Reveal (Love & Beyond #2) (6 page)

“Firstly, I would like to say that, she is a complete bitch and my mum was a fan of Alison Shaw, she would listen to her all the time, especially that one song ‘reckless’ so that’s totally awesome. I hate that she was a cow to you though. Second, my honest opinion is that, I think you’ll never understand what she did if you avoid her, you need the closure. Have you ever thought that the hole you claim to be empty inside, is because you’ve never accepted and understood why your mum was never a mother to you? I know Dillon had the most impact on you and that’s half of the hole, but she could be the other half.” That’s some pretty good advice he’s just give, I didn’t know he had it in him.

“I never even thought of that to be honest, maybe I do have abandonment issues, I just don’t know if I’m ready to face her again.”

“Well babe, you know I’m always here for you, if you want, I’ll come with you, so you don’t have to face her alone.” He offers, still as sweet as ever.

“Are you sure?” I ask.

“Of course, you know I’d do anything for you. Plus, how else I’m I going to earn your trust back? I need to start somewhere, I’m not giving up on us Miss Shaw, but you have to ask yourself this, how are you going to resist our chemistry when we’re together? You don’t want all those feelings rushing back now, it’s far too scary for you, you’re strong, but are you strong enough?” He says, being extremely sarcastic, but I can’t help but smile at them words, he knows me far too well.

“Alright smartass, less of the sarcastic outburst, you know it’ll be you who can’t resist me.” I say, trying to be playful.

“Too true, Miss Shaw, I’ll have to learn how too. I’ll make some reservations, how many is it for?” I start counting in my head, they will be Jared and I, Andi and Alex and Adam and Julie.

“They’ll be seven, just to give you a heads up; your sister will be there.”

“Wait, what? Are her and Adam serious? Can I hurt your brother?” He exclaims.

“Pretty much, hey, we should invite your mother, then we’ll have a big family get together.” I can’t help with my sarcastic outburst as I hate his sister. I carry on speaking in a less sarcastic tone. “And no Jared, you can’t hurt my brother, he’ll knock you clean out, he has proven that.”

“Funny, I’m laughing my ass of as we speak. Hey, it makes sense inviting her, my mum would love to meet yours.” He replies, joining in with the sarcasm.

“We’re not inviting your mother Jared, there’s going to be such a bad atmosphere. Maybe once I’ve got that ring back on my finger, I’ll meet your mum.”

“So you’re saying there’s hope? As before, you were saying no, never again.” He asks, with a tint of excitement in his voice. Adorable as ever.

“Jared, don’t push it, this isn’t about us.”I avoid the question, because as much as I want him in my arms, I still don’t forgive him.

“Alright, fair enough. I’ll go make them reservations, will do it for tomorrow and I’ll fly in tonight.”

“Wait, your away? I knew you got off, but I didn’t know it was out the country, where have you been?”

“No where special, just work stuff; speak to you later, goodbye beautiful.” Before I can say goodbye back, he hangs up. I’m left baffled, he was secretive then, I could tell as he never says work stuff; it’s to childish, great more secrets.

I’m dreading this meal, hopefully it’s nowhere fancy, as this whole situation, is going to blow up like a grenade. There is that bing to my email, that’ll be the reservations.

[email protected]
:
 
Right, Danni! The table is booked for seven tomorrow night at the ranch, it’s not too fancy, as it’s a family place and they do some decent grub. I’ll be at yours for six, see you tomorrow and don’t worry about contacting the others, I’ve already contacted them. Try not stress babe.

Always yours

Jared

I feel like a weight has been lifted off me now, with talking to him, just talking to him raised goosebumps. Jared is the love of my life, I just hate that we’ve ended up at this point, but it cannot be helped, he lied and should have told me from the beginning, then maybe things would have been different. I’m glad he’s still in my life as a friend though, because truth be told, I’d crumble if he wasn’t.

