Fates Tied, page 9
“Remind me again why I listen to you three,” Suzanne asked.
“Because we’re amazing?” Brad suggested.
“Because we only want what’s best for you?” Tiffany said.
“Because we’re always right and no one else tells you how it is,” Claire said matter-of-factly.
“Wrong, wrong and definitely wrong,” Suzanne said, pointing at them each in turn. “That man is the most obnoxious man I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. He’s just ordered me to get champagne for another woman who is with someone else.”
“Oh give him a little credit,” Brad muttered, gulping a mouthful of beer, “It’s been a long week for him at work and to be fair that girl is gorgeous!”
“That girl is also my granddaughter,” the older gentleman said, appearing at Suzanne’s other side. “And a sillier creature I have never met, I’m ashamed to say.”
Brad spluttered and started choking on his beer. Tiffany helpfully pounded his back and Claire began to clean up the drink Brad had spilt on himself. In the meantime the gentleman leaned towards Suzanne and handed her a glass of champagne.
“It’s my suggestion that after tonight you never see that man again my dear,” he whispered in her ear.
“You’re far too good for him and he has no respect for women whatsoever. I can see it in his eyes.” He continued in a louder voice, “Now if you’ll excuse me I have a granddaughter to collect and more people to talk to. Ladies, gentleman.”
He bowed his head before turning and walking away, passing Greg and Christie as he did so who seemed to be very intimate in a darkened corner. Suzanne smiled as he gently but firmly took the young girl by the arm and pulled her away. The look of anger that Greg sent after the pair wiped the smile from her face very quickly. With a sigh she returned to her date, sending one last look of annoyance at her friends. Some help they were. It had been the three of them, conspiring together that had led to Suzanne attending the awards dinner with Greg, a blind set up that had all but ruined her evening.
It had been Brad’s suggestion. Suzanne had continued to spend time with him, even though there was no chemistry or attraction between the two of them. Brad had been sweet and thoughtful, attentive and had even, somehow, managed to pull the truth from her about Edward and the entire mess that had been. He had sympathised, comforted her and then made it his mission to find someone better than Edward who would treat her like the princess that Brad kept insisting that she was. It had been him in fact that had introduced Suzanne to Greg, meeting him through the garage where Brad worked.
Suzanne had eventually agreed after much cajoling from Brad as well as Tiffany and Claire when they discovered what was going on.
That was why she found herself with the most unpleasant man that she had ever met for the first time at the industry awards show for marketing and events companies.
At first glance Greg had seemed charming enough, handsome and smooth with an air of sophistication that was lacking in many men. Within moments of meeting him Suzanne had begun to think that there was the potential for a future there with him. But the evening had worn on and Greg had never once asked Suzanne anything about herself. He had even gone so far as to interrupt her when others began to ask about her.
The more that Suzanne was forced to listen to the same stories over and over again, the more that those stories grew and changed with each telling and the way that Greg always seemed to be the hero in them was starting to wear thin. Suzanne was beginning to realise that Greg was nothing more than a child who wanted to be the centre of attention at all times. Thankfully the awards dinner was almost over, dinner had been served, desserts devoured and plates cleaned away. Now all that the attendees were waiting for was the arrival of the final speaker, the main event.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” came the voice of the compere over the microphone, “Ladies and gentlemen please return to your seats. It is now time for our final award of the evening.”
The hustle and bustle of the room quickly died down as people began to return to their tables, Greg meeting Suzanne halfway and guiding her with a hand on the small of her back. He even pulled her chair out for her to sit down. She knew that he was looking around though, just to see which women, were watching him. Eventually all the noise died away and the compere at the pedestal in the centre of the stage smiled at them all.
“Thank you so much ladies and gentlemen,” he said when all eyes were on him. “Now, our final award is for Best Partner Engagement. Now this was a close category, with many nominations and I don’t have to tell you that the judging was particularly hard. Many of you work closely with clients in order to meet their needs, carrying out research and communicating directly with those in charge of the companies that you are working with. The company who has won this award however went above and beyond in their duties to please their clients, sending one of their own on a research trip to truly see how the company operates in order to tailor their events perfectly to the client. And so, it gives me great pleasure to announce the winner of Best Partner Engagement: Southern Star Events Management for their work with White Star Cruises.”
The room erupted into applause and cheered happily as Suzanne, Tiffany and Catherine stepped on to the stage, waving and smiling.
The cameras flashed as Catherine gave her acceptance speech, hastily prepared earlier that day when she discovered that they had been nominated. Suzanne contented herself with looking around the room at the gathered event’s organisers. They were all pleased for her, for the company and they were listening intently to what Catherine was saying as she praised the importance of tailoring services to clients. Then Suzanne noticed Greg’s face, as he sat at their table beside Brad, scowling with his arms crossed over his chest.
He was glaring daggers at them all and kept looking around as though trying to find someone who was looking at him instead. Finding no one Greg reached for a glass of wine and downed it, reaching for the bottle and refilling it within seconds. Suzanne decided there and then to end the evening with him as soon as possible, even though they had booked a room.
