CHAPTER THIRTEEN #2
It takes a second to digest what he just said. “You don’t want me around?”
A sigh leaves his mouth and he calmly starts again.
“It’s not that. I’m worried about your mental health.
All this stress and worry can’t be good for you, and what baffles me the most is how the business is doing better than ever, but it still isn’t enough for you.
I’m sorry, Angie, but I think you need some time to take stock of what is important in your life. ”
“Okay, then.” I look around the office and spot a brown box by the copier.
I storm towards it, huffing and puffing, then bring it back to throw in the contents from my desk.
My blood is boiling. How dare he do this to me?
I work my arse off for this place. I’ve built it up and doubled our business in recent years, and this is the thanks I get. Well, he can shove it.
“Look, Angie, I’m not asking you to leave completely. Just take a break.”
I stop what I’m doing and glare in his direction. “Actually, I’ll collect my stuff another time. I’ve got to get out of here.” Picking up my bag, I push past him. “I need some air.”
I leave the office, gasping for breath. Almost stumbling down the path, a sob escapes my mouth. At the back of the building two women stare and point at me. Am I making a scene?
As I get to my car, I scramble in my bag for the keys, but everything falls to the pavement.
I don’t move at first. Instead, I stare at the loose tampons, receipts, an old packet of chewing gum, and loads of other crap that means nothing.
It’s not until I crouch down to retrieve it all, that the keys fall out of my pocket. They were there all along.
A gentle deep voice says, “Let me help you.”
My heart skips a beat, and my stomach flutters.
I look up and straight into his familiar hazel eyes as if he’s here to save me.
Tommy. Thank God. He gathers the contents of my bag while I watch in a daze, then he holds out his hand with a half-smile across his lips.
I accept his help as tears spill from my eyes and I choke out a sob that’s so loud it burns the back of my throat.
“It’s okay, Angie. Steady breaths.” Finally, he takes me in his arms. It feels good to have his support and to feel him close. It’s strange, but just the slight smell of his beard oil sparks a reassurance I haven’t felt in a while. Then realisation hits me like a bullet. I’ve missed him.
Tommy glances over his shoulder. “Who are those women?”
I follow his line of sight and spot the women that were staring at me earlier. Now they’re excitedly tapping on their phones. It all falls into place. They’re here for him. “I don’t know, but I’m guessing they know who you are.” I sniff.
His chest expands against my cheek. He’s here to protect me. At least, that’s how it feels. “Hmm. We should get out of here,” he says, looking around.
Then I notice the women have increased in numbers and more arrive from the surrounding offices. “I think someone might have told them there’s a rock star in town. How long have you been waiting out here?” I pull back, and with blurred vision, I look up at him.
“A little while. I didn’t know if I should disturb you at work or not.”
“Oh my God, it is him. It’s Tommy Graham,” a voice cries out. His gathering fan club tentatively moves forward, but Tommy isn’t paying them any attention. Instead, he signals to the car behind me. “Don’t worry, babe. We can be out of here in no time.”
A black Audi SUV appears beside us. “I’ll get someone to collect your car later, okay?”
I don’t have time to answer because Tommy bundles me into the back of the car. By the time we’ve slammed the door, at least eight women are screaming and calling his name while banging on the windows.
We’re sped away while he cradles me in his arms. I haven’t stopped crying since he found me, and despite being safe in his hold, the tears come thick and fast.
“Hey, you’re safe now, Angie. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
I huff out a teary sob and the driver hands over a box of tissues. “Thanks, man.” Tommy takes them, passing one to me. “Here, dry your eyes.”
“Thank you.” I choke on my words.
“What’s going on, Angie? Why are you so upset?”
He probably wishes he hadn’t asked as every detail of my crappy day comes spilling from my mouth.
“Have you ever felt like a complete failure?” He doesn’t answer, he just listens.
“Of course you haven’t. You’re so in control.
You have everything together, but me? I’m in the process of buggering up my only source of income, I’ve let my beautiful little boy down, and I just can’t get anything right at the moment. ”
“You’re not a failure. Far from it. Why the hell would you say that?”
I place my head against him and notice the hammering beat in his chest. My heart is doing the same. “Chris told me I’m doing the business more harm than good.”
Tommy’s arms tighten around me. “He actually said that?”
“Not exactly, but that’s what he meant.”