         
Chapter Seven

I can’t believe it’s time to wake up already, although the sound of robins tweeting outside my window is relaxing. I slowly start stretching out from my pink satin covers, letting the cold air, wave across my skin, we’re in winter, I really should be wearing thick pyjamas for bed so I don’t freeze and yet I choose a light pink, night dress, with poker dots on, when will I learn? I’m finding it hard to move from my bed, the energy is drained out of me, well that’s my excuse, truth is, I know I’ve got a meal later with Alison, I’m not looking forward to it. My mobile has just gone off, with a text, so I roll over towards the bedside table and look at the screen. I have two text messages and an email from Jared. The first text is of my sister saying.

‘
Hey Danni, thanks for agreeing to tonight, I hope your ok and I know your probably nervous about tonight. I’m here if you need to talk.’
Well, she has that right, I am, but she doesn’t need to know that. The next text is of Adam saying.

‘Hey peanut, thank you for giving mum a chance, I know how hard this must be for you. I’m grateful, I’ll see you later.’
I’m not doing this for her; I’m doing this for them. I check my email last.

[email protected]
:
Morning beautiful, I landed early hours last night; it’s why I never checked in. I’m looking forward to seeing you. I know you’re probably got, a ton of feelings rushing through you now, just remember ‘no fear’ you can do this Miss Shaw. I’ll see you at six.

Forever yours

J

That takes me back to the beginning, when it all started, the words ‘no fear.’ The flash backs start replaying themselves in my memory, the love and laughter. I want to scream like a little girl right now, with the excitement I feel remembering that moment and that I get to see him again. I best hurry up and get of this bed, but I must reply to him, he hates it when I don’t, he would give me a lecture.

[email protected]
:
Hey you! I’m glad you had a safe journey; I can’t wait to see you. Thanks, I always remember those words, it’s hard to forget. I still get surprised with you knowing everything about me, I’ve not seen you in a while and yet you know exactly how I feel, amazing. I’ll see you at six, don’t be late.

Always yours

D

I love how we can still be so noble to each other. Other people would have given up.
Right Danni, move your ass, don’t start thinking of him, you’ll turn all depressed.
Thanks self-conscious, isn’t she just a gem? I think maybe she has her own personality that comes when I’m sleeping.

I jump out of bed, get into my slippers and wrap my dressing gown over me, it’s still snowing outside, so you can imagine how cold it is. I need to work out what I’m wearing tonight; I think I need a coffee first.

I head towards my kitchen and go to put the coffee on and I’m startled by a voice.

“Here you go mam, already made.” I turn around and Phillip has already made me one. Isn’t it a bit weird that he’s always around?

“Oh, thanks, Phillip. Did you stay on my sofa last night? Don’t you think you should have gone home? Aren’t you supposed to change over after twelve hours?” He sat on my sofa reading the daily newspaper, not even looking at me. I click my fingers “Earth to Phillip.” He laughs and puts it down on my glass coffee table and looks my way.

“I would normally stay in the car, but it’s far too cold and yes, I was suppose to change, but Steven fell ill, they wanted someone else to fill in for him, but I told them not to bother.” I don’t mind Phillip; he’s a good friend and guard. But I can’t help but feel a bit contempt about him, there’s something off with him, it’s never happened before, because I’ve been able to trust him and he did teach me how to defend myself. Maybe I’m just being paranoid, thinking everyone is out to get me.

“Ahh right, ok, well I’ll make us some breakfast then, what do you fancy?” I ask.

“A fry up?”

“This isn’t a cafe dude; you’ll have to settle for a bacon roll.” I say, playing, but with a bit of truth, because I can’t be arsed cooking a fry up.

“Hey, you offered mam, but a bacon roll would be great.” I roll my eyes at him and go put the bacon on and go sit down on the chair opposite Phillip.

“Anyway Phillip, are you at this meal tonight? Or do you get it off with Jared being there, as Andrew will be with him.”

