Chapter 2
After Ben and Ever’s wedding, Whitney returned to Toronto, settling back into her life in the city. Having been a city girl her entire life, she was surprised how much she enjoyed the slow pace of Primrose. The place had its own brand of charm, and the people were kind and friendly, always curious to know more about her and her life. Such a contrast from the city where anonymity was the norm. Getting a glimpse into small town life made her want to return, especially to see her dear friend, Ever, again.
The moment she and Ever met, they became fast friends and now she considered her more like a sister than one of her clients. Seeing Ever’s art career take off and having been a part of it since the beginning, had bonded them. Now with her friend and number one client, married, hopelessly in love and no longer close, she felt alone and on the cusp of a change herself. But what would that change be? Having worked for Rosenburg Agencies for the past eight years she enjoyed her job, but often found her mind wandering to other ways she could make a living using her passion for creativity and art. Perhaps she could go into business for herself.
Entering Rosenburg Agencies, Whitney greeted the receptionist with a smile as she strode down the hall, fielding more greetings from her colleagues. Entering her office, she took a seat behind her desk, pulling out her phone and swiped it open. Two unread messages. With a smile, she clicked on the first one seeing Hayden’s text.
Hayden: “Hey there, gorgeous! I hope you have an awesome day! Mind if I send you a dirty picture?”
A picture of a cute pink piglet covered in mud popped up on her screen.
Whitney shook her head and laughed. It had been a week since she had returned home from the wedding and Hayden had taken to texting her. His daily flirtatious and corny texts had quickly become one of her favorite parts of her day.
Whitney: “Hayden, that’s not the kind of dirty picture I want to see. Where’s that cute ass?”
A picture of a donkey baring its teeth to the camera popped up on her phone.
Whitney: “Lol, you’re too funny! I’m at work now, but can we chat later?”
Hayden: “Yes, of course. Glad I made you smile, gorgeous. Have a wonderful day!”
Whitney grinned at his message, setting down her phone and leaning back in her chair. Hayden was a charmer and knew exactly how his comments affected her. Every time she read back their conversations, they left her feeling light and although she had no doubt that he wanted the opportunity to reignite their chemistry, she would be lying if she didn’t admit to liking his positive attention. After a 7-year marriage that nearly broke her, a lacklustre dating life full of crazy circumstances and disappointing let downs, it was flattering, and she couldn’t help but soak in every word and compliment.
Leaving their conversation, she clicked on the second notification. As the message popped up on her screen, an instant uneasiness settled in the pit of her stomach as she read it.
“Dumb whore, you thought you could just walk away from us. I know where you’re hiding, and I will find you.”
Her eyes frantically darted around her office as if he would appear. Glancing back to her phone, she checked the caller ID. Unknown number. It was Paul; she was sure of it. It had been five years since the threats stopped and the judge issued her a restraining order along with finalizing her divorce. Knowing the restraining order had expired recently, something in her gut told her it was him. Why is he texting me? How did he get my number? A familiar sense of panic and anxiety washed over her as flashbacks of how he would belittle, call her terrible names, and tell her she was worthless floated into her consciousness. Telling her no one would or could love her, except him. His harsh words and emotional abuse breaking down her soul and bruising her heart. At times throughout their marriage, she wished he would just hit her. That way, at least she had physical proof of the scars he was branding.
For five excruciatingly long years, she endured his slurs and anger filled rage until she finally found the courage to leave him. Paul, of course, was sorry, apologizing profusely, and made every attempt to get her back. After each failed attempt, more name calling would ensue. And after two years of separation with him dragging his heels on their divorce, he started ambushing her at work, insisting on seeing her. Once he found out where she lived, he would show up at her townhome door with flowers and gifts, begging for her forgiveness. Whitney knew then and there that she needed a restraining order. Shortly after she got protection, the judge granted her a divorce, and she changed her phone number, moving to a different part of the city. She didn’t hear from him again. Until now.
What am I going to do? She questioned, rubbing her temples, her head pounding. She had worked so hard over the past five years to erase her past. She attended regular therapy, started practicing meditation and yoga to deal with her anxiety and panic attacks, and had acquired an incredible group of friends who loved and supported her. Whitney was proud of how far she had come and grateful for the happy existence she made for herself.
Suddenly, an unexpected knock sounded at her door, making her jump out of her seat.
“Oh Whitney, sorry, I startled you.” Her boss, Ned Rosenburg, said as he stood in her doorway. “Is everything okay?” he asked, brows furrowing.
“Sorry Ned, yes, everything’s fine. How can I help you?”