My tears soak his shirt; I just can’t stop them from falling, but the warmth of his body against mine and his well-chosen words, give me the comfort I need.
“Let me tell you something. You are one of the strongest people I know. You gave birth and brought up your son on your own. You put all your spare energy into a business you knew nothing about and you’ve singlehandedly put a roof over your family’s head.”
He always manages to find the right thing to say. “You seem to know a lot.” I sniff, looking up into his eyes and he meets my gaze.
“I’ve seen it all for myself.”
Our eyes linger for longer than they should and I feel my cheeks flush.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been to see you. I’ve had a lot on.”
“Yeah, I can see that.” Despite his answer, he seems hurt. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Thank you for looking after me. I’m sure this is the last thing you needed today,” I say, snuggling back against his chest.
I hear the smile in his voice when he says, “Anytime.” Then he hugs me closer. “Nothing is more important than looking after the people I care about. I learnt that lesson the hard way.”
I feel terrible. He’s going through hell with his wife and his band, yet he’s here, listening to my ridiculous problems. Perhaps he needs a friend as much as I do.
Tommy follows me into the hallway of my cosy home. I love this place. When I couldn’t find a property to buy after Scott died, I bought a piece of land next door to Calla and Ash and built my own. It’s not huge. There’s just enough room for me and my growing boy, but I think Scott would approve.
“Josh is reading quietly in bed, so please don’t make any loud noises,” Agatha barks without so much as a ‘good evening’ to either Tommy or myself.
In fact, she takes no notice of him as he stands behind me when I step into the kitchen.
His casual stance is a far cry from the stiff and starched posture of my nanny.
“Wait, you’ve given him his bath already?” I ask.
“It’s getting late.”
“It’s not quite six, which is his usual bath time, and isn’t it a little early for bed?”
Her tongue runs around the outskirts of her top teeth and she pouts. “He was getting under my feet.”
“I beg your pardon?” I sense tears forming in my eyes again. I can’t help being so weepy. It’s been one hell of a day.
Thankfully, Tommy steps in. “I think Angie is a little tired.”
“And you are?” she grunts.
He beams back at her. “Tommy Graham,” he says, offering his hand.
Agatha eyes him suspiciously but refuses to take his peace offering. “This has nothing to do with you, Mr Graham, and I’m acutely aware of Mrs Knox and how tired she is. It’s apparent in her lack of timekeeping.”
“What did you say?” I ask, knowing full well what she said, but I want to highlight it.
“Why don’t you knock off early, Angina.” Tommy grins.
Wow, does he know how to wind people up. I purse my lips tight. I’ve gone from sad tears to holding back my laughter and find the only way to hold it in is to put my hand over my mouth.
“It’s Agatha.”
“Yeah, whatever. Look, babe—” Jesus, did he just call her babe? I’m dying inside as he continues, “—why don’t you collect your stuff, and I mean all your stuff, and take an early bath yourself.”
Oh, shit. What is he doing? I can’t do without her. How would I work?
Her face turns the brightest shade of pink. “Who are you to come into this house and tell me what to do?” She’s almost breathing fire. “My hours are seven a.m. to seven p.m., and I’ll continue to work during that time until I’m told otherwise.”
“Okay,” Tommy says, standing tall and slightly more intimidating than my Pitbull nanny. “Otherwise.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t follow,” she says blankly.
Tommy raises an eyebrow. “You said you work seven a.m. to seven p.m. until you’re told otherwise. So, I’m telling you ‘otherwise.’ You’re done here and no longer needed by Mrs Knox.”
I turn around to face him and mouth, “What are you doing?”
“I’ve got you,” he mouths back.
I swallow hard at his words, worried sick. What the hell is happening?
“You’re not my employer, so I’ll take no notice of what you have to say unless I hear it from Mrs Knox herself.”
“I—” I want to tell her I don’t think she’s a suitable fit for our family, but what’s stopping me is the fear of not having anyone to help when I need it most. What do I do? The way my discussion went with Chris earlier means working from home more. It might not be a bad thing.
“Mrs Knox?” she questions again.
“Yes. I, um—” I can’t find the right words without hurting her feelings.
“You’ll be paid up to the end of the month, with a little extra for the inconvenience.” Tommy steps in.
Agatha looks at me for confirmation and I give it when I bow my head. He said he’s got me and I believe him.