“Yes, I get it off, thankfully. I really don’t want to be around when the bomb goes off between you and your mother, I can see it coming, all though it’d be entertaining, but far too much drama for my liking.”

“Fair enough, I can’t blame you, so what are your plans then? Or are you just going to lurk around on people’s sofas.” I sarcastically say.

“You’re funny mam, but you’re lucky I’m here, you never know who could be lurking around your apartment. It wouldn’t be the first time someone has got through right?”

“Point taken! Not that I like the thought of being watched, I’m going to finish the bacon rolls.” I get up and walk towards the kitchen counter, quite pissed off with his remark, I can’t moan because I started it though, I wonder if I could get away with clogging him on the head.

Once I’ve made and ate breakfast, I’m more awake now, I head for a quick shower and running ideas through my head on how tonight is going to play out and even on a serious note, what the hell should I wear? Alison, was always so judgmental on what I wore. This is too nerve wrecking, suppose I can see the good side to this, that I get to see Jared, but I can’t help but think what lays ahead, whether it’s  good or bad.

                                 *****

This day has flown by, it’s just before six and Jared should be here shortly. I decided on wearing my pink polo neck, knee length dress, that clings to my body. I walk towards the mirror to get the hairspray and go over my hair with it, to keep that extra hold, I tried two braids and surprisingly, I did an ok job. I have never really been good with hair, that was always Andi, she taught me how. I’m startled by a deep voice coming from my bedroom door.

“You look good, Miss Shaw.”  I turn around to see Phillip standing there.

“Thanks, Phillip. Next time knock, I could have been naked.” I say, quite irritated.

“Sorry, Mr. hall is here, he sent me to come and get you.”

“Oh right, okay, thanks, I’ll be out now.” This is going to be awkward, I have not seen him in a while and now the butterflies have kicked in, I cannot let my feelings get in the way tonight. I head from my room, towards the lounge and there he stands, in his combat jeans and white shirt with the same few buttons opened, his style never changes. It is one of the reasons why I love him, as to me, many billionaires would wear suits all the time and dress smart, but not Jared, he dresses casual like anyone else and the fact that he doesn’t see anyone below him and treats everyone as equals. Regardless of what he did back then, it cannot cover up the beauty of his soul.

He’s holding a bunch of pink roses and holding them out to me, damn, I want to run over to him and wrap my arms around him, but I don’t, I walk towards him to grab the flowers of him.

“You look beautiful as ever Miss Shaw.” He says, wrapping his left arm around me for a hug and pecks my cheek. There goes those shivers’ running through my body with his touch. I press my lips to his warm soft cheek, really wanting to go for the lips, but I have to fight the urge, I feel like there is a string pulling me towards them. I slowly drag myself away.

“Thank you, they’re beautiful and you’re looking well Mr Hall, have you had a hair cut? It doesn’t look as long as usual. I’m shocked, what happened to, I’m never getting it shorter than what it is?”  He laughs at my outburst.

“What can I say, it was getting out of control, but its still longish just above my chin now.”

“You’re as bad as a girl when it comes to hair, maybe your sister rubbed off on you.”

“Funny, can you see the laughter on my face?  When are you and my sister going to bite the bullet?”

“Maybe, when hell freezes over, so probably never.”

“Sarcastic much, go put them in some water, we have to get going.” I shone him a smile and head to the kitchen to find my

Chinese, Bone China, Porcelain vase. I love this vase; I found the hand printed plum blossom motif was impeccable. I quickly set the roses inside it and head straight back into the lounge.

“We ready to leave then?”

“Yeah, come on. Before we leave, I need to check if you’re ok, I can imagine what’s going through your head, and the fact that you keep fiddling with your fingers, shows how nervous you are.” As Soon as he draws attention to what I am doing, I stop. He’s right, I’m full of nerves right now, but not with just meeting up with Alison, but been around him, I find it hard to control my feelings and everything gets mixed up and I can’t think clearly.