Ned entered her office and took a seat across from her, steepling his hands in front of him. Ned Rosenburg was in his mid 60s with salt and pepper hair and kind blue eyes. He opted for designer sweaters, tailored shirts, and chinos rather than suits for the office and had a laid-back, easy-going personality which Whitney appreciated. He was fiercely passionate about art and helped her build her portfolio of clients while always making himself available for help or questions. She couldn’t think of a better boss to have.
“As you know, I just turned 65 and my husband, David, just retired this past spring.” He explained. “We recently celebrated my birthday in Costa Rica and fell in love with the culture there.”
“Yes, I saw all your pictures on social media!” she exclaimed excitedly. “Costa Rica looks heavenly.”
“It was,” he replied, looking towards the window behind her as if reflecting. Returning his gaze to her, he continued. “David has convinced me to retire, and we’re moving down there as of December 1st.”
“Oh, wow! Seriously Ned, that’s incredible!”
“Thank you.” he smiled, excitement flashing in his blue eyes, then quickly morphing into a frown. “Let me just pull off the bandage, Whitney. I’ve decided to close the office as of November 15th.”
Whitney’s eyes widened, disbelief tightening her chest. “That’s in three weeks.”
Ned reached out, resting his hand on hers as he offered her a reassuring smile. “Whitney, you’re an amazing agent and have built an enviable portfolio. I’ll be splitting my portfolio up to distribute between you and several other agents here in the office. I have a handful of incredible artists out of Winnipeg, and I would like to pass those on to you.”
“That is so sweet of you, Ned.” she replied, still trying to grapple with the news.
Leaning back in his chair, Ned scrutinized her as he asked, “You’re considering a change, am I right?” Whitney slowly blinked, unsure of how to answer. “I know you and Ever Wolton have become close friends and I know her moving away has been hard on you. I also know you have been through a lot in your life, Whitney.” he continued with compassion in his eyes. “You forget you were new here when your marriage ended, and I saw what you went through with Paul, having to deal with his constant harassment. You deserve to be surrounded by those that support you. You should be close to your best friend.”
“Change would be nice.” Whitney agreed. “My parents are retired and moved to Arizona last year and my younger brother, Nick and his wife live on the East Coast, so really there isn’t much holding me back from moving.”
“I think now is the time to do it then. Just like David and I, sometimes you just need to follow the path that life leads you down,” Ned said with a smile.
Whitney laughed, leaning back in her chair. “The path to Manitoba is likely a lot colder than Costa Rica, but yes, being closer to Ever would be amazing!”
“Good, it’s settled. My Winnipeg clients are going to you!” he exclaimed, rising from his chair. “I’ll understand if you want to leave the office early before we close the doors. Moving provinces is a big deal. You’ll have to figure out your living arrangements.”
“Thanks Ned! I appreciate it and I’ll take you up on that,” she replied as she rose from her desk and walked with him to the door.
With a final thank you, she returned to her desk, stopping in front of the large window overlooking the city below. Sighing, a sense of peace came over her at the knowledge that this chapter of her life was closing and a new one was opening. Whitney loved Toronto, the hustle of the downtown, the incredible skyline, the trails to walk along the lake and the beautiful parks all holding a piece of her heart. Undoubtedly, she would miss it. But now, with Paul resurfacing, this change was exactly what she needed.
* * *
Hayden enteredthe storeroom of Hastings Hardware, passing the shelves of stock and headed towards his workshop at the back of the room. He made his way to his worktable and grabbed his leather tool belt, fastening it around his hips. Scanning the 2x4s against the wall, he picked one out and put it on the workshop table. As he reached for a set of clamps hanging on the wall, his phone rang, and he pulled it out of his back pocket, the name he was hoping to see flashing on the screen. Whitney. A grin tugged at his lips as he remembered their exchange earlier that morning and answered his phone. “Hey there, gorgeous, couldn’t go another moment without talking to me?”
Her contagious laugh sounded at the end of the line, instantly warming his insides as she answered cheekily.“Don’t flatter yourself, Hays.”
“Hays! Already giving me pet names. You flatter me, Whit.”
A huge guffaw sounded over the phone, and he could feel her beautiful brown eyes roll at his comment. Whitney was thoroughly adorable when she was flustered and annoyed with him, and he simply couldn’t help himself.
“Is there a purpose to your call, other than flirting with me, of course?” he asked playfully as he leaned against his workbench and crossed his legs at the ankles.
“Ever and Ben are still on their honeymoon, correct?”
“Yes, for another ten days. Why do you ask?”
“Well, I was going to contact them, but maybe you could help me.” She explained. “I just found out today that the agency I work for is closing down in three weeks and they passed on all their Winnipeg artists to me, so it looks like I’ll be moving.”
Hayden stood up straight, his ears perking up at the possibility of this amazing woman living closer to him. “Where are you planning to move, then?” he asked, sounding more eager than he intended.
