his voice earnest. “I want you to know how much I value you. Not just what you do, but who you are. Who I can be when I’m around you. Even if you took the leap and wooed me first, I want you to know I plan to take our courtship to its finish.” A shudder goes through me, even as I look at him in surprise. “What do you mean, I wooed you first?” Nick smiles faintly in the moonlight, his blue eyes glimmering in amusement. “Maybe one day I’ll remind you, but tell me, darling. Am I moving too fast, for you?” I smile at the thought. “Um, no. Fast isn’t anywhere near what I’d describe your pace. But, I’m glad it’s picked up considerably since February.” Nick chuckles. “I’m here to please, and since you feel that way, I have something for you.” Reaching beside him, he picks up a small black and silver bag from a jewelry store in town and hands it to me. My brows shoot up as I wonder what it is, and when he got it. “What’s this?” He silently gestures to the bag, but I can see the tension in his shoulders as he waits for me to open it. “Ok, Nicky babe. Let’s see what we got.” Reaching into the bag, I pull out a long blue velvet box. Was I hoping for a ring? I would have said no, until I pulled out this box. When a zing of disappointment goes through me, I know exactly how far gone I am. Shaking it off, I smile at the thought that he actually went into a jewelry store to buy this. Nick doesn’t say anything until I open the jewelry box and silently stare inside. That’s when he starts talking a mile a minute, and I realize, he’s nervous. “The clerk at the shop said that it was their most popular piece at the moment. I didn’t believe her until I saw it and it immediately reminded me of you. I know it might appear strange on the surface, darling, but it’s actually quite smart.” Nick lifts the stunning woven gold necklace out of the box and holds it up for me to see. “It’s actually morse code, love. See? The diamond baguettes are the dashes, and the little sapphire stars are supposed to be the dots.” My eyes water as I look from the necklace to him. He’s looking at me earnestly, though he’s starting to frown a bit. “You can wear it under your chef’s jacket, and it won’t interfere with your work…” his voice trails off as he looks at me uncertainly. I rest a hand on his leg. “I love it, Nick! It’s gorgeous…it just seems really expensive. I would hate to lose it.” Nick’s eyes gleam as his smile spreads. “Don’t worry about that, love. That’s what insurance is for.” I gently touch it as it glitters in the moonlight. “What does it say?” He smiles mischievously. “It says…be mine. Will you?” I nod as I chuckle. “Yes. Absolutely.” “Would you like me to put it on?” “Would you, please?” I smile, still stunned that he bought me something so expensive. Turning around, I lift the curls off of my neck. When he gets it latched, he turns me around to adjust it and my heart riots at the tenderness in his eyes. “Thank you, Nick, ” I smile, giving him a kiss on the cheek. He nods as he pushes my hair over my shoulder and, as our eyes connect he chuckles self-consciously. “I’m sorry, I never thought this day would arrive. I couldn’t imagine you would ever feel drawn to me the way I feel drawn to you. I’m still not sure I dare to dream. I’m..almost afraid to move, for fear that it will slip out of my grasp.” I reach up to brush his medium length waves behind his ear. “There,” I whisper with a smile. “I know the feeling.” I lean in to hug him, and as he squeezes my shoulder, I listen to the rapid beat of his heart. I guess we know we’re attracted to each other, but I frown as I wonder if this conversation counts as defining the relationship. I can’t exactly google it right now. So I ask. “Nick. What would you say we are right not? If you were defining our relationship?” Nick freezes and a full minute goes by before he hedges, “We’re more than friends…” When it becomes apparent he’s not going to say anything else, I nod. “Ok, but am I your girlfriend? Or, are we still in some kind of exploratory stage? What are we?” Nick pulls away and looks down at me confused. “We’re courting, so I think it’s more than an exploratory stage. We know each other better than nearly anyone else. Doesn’t that mean that we’re far beyond boyfriend or girlfriend?” I nod in agreement. “That makes sense to me, but what is that called?” Nick tilts his head as he looks down at me. “Kindred? Meant to be?” I look up at him and nod. Maybe he’s trying to figure it out too. Perhaps we don’t need to figure it out now at all. Maybe we can just be. When another thought suddenly occurs to me, I nudge him in the ribs. “When you told Amelia that my motorcycle kit cost £4000, I nearly passed out. That was hilarious.” Nick looks down at me solemnly. “It did.” I laugh hysterically. “That was really funny.” He looks at me quizzically, and that’s when I realize it’s not a joke. “You’re serious!” Nick slowly nods his head, his brow wrinkling in bemusement. “Yes, why wouldn’t I be?” My legs go weak in disbelief. “Why would you spend so much on a kit? I could have had that last kit cleaned!” In fact, despite his protests, it was exactly what I had done, even though I wore the new kit for a while just to avoid an argument. Nick frowns with a little smile as he tilts his head. “You’re more than worth it, Briony.” And, for once, I believe him. He’s proven it, without a complaint, or feeling a need to bring it up. It’s such a good representation of what his love is like. Soft, slow, quiet and dependable. I lace my fingers through his. He’s everything that I could want. “I’m glad you’re here,” I whisper, grazing my thumb over the side of his. He holds me tighter as he drops a kiss on top of my head. “I’m also glad you’re here, my life.” As we settle back to enjoy the stars, I smile. The only thing that could make this moment more perfect is if Nick kissed me. My brow wrinkles. Why hasn’t he kissed me? I give myself a mental shake. I’m sure he has a reason. Maybe he’s waiting for a special moment..Ok..a more special moment. It’s fine…right? ← Previous Chapter: Chapter 18 [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/p/more-than-enough-boss-x-employeeage-4a1?r=6g9s3i] /|\ Next Chapter → Chapter 20 [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/p/more-than-enough-boss-x-employeeage-8d3?r=6g9s3i] Subscribe for new posts every week! Get full access to I'm Just Here For BOOKS at everblueauthor.substack.com/subscribe [https://everblueauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

6 de nov de 202531 min

Nicholas - September Falls On A Wednesday

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