“I’m ok thanks, yeah, am a little nervous. What do you say to someone who you’ve not seen in years? It seems impractical.”

“You’ve got us all here and if she pisses you of that much, we’ll get Andrew to sling her on her ass, deal?”

“Haha, deal! Come on, let’s go visit the devil.” We both laugh and he puts his arm out for me to link him. I have heals on today, so I’m not tip toeing tonight, although he still hovers over me.

He opens the car door for me and I slip in, followed by Jared and his other bodyguard Tye, Andrew is driving. Tye is pretty built, he only looks to be in his late twenties, hazel eyes, brown spiky hair, tanned, he’s pretty hot. Tye was another one who was assigned to me, but he hardly talks, you cannot get one conversation out of him. I turn to Jared and ask, just as the car starts to move.

“So how far is this place, from here?”

“It’s not far, if we don’t hit traffic, we’d get there in about twenty minutes.” I just nod and look out the window, thinking to myself, how do I approach her? What do I say? What if this is all a big mistake? I find it funny how I question everything now, I never expect anything good anymore, it seem unrealistic, as when I allow myself to get that hint of happiness, it comes crashing down, so it makes perfect sense to expect anything less. So yes being negative is my only way to stop the misery. I’m knocked out from my thoughts with Andrew saying.

“We’re here sir.” Jared turns to me and places his palm to my cheek, and strokes the side of my cheekbone with his thumb.

“Are you ready for this babe?” I huff and close my eyes with the feel of his touch and already the sparks start shooting out, ready to be taken in by his toxins. I resist the temptation and move away.

“Not really, but I have to face this one way or another, so I may as well get it over and done with.”  We get out the car and the freezing cold air, brushes through me and I start to shiver. Damn I should have put a jacket on, and talk about the wrong shoes for the snow. See, this is what Jared makes me do. He makes me forget things. I smack him on the arm and he looks at me puzzled.

“Ouch, what was that for?”

“You could have told me to wear something sensible, you made me forget what the weather was like and even when I left my house I didn’t notices as I was all flustered.” He starts to laugh.

“So, I still make you flustered? I told you that you won’t be able to resist me.” The smug look on his face makes me want to smack it off.

“Shut up, you smug git. I never said that.” I say in denial.

“Oh, does the truth hurt darling?” I cannot help but smile and nod, I can’t reply to that, he will go to gloating next.

We walk into the ranch, he was right; it’s not too fancy, a bar, brown decor all around, orange patterned carpet and brown tables and chairs all around, even some booths. They’re a few people here. Let’s hope there is no scene for them all to watch.

Jared, walks to the waiter to check us in, he gestures to me to come over. “They’re all here waiting Danni, we’re just around the corner. Would you like to get a drink before we go over?”

“Yes please, I think I need it.”

“Martini and lemonade?”

“No, not this time, I want a vodka and coke; I’m in need of something strong.” He laughs and orders two vodkas.

“I’ve not had vodka in years.”

“Then why are you getting one? It’s not if you’re about to meet someone who was a cow to you.”

“I’m ordering one because I’ve got a feeling were hitting world war three, once we get over there.”

“Such lovely support Jared, come on, its time.”  I reluctantly say and start to walk over slowly. This is it.

As I get to the table, I can’t help but roll my eyes in ignorance towards her and all my anger issues towards her come flooding back. Adam gets up to greet me in a hug.

“Hey peanut, thank you for this, you look great.” I nod and embrace him back.

“It’s ok.” He goes and sits back down. He is sat next to Julie, she just glares at me and lets of a little nod and Jared walks over to Julie to greet her and give her a peck on the cheek. Andi and Alex are sat to the right of Alison, and Adam on the left, how it use to be when we were kids. I was always on the opposite side of the table, next to my dad on the end. Looks like I’m on the end where I’m facing straight at her. Jared holds my chair open for me to sit; I smile at his sweet gesture.