“I was thinking of Primrose, or maybe St. Augustine. Honestly, I’m not sure right now. I was thinking of flying out next week to meet with a few clients and look at a few places. But I guess with Ben and Ever still away, I’ll have to find a hotel to stay in.”
“Come stay with me,” he blurted, the words tumbling out before he gave them any thought. Silence. “I mean, I have plenty of room and honestly the house has been super quiet since Ben moved out.” he continued trying to steady his words, knowing she may be apprehensive.
Silence filled the line until he heard Whitney let out a long sigh. “Do you think that’s a good idea?” she asked, her voice dripping with doubt.
“Because you can’t keep your hands off me?” he asked teasingly. “Or because we have a history?”
“Yes.” she cleared her throat, clarifying. “The history, not the hands.” How can I reassure her I want to help her? Whitney continued, trying to explain herself. “Hayden, that crazy night we shared was not something I do. I don’t sleep around, especially with a man I hardly know.” She confessed, sounding sheepish.
Hayden ran his hands through his hair. He liked Whitney a lot. She was beautiful, smart, and so darn sexy it made his heart hurt. Knowing how uncomfortable she was talking about their one incredible night together and hearing the embarrassment in her voice, honestly frustrated him. Yes, their night together was unexpected, surprising them both. Yes, perhaps, they did take things a bit far considering their inebriated state, but for Hayden he wasn’t sorry it happened. That night was the start of something that he desperately wanted to revisit. Despite his lingering desire for Whitney, he had Ben’s words echoing in his ear–Be careful with her.
“I promise I’ll be a complete gentleman.” He reassured. “I respect how you feel about our history, and I would never knowingly do anything to make you feel uncomfortable.” The continued silence was deafening. His brows furrowing in confusion as he asked, “Whitney, are you still there?”
“Yes.” she replied, her voice sounding small.
“I’m offering this to you as a friend, and because I know this is your best option.” He added. “I would be happy to pick you up from the airport, too.”
She let out another long sigh, replying. “Okay, Hays. That would be nice.”
“Once you’re here, we can figure out your living situation. Does that sound good?”
“Sounds perfect. Thank you so much, Hayden. You are very sweet to offer.” She added, her voice sounding a little brighter.
“I try,” he replied with all sincerity. “Send me your itinerary when you know when you’re flying out.”
* * *
Whitney hung up her phone,relief washing over her, followed by the sudden realization of what she just agreed to. Staying with Hayden, in his home, just the two of them. He was temptation on a stick. Whitney gulped down the doubt that was creeping into her decision. Her attraction to Hayden was far beyond the men she had dated over the past five years here in the city. Every time she was around him, all she wanted to do was re-enact their saucy tryst. He was dangerously handsome and although she knew it was going to be hard seeing him every day; she didn’t exactly have any other good options right now. Plus, he was so earnest with his generous offer, which was so sweet. If she was going to do this, she would just have to keep things light, casual, and polite. Yes, that’s what I’m going to do. That and look for a place of my own as soon as possible.
Grabbing her laptop off her desk, she took a seat at her kitchen table and searched up flights to Winnipeg. As she booted up her computer, she noticed a notification that she had an unread email. Clicking on the email, she stopped, her body turning ice cold at the sender.
The email read: You and I belong together, even if you don’t think we do. No one can stop true love. Wait for me, baby. We will have our time again. Don’t hide from me, bitch. I will always find you.
“Paul.” she whispered. Rising from the table, she paced, her heart racing and the muscles in her body tightened with tension, her telltale sign of an impending panic attack. Knowing what was coming, she sprinted to the door to check her locks, making sure the chain and deadbolt were engaged. She leaned against the door, her throat constricting painfully as she tried to breathe and slid to the floor. Closing her eyes, she willed herself to take deep cleansing breaths, trying to concentrate on controlling the building attack, fighting to take control of her body.
Shortly after she married Paul, she started having panic attacks. At times, they were so debilitating that she couldn’t function, and Paul didn’t have sympathy for her. He would angrily taunt or make fun of her temporary impairment. Always telling her she was just being stupid or overly dramatic. His unkind words still hurt. Even after so much therapy and healing over the past five years, how did Paul have the ability, with a single email, to make her fold in on herself?
Painful tears wet her cheeks as she held her head in her hands. What am I going to do?What if Paul is going to show up at my door or at work again? What if the harassment picks up where it left off? What if worse? Whitney didn’t trust Paul. He was a volatile and unpredictable man, and she simply couldn’t and wouldn’t go through it all again. Hopeless and scared, she cried, letting all the hurt and fear come out in her sobs.
Wiping her cheeks with her palms, a momentary thought passed through her mind, giving her the strength to rise to her feet and locate her phone. Finding her phone next to her laptop, she quickly typed out a text. “Can you come get me from the airport tomorrow?”