19. Alexandra
Alexandra
I step back from my painting, giving it space so I can really take in the full creation.
The background of the snow-covered evergreen trees with the moon causing the freshly fallen snow to sparkle.
The cabin is the focal point with its log siding and large windows.
The fireplace is glowing from within and projecting warmth out the windows.
I added small details through the windows, a table with small cocoa cups steaming and fluffy blankets strewn on furniture.
I hope I give viewers the feeling of being cozy and warm by the fire while the snow is still outside.
I also added a few small details outside in the fresh snow.
Small footprints from deer and rabbits. A white rabbit hiding under an evergreen.
The highlights from the moon and fire give a small glimpse of the wildlife.
I bite my lip, happy with how it turned out. I could sit here and add more details for days, but at some point, I have to just let it go and be done.
I pick up my phone and open James’s message from last night again. What kind of surprise does he have planned after leaving in the middle of the night?
I want to send him another message, but I also want to make him work for this. He’s adamant that we are inevitable, so I guess I will see what his actions say.
I make my way down the hall to the bedroom. The small cabin feels so empty without James here. I thought I wanted to disconnect for an entire week, but now … Now I just want to get back to reality and start applying for jobs. Maybe see what this surprise is all about.
I roll my suitcase out of the closet and open it on the bed. I’m slowly adding my items to the bag when my phone buzzes on the bed next to me.
James: I can’t stop thinking about you. I can’t wait to see you again. 3
I touch my fingers to my lips. The ghost of his kiss still lingering as I read his message over and over. Ugh. I’m a lost cause. This man has done something to me that can’t be undone.
I throw the rest of my clothes in my bag, double-check the bathroom and closet, and roll my suitcase to the front door.
I cleaned the dishes and picked up the living room when I woke up this morning, so there isn’t much to do besides take my things outside and lock up.
I’m going to miss this cute little cabin, but I’m so excited to photograph my new piece and get my application submitted to marketing agencies in my area.
Especially now that I know The Edward Corporation is building a location here.
It was quicker than I thought, but this little oasis gave me everything I needed and more.
It’s time to put my life back together.
I pull into my parking stall at the apartment complex and pop my trunk. All of the snow from this weekend has been moved and the roads are clear. It’s almost as if the storm never happened, except it’s still freezing outside.
I shiver in my giant coat as I make my way around my car.
I had to stuff my suitcase in my back seat since my canvas was still a little wet when I loaded it.
I’m careful as I take it out, making sure I don’t touch any possible wet spots while I carry it up the thirty-two steps to my door.
My purse is slung over my shoulder, keys buried. Dammit. Not again.
I balance the painting on one hand while I shove the other deep within my bag, sloshing the contents back and forth until I feel my set of keys.
“Fuck yes!” I pull them out slowly, so I don’t jostle my entire body and send my hard work flying to the ground.
Once the key is safely inserted and the door handle turns, I quickly grab the painting with both hands again, backing into my home.
Thank goodness. Things are finally looking up for me!
I set the canvas on my spare easel, and take a few photos to scan into my applications. I’ll worry about unloading the rest of my car later. Now I have things to do.
I check the quality of the photos on my computer, making slight adjustments so it really shows how amazing the digital version of the canvas can be.
My phone dings a few times echoing from the kitchen counter, but I ignore it as I continue uploading documents into my jobs file and filling out multiple applications at once.
BANG. BANG. BANG. The front door rattles as someone’s fist continues to hit the wood.
“I’m coming! Go easy on the door,” I say as I climb from my desk and make my way to the door before whoever it is can break it off the hinges.
The peep hole on my door has been cracked since I moved in, so I don’t bother trying to check who it is.
I just flip the lock and throw open the door.
I flinch, taking in the person on the other side. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you,” Taylor says as he leans on my doorframe .
“You’ve seen me.” I say as I swing the door shut. It bangs on his foot he has shoved in the doorway. He uses his leverage to push the door open and walk in. I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying not to scream. “You need to leave,” I say.
“Oh. Come on, Sugar. You know we aren’t done.” He takes in the new living room furniture, rapping his knuckles on the backrest. “Nice couch.”
I roll my eyes, still holding the door open. “No, and don’t call me that. We’re done and you’re done. It’s time to leave. And if I didn’t make that clear when I threw you out the last time, I never want to see you again.”
He continues to ignore me as he paces around my living room taking it all in, looking in every nook and cranny. “Are you seeing someone else already?” he asks.
