Chapter 58 Astrid #2
Dave and Callan spend the next couple of hours showing us from room to room, asking me questions as I visualize my designs in each space.
I record notes on my tablet, making a checklist of things to be actioned.
Seán sticks close to my side, answering a succession of calls and not really being involved in the discussion.
I’m walking around in a bit of a fugue state, switched on professionally while the rest of my brain struggles to accept this latest twist of fate.
I feel Callan’s eyes on me when he thinks no one is looking. He’s quiet, for the most part, letting Dave and me carry the conversation. He wasn’t expecting me either, so I guess it’s just as much of a shock to him.
“Jesus Christ,” Seán snaps, barking down the phone. “Where the fuck was the site foreman and manager when this happened?” He paces the floor as Callan and Dave trade a look. Seán glances at his twenty-thousand-dollar watch. “I’ll be there within the hour. I want a full report upon arrival.”
“What’s happened?” I ask the instant he hangs up.
“There’s been an accident on the Stowe site. A man fell off the scaffolding.”
“Skit. I hope he’s okay.”
“An ambulance is on the way. We should go.” He takes my hand in his. “We can pick this up tomorrow.”
“You go. I’ll stay. There are still the communal spaces to inspect.”
He opens his mouth to argue, and I shake my head, tugging him toward the door.
“I’ll be back in a minute,” I call out, casting a smile over my shoulder at Dave.
“Could you measure the back wall again? It seems smaller than the measurements I was previously given. I need to ensure the artwork will fit in the space.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Dave says, and I leave them to it, dragging my scowling fiancé out into the hallway and shutting the door.
“We agreed no interference, Seán,” I say in a quiet tone. “We both know there is zero need for me to go to Stowe with you. I have no involvement with that site. This resort is my priority, and I’m not done inspecting the property.”
“I’m not leaving you here with him,” he spits out.
“Lower your voice,” I hiss.
“Who is he to you, Astrid? And don’t bother feeding me that bull about good friends. He can’t take his eyes off you, and I recognize that look.”
Fuck. I blow air out of my mouth. “Now is not the time or place for this conversation. I’ll tell you everything tonight. I swear.”
He comes toward me, and my back hits the wall. “It’s him, isn’t it?” He cages me between his arms. “He’s your first love. The one who cheated on you with your best friend.” His eyes flare with malice. “Confirm it, and I’ll fire his ass and dig him a shallow grave.”
I push on his chest, needing him to back off and give me some space. “Stop it! You can’t go around saying things like that!”
“Just fucking tell me, Astrid. Right the fuck now.” I have never seen him so enraged, and I don’t say that lightly because I’ve witnessed Seán go off in meetings and fire employees who piss him off just by breathing the wrong way.
“You need to calm down and go do your job.” I dip out from under his arms. “We are not discussing this here. We’ll talk about it at home like civilized adults.”
“I’m right, aren’t I? You fucking lied to me.”
I push myself all up in his face. “I did not. You assumed the guy was my college boyfriend. I just didn’t correct you.”
“An omission is still a lie!”
“It didn’t matter. It was in the past, and we both agreed not to discuss our previous relationships.”
“Well, it’s not fucking now, is it?” He roars, slamming his fist into the wall, leaving a knuckle-shaped dent that will require repair.
My eyes widen. He reaches for me, and I instinctively step back.
“Shit. Sorry. I’m sorry.” Pain fills his eyes. “I don’t know how to handle everything I’m feeling. I don’t do this, and it feels like I’m unraveling.”
The tension leaves my body, and I reach for him, wrapping my arms around him.
“Seán, I love you.” I lean back and cup his handsome face.
“And I need you to trust me.” I draw a brave breath, knowing I need to give him this truth now.
“Yes, Callan is the guy. If I’d known he was the contractor, I would’ve told you when I first found out about the assignment. ”
“You should’ve told me anyway.” A muscle pops in his jaw, and I sigh, stepping away from him.
“You’re right. I should have. I thought about it, but I hoped it wouldn’t be necessary. He’s supposed to be playing football overseas. I’m stunned to see him here.”
“I don’t want you alone with him.”
“You need to trust me.”
“It’s not you I’m worried about.”
“I can handle the situation. You need to go, and I need to stay. It’s what our jobs demand.
” I step nearer, resting my hand on his chest. “You promised you wouldn’t interfere again, Seán, and I’m holding you to it.
That means no firing or plotting Callan’s death.
I mean it, babe. Promise me you will do nothing to him. ”
“I’m only promising for now.”
He is so fucking stubborn, and honestly, it scares me a little how easy it is for him to toss out threats I know he has the power and resources to pursue. “I love you and only you.” I stretch up and kiss him.
Seán grabs the back of my head and joins our mouths, devouring my lips with a desperation that makes me feel like crying.
“All bets are off if he touches you,” he growls.
“He won’t. He’s with her now.”
Bitterness coats his laugh as it rips from his mouth in a torrent. “Don’t be so fucking na?ve. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He wants you, and it’s not like him having a girlfriend or you having a fiancé is likely to stop him with his track record, now is it?”
“It’ll stop me! I hate him for what he did.
He is no fucking threat to you, to what we have, so please drop this, Seán.
I am trying really hard to hold on to my professionalism because this project is important to me.
You know the reasons why after our conversation.
You’re making this harder, and there’s no need for it.
Do you honestly think I want anything to do with him after he betrayed me with my best friend?
” I yell, instantly regretting it because there’s no way Dave and Callan didn’t hear.
“Fuck.” I press my forehead to the wall, silently counting to ten as I try to cool down. “Just go, Seán. Leave me to do my job.” I push off the wall and straighten up. “This conversation is over for now. I will see you later. I hope the worker is okay.”