Chapter Two #2
“Frank, Aileen, it was lovely to meet you.” Charlie shook their hands, then waited as Simon saw them into their waiting car. As soon as the car pulled away, Simon turned back to face her, then glanced at his watch.
“I need—”
“Who is Dominique?” Charlie cut him off.
“No one. I have to get back to the office.” He pulled out his phone.
“You obviously know her.”
Simon began texting. “An old friend. That’s all. No one important.”
“Old friend or old girlfriend?”
Simon raised his head. “What does it matter?”
“It matters because you didn’t even introduce me. Because she kissed you and you didn't stop her.”
Yes, she could hear the jealousy in her voice, but she couldn't help it.
Simon Radwell was a catch, and women constantly drooled over him.
She wasn't blind. His broad shoulders and stocky build were emphasized in the designer dark blue suit he wore. The open neck of his pale blue shirt showed smooth, lightly tanned skin. He possessed a chiseled, freshly shaven jaw and cheekbones many women would die for. To top that off, he was wealthy. Very. He attracted women like bees to honey. He’d chosen Charlie, but on days like today, all her doubts about why came flooding back.
She might have become more comfortable with her size, but every now and again the insecurities taunted her.
Especially when beautiful models were kissing her fiancé.
“Jesus, Charlotte, she is just a woman I did some business with. We flirted a little before you and I were together. I haven't seen her in over a year. I didn’t introduce you because she's not important, and I probably won't see her again for another year. OK?”
“So, you’re not going to call her?”
“No.”
Charlie didn't miss the hint of annoyance in his voice. His town car pulled up to the curb.
She nodded. “OK,” she said, even though she wasn’t totally sure she believed him.
“Good.” He stepped forward and kissed her cheek. “I need Max to drop me at the office, then he can take you home.”
“I have an appointment just down the street, so I’m going to walk,” Charlie said. Simon gave her a quizzical look. No, she didn't have an appointment; she just needed some space. Surprisingly, he didn't push for details.
“Alright. I’ll see you tonight, darling. Have a great rest of your day.” He kissed her quickly, smiled, then climbed into the car and was gone. The spiteful criticizing Simon had disappeared, replaced by the charmer.
Hailing a taxi, Charlie gave the driver her address.
Home. A penthouse apartment in Manhattan.
Never had she imagined herself living this lifestyle.
Home to her was Albany, upstate New York.
It’s where her family was, her best friend Maddie.
Her memories. Albany might be a capital city, but with its history, culture, and beauty, it was completely different from New York City.
She missed it. Simon kept telling her they would buy a house in Albany, but he had been so busy with this deal, they hadn’t even started looking.
Traffic was on her side, and they reached her building quickly.
Once inside the apartment, she stepped out onto the balcony and gazed at the city skyline.
She was blessed to be living this life. She should be grateful.
Simon provided her a lifestyle like she’d never known before.
He was the first—no, second—man to show genuine interest in her.
The first, well, there was no point reliving that and feeling the heartbreak all over again.
It was the past. Simon was her future. His behavior lately was just stress.
He had a lot going on. Things would be different when they were married.
Going back inside, she took her phone from her purse and called Maddie.
Her friend didn’t answer. She was probably dealing with her kids.
Charlie really wanted, no, needed, some Maddie time.
Making a split-second decision, she walked to the bedroom and pulled her suitcase from the closet.
Tucking her phone between her shoulder and her ear, she called her boss, Martin.
After a short conversation, she packed, feeling happier and lighter than she had for days.
Martin had agreed she could take a few days ahead of leaving for Toronto, so long as she monitored her emails.
She could spend a couple days in Albany seeing her parents and Maddie before heading to Canada.
Between her work and new home, she didn't get to spend as much time with her family or Maddie as she would like. A proper catch up would be good.
She called down to the concierge and asked him to summon a car, one perk of being Simon’s fiancé.
Now all she had to do was tell him. She called his cell, but it went to voicemail.
She tried his office line, and his secretary answered, saying he was out at a meeting, and she wasn’t expecting him back. Sighing, she sent him a text.
Simon, I’ve decided to go home for a couple of days to see my folks before heading to Toronto. I thought you could focus on work while I’m gone, I know how busy you are.
She hesitated, then added.
I love you xx
She waited for a few minutes, but the text remained unread. Charlie finished packing, then headed down to the lobby. The concierge took her case and walked her out to the waiting car, opening the door.
“Thank you, Stanley.” She smiled warmly at the older man.
“You’re welcome, Ms. Weston. Safe travels.”
As the door closed on the car, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes, tuning out the New York city noise, work, Simon. All of it. She was going home. Her body immediately began to relax.