Tiffany nudged her and she looked around, realising quickly that Catherine’s speech was over and done with and they were all now leaving the stage. The audience began to talk amongst themselves as the women returned to their table.
“Congratulations Suzanne,” Brad said, standing to hug her and kiss her cheek. “You did fantastically.”
The group sat down while Greg said nothing, choosing instead to drink glass after glass of wine. The conversation turned to Suzanne’s work with White Star Cruises very quickly after that.
“Didn’t you meet Edward on the cruise?” Brad asked innocently enough.
“Edward who?” Tiffany asked in confusion, breaking away from whispering in Dale’s ear.
“Edward Connor,” Claire said quietly. “The scientist guy.”
“Eurgh,” Greg said loudly, a little too loudly, “I’ve heard of him. He probably got by on Daddy’s money, using it to start everything up and didn’t have to earn a penny of it.”
“Don’t you manage the London branch of your family’s company?” Suzanne said, trying to sound innocent.
“That’s different,” Greg muttered, “I worked my way up to management. I didn’t just appear one day ready to lead the company.”
“From what I heard Edward did much the same,” Claire said. “He’s actually a brilliant man who worked his way through several companies until he set up his own with his business partner Christian something.”
“Christian Large,” Suzanne said without thinking.
“Oh my god,” Tiffany said, a little too loudly.
People turned to look their way, shushing the young woman, “Isn’t that Edward guy the one that you were dating a while back? The one that you never left the bed with.”
“Oh they left the bed,” Claire said with a grin. “How do you think she got those grill marks on her legs?”
The two women burst into giggles, trying to calm themselves as more people looked at them disapprovingly before bursting out laughing again. Suzanne just glanced at Brad out of the corner of her eye before looking at Greg.
He was glaring at her with disappointment and disgust.
“Did you really date that guy?” He asked sharply, “Seriously? I bet he doesn’t even know what his own company does. He probably sits at home watching TV all day while others do the work.”
“Actually he often works late,” Suzanne said snootily. “He carries out most of the initial research that steers the direction that Genesis Tech heads in.”
“Learnt all this during pillow talk did you?” Greg said with a sneer. “I hope I’ll be getting to share some of that pillow talk with you tonight. I better be getting some.”
The others stopped laughing and looked at the pair with worry and a little fear. Suzanne stared at the man in disgust for a moment before standing and pushing her chair back loudly.
“I wouldn’t sleep with you if you were the last man on earth,” she said firmly, no longer caring who heard.
Greg reached out and grabbed Suzanne by the wrist, rising to his feet as he did so. He pulled her towards him, almost yanking her arm out of its socket as he did so.
“Sit down you stupid bitch,” he hissed in her ear. “Sit down now before you embarrass yourself any more than you already have.”
“Let. Go.” Suzanne spat out.
Everyone was looking at the two of them now and two larger than average waiters were making their way through the crowd towards their table. Greg looked around for a moment with fear in his eyes before he steadied himself and began to drag her towards the door.
“Come on,” Greg slurred. “We’re getting away from these sad sacks.”
“I think you’ve had a bit too much to drink there mate,” Brad said, standing up. “How about you just sit down and have some water?”
“No!” Greg snapped, “Come on Suz, let’s get some privacy and I can show you how much of a man I am.”
“How about we get some air first,” Suzanne said quickly, stalling, “I’m feeling a little queasy, I think it’s all the wine.”
“Fine…” Greg said, nodding uncertainly. “Air’s good.”
The two slowly walked from the room, Suzanne practically holding Greg up as he swayed from side to side. Claire watched them go, sharing a look of worry with Brad before turning to her husband.
“We’re going back to the room after this,” Greg said, backing her up to a wall outside. “We’re gonna go back and I’m gonna show you who’s the better man.”
“I don’t think you’ll be able to get it up,” Suzanne said harshly, pushing him away. “The amount you’ve had to drink I’m surprised that you’re even standing.”
They’d come outside, the cold air hitting Suzanne and sending the little bit of alcohol that she had had straight to her head. It made her bolder, more willing to say what she was thinking and unfortunately Greg was making her think very bad things. And not bad in a naughty way.
“I can get it up alright,” Greg said with a grin, reaching for his trousers and trying to undo the zipper. “I’ll show you how much I can get it up.”
His hands fumbled and Suzanne stepped away from him with a sigh, sitting on a nearby bench and just watching him.
“Stupid fucking zip,” Greg swore as he continued to paw at his crotch. “Stupid zip.”
He looked up at Suzanne, “I’ll show you what a man I am when I get this stupid thing undone, you’ll see. Stupid tight trousers.”
Greg continued to fumble with his zip, pulling and shoving at the fabric. Eventually Suzanne got tired of watching it and stood up.
“Look Greg, you may as well give up,” she said firmly,. “Even if you got your zip undone I still won’t be sleeping with you.
You have been rude and self-absorbed all night and I have no interest in being with you. Not once have you asked a single thing about me and you’ve spent most of your time talking to other women or eyeing them up. No woman wants to be treated like that and I deserve much better.”