“I’m not really sure why that’s any of your business considering you were already seeing someone else while we were together,” I snap.
“Ouch, sugar. I wouldn’t call that seeing someone. I was just scratching a need so I wouldn’t bother you,” he says, eyeing me as if he really believes the bullshit he’s spewing at me. “I was being a good boyfriend by letting you focus on your career.”
I scoff and laugh because I can’t believe someone can be this idiotic. “That’s great. I’m so glad you didn’t want to bother me. But it’s still time for you to go.” I walk over to him to shove him out the door, but he grabs my wrist.
Taylor pulls me towards his face, invading my personal space as I try to yank my arm free. “Just one thing before I let you get back to missing me.”
I seethe, feeling like my head is going to explode. “What?” I whisper through clenched teeth. I want to scream as loud as I can. The sound echoes inside of me from holding it in.
He brings his face so close to mine that the smell of his cheap cologne threatens to suffocate me. “I need you to keep distracting your new boy toy, so I can finish my deal. Then you’ll never hear from me again.”
I whip my head further away from him, but his fingers dig deeper into my wrist keeping me in place. “You’re hurting me.” He blinks at me but doesn’t release his hold. “What are you even talking about? How do you know who I’ve been with?”
He laughs, but it doesn’t sound like the laugh he used when we dated.
He sounds deranged, his whole demeanor seems different, or maybe I’m just starting to see the real him.
“Oh, I know everything you’ve been up to.
My future rides on fucking over your new boyfriend, so I’ve been keeping close tabs on you.
Especially after seeing you at the club.
It was the perfect opportunity. You see.
You think we are done, but really, you’ve been helping me even more now that we are on our break. ”
“We are never getting back together! You were a mistake! What the hell do you want with James? I don’t even know what you’re talking about.” I try to rip my arm free again, but he won’t budge.
“Ouch. I could never be a mistake. Don’t act dumb now.
You know he’s worth billions. His company is taking over in multiple states, with more planned in the future.
I just want a piece of the pie to impress my new company, Collins and Sons.
That blonde you were so worried about is Collins’s granddaughter.
She’s helping me get a leg up in the company.
Your boyfriend has plenty of money, he won’t even miss it.
” He pauses. “Well, he won’t miss it much , I just need to get these clients to sign off, then I could care less what you do. ”
I can’t even fathom what is happening right now.
“James works for The Edward Corporation, he doesn’t have billions.
Trying to steal clients from another marketing firm is lazy.
How is that going to impress Collins and Sons?
Did you even do research before concocting this plan?
” I yank on my arm and Taylor finally releases me but positions his body in front of the door.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk, Alex. You know I hate when you lie. I know you’ve been around him and his partners multiple times.
I caught you at the club, remember? I watched when they helped you move the couch.
I know you’ve been away with him. What I don’t know is why the hell you’re back already?
” He prowls closer, hate burning in his eyes as he looks down his nose at me.
My heart is racing. I try to glance for a way out, but he has me boxed in. My fight or flight is kicking in, but my body doesn’t know how to react, so I freeze. “Why are you doing this?”
He blows out a breath and laughs, backing towards the center of the room.
“Redirecting again . Never one to answer questions.” Taylor runs his hands across his face.
“I need this promotion, and the fastest way to get it is to poach clients. So, if you would’ve just kept James occupied, then my job would’ve been done already.
You will contact him and keep him busy for the week. ”
The change in his voice and his body language has me on edge. The hair on the back of my neck tingling. I throw my hands in the air. “And if I don’t?”
He reaches over, grabs my vase of flowers and launches it towards me. I jump to the side as it slams into the wall next to me, shattering. “You don’t want to find out, so figure it the fuck out!” He stomps to the door and storms out. The door slams shut behind him.
I’m shaking as I slide to the floor. I don’t know what the hell is going on.
Is James more important at his job than he made it seem?
Why would Taylor want to target him? My mind is in hyperdrive as my anxiety rolls through my body.
The adrenaline coursing through my veins.
My phone buzzes on the counter again, so I crawl over to my stools and use them to pull myself up.
Ashlyn: How is the cabin going?
Jaz: The snow here was insane. Are you safe?
I never responded to James’s message from this morning, so I pull that open first.
Alexandra: Hey. I’m home. Something happened with Taylor. I need to see you.
His message comes immediately.
James: I’m on my way.