“Are you saying that you won’t fuck me?” Greg said, blinking at her blearily.
Suzanne rolled her eyes and sighed with annoyance.
“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying,” she said.
“Bitch,” Greg spat at her. “You fucking bitch. You’re just a fucking cock tease, leading me on all evening in that dress. Now you’re turning around and saying no?! No woman turns me down, I’m a real catch and you’re never gonna get better than me.”
“Oh I think most men are better than you,” Suzanne hissed. “Now get the hell away from me.”
“Fucking bitch,” Greg shouted.
Suddenly, before Suzanne knew what was happening he had drawn back his arm and swung it at her. The back of his hand slammed into her face, sending her sprawling to the ground. Greg shouted at her a little longer, swearing and using language she rarely heard in her circles.
Then, as suddenly as it had begun, it was over. Greg turned and stormed away, muttering about getting more to drink. Suzanne watched him go and as the door shut behind him she burst into tears. She climbed to her feet, the side of her face burning where Greg had hit her. She ached and her heart felt as though it was going to burst. She wanted someone with her, someone to just hold her. But there was no one around that she could turn to and she didn’t dare go back inside to hear Claire worrying. She reached for her phone, found the number that she should have long ago deleted and typed out a message.
Edward raised his head from his pillow, blinking sleepily as his phone lit up and vibrated intensely. He reached for it and saw a message. It was from Suzanne. Edward put his head back on the pillow and began to nod off again. It was probably one of those strange dreams, he decided, the ones that seem really vivid but turn out to be full of crap. Then the phone vibrated, right in his hand and he woke up a little more. It was real. Edward sat bolt upright and turned on the light, scrambling to read the message properly.
I need you
That was all that it said.
Edward double checked the time and realised that Suzanne was in trouble. She hadn’t contacted him in so long, he had seen her typing when she was drunk and there was something, a feeling in the pit of his stomach that was telling him over and over again that something was very, very wrong. He hit the reply button.
I’m coming
The moment that the text sent Edward sprang from his bed and began to shove on some clothes. He knew where she was he realised as he raced to his garage and climbed into his car. He remembered her mentioning an event that she had actually invited him to and he had put a reminder in his phone. When they had gone their separate ways he had forgotten to remove it and now the event was flashing up on his car’s Bluetooth interface with his phone.
As he drove he was so happy that it was late at night. The roads were clear and he seemed to hit only green lights as he rushed to help the woman that he cared about so deeply. He saw the bright lights of the venue appearing in his windscreen and had to pull his foot of the gas pedal to meet the speed limit. The last thing that he needed was to get pulled over when Suzanne could be in danger. He still skidded to a halt in the car park though, sending bits of gravel and stone flying around the place.
Edward looked around as he climbed from his car and saw a shape near the front of the hotel. It straightened and rose as he stepped closer. It was a person. More importantly it was Suzanne. He began to run, racing towards her.
Suzanne’s heart was pounding as Edward drew closer. She was so relieved to see him, so happy. Without even realising it she was racing towards him and threw herself into his arms. She held him tightly, burying her face in his chest and digging her nails into his back. His arms wrapped around her, gripping her and holding her. She felt safe at last and she began to shake.
“Are you ok?” He murmured to her.
“I… I think so,” Suzanne said, still shaking.
“Here, you’re freezing,” Edward said as he ran his hands up and down her arms.
Edward shrugged off his jacket and wrapped it around Suzanne’s bare shoulders.
“What happened?” He asked eventually.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” Suzanne said firmly, “I just want to forget about it and sit with you for a while. Can we do that?”
“Of course,” Edward said, looking down at her fondly. “Come on.”
He gently led her to the benches and sat down, pulling her on to his lap and holding her tightly. He rocked her in his arms and she sat there, finally beginning to feel calm and secure. She sighed and closed her eyes, breathing in the scent of the man who had come to her rescue, no questions asked.
“I’m sorry,” Edward said suddenly, loudly.
Suzanne looked at him in shock.
“I’m sorry if I ever hurt you in any way,” Edward said, looking at her intently. “If I ever hurt you like I think some guy hurt you tonight I’m sorry. Whether it was because of what I said or what I didn’t say I can’t begin to say sorry enough to make it up to you.”
“You mean that.” Suzanne said in amazement, “You actually mean that don’t you?”
“I do,” Edward said. He swallowed and looked around. “I am so sorry for how I treated you. And while I wouldn’t take back our time together, not for anything, I wish I could go back and change how I behaved, how I treated you. I was an ass, and I didn’t think about how what I did made you feel, what it did to you.”
“I did tell you,” Suzanne said a little coolly, “I told you time and time again what I wanted and what I needed.”
“I’m an ass,” Edward said quietly. “And I have awful listening skills. My ex-wife used to complain about it all the time. I hear but I don’t listen and that’s exactly what I did with her and then it’s what I did with you.”
“So you’ve changed?” Suzanne said, disbelievingly, “Somehow I doubt that.”
