Chapter 91: Chapter 91

CHAPTER 6

"Seems like we both have a knack for keeping to time." Rose remarks.

I smile. "Waiter?" I call, and the waiter walks up to us. "Please, we'd like a bottle of Cabernet."

"Well, is that your favorite wine?"

I nod, "No, not at all. Chateau Margaux is superior to every other wine, although Cabernet is cheaper. The taste is exquisite. Cabernet is just an option, this, I can share."

She laughs. "That's absurd. I don't think I've heard anyone say they do not want to share their wine. It's a first."

"Well, there's a first time for everything, isn't there?"

"But people tend to not want to share more expensive things, don't they?"

"Mm. That's right, but, you see, it depends on what the value is being placed on. I do not place any value on the Cabernet, because it's a second choice. The value is placed on Chateau Margaux for me. So, as you can now understand, people tend to not share things they value more." I respond, looking at her.

She smiles at me. "That explains it." I just didn't like this woman. It was probably because of the way she spoke about my son. The waiter brings the bottle of wine. He opens it and pours us both a glass. I pick mine and she picks hers.

"Cheers." She says.

I chuckle softly. "What are we cheering to?"

"Well, your wedding. When is it again?"

"Hopefully, next week Saturday."

"Hopefully?" She asks, as I sip my wine.

"Rose, you mentioned you have a partner."

"Yes, I did."

"Are you married?" I ask, taking a sip of my wine.

"Yeah. We are." She responds, a wide smile on her face. She takes a gulp of her wine.

"Is he your first partner?"

She drops her glass on the table. "No. Why do you ask?"

"Nothing, exactly. This would be my third marriage in six years. The two before this, failed. You can understand what hopefully means."

"Hm, yes. I do." She gulps the entire glass of wine in one go. I look at her, shocked. For a moment, I felt as though she had serious issues, her demeanor, everything else, a camouflage. She continues, "I don't know if it's just pity."

"Pity? What do you mean?"

"Look, Natalie, I know you don't like me because of what I said about your son. Personally, I do like you and I feel I can trust you. They say people who dislike you, and know your secrets are better than those who like you and know your secrets. A person who likes you is ninety nine times more likely to spill your secrets, however, the one who doesn't, will most likely do it. but they'll keep your secret until they decide to use it against you."

I scoff, "I don't want you to trust me, Rose." I say, irritated. I call the waiter to bring the receipt. It was time for me to leave.

"But I have no one to turn to here. I've no friend or family."

"Didn't you just say you were married? Where's your husband?"

"He doesn't live here. He's in Quebec."

"Canada?"

"Mm. We met there." She says, as I round up paying the bill.

"I'm sorry for whatever you're going through. However, I have problems too. A few years ago, I would have sat down, listened to you and given you advise or help. Now, I really don't care about anybody except myself and my son. I hope everything works out well for you, Rose. I'll be sure to send you a wedding card. Enjoy the afternoon."

******

"Good afternoon, Ms. Richardson!" Majority of the staff chorus.

"Hello, everyone. I hope you're all doing great. Getting to the point, are there interns here? Do we hire interns?"

"Yes, ma'am. They're mostly in the communication and PR department. Is there a reason?" A lady asks.

"Yes, I'd like to get a personal assistant. I'd like that today."

********

The female interns and I are all gathered in the conference room. I'm scanning them all individually, taking my time to see who I'd feel comfortable with. They all look warm and trustworthy, but I know better.

"Unfortunately, I just need one of you. Is there anyone that'll like to volunteer to be my personal assistant?" Out of about 16, only 9 raise their hands.

"Alright, then. The rest of you may leave."

"What do you when a child cries?" I ask them. They all look at one another, seemingly confused.

"You." I point at the first girl. "Uh... give him chocolates?"

"You." I point at the second in line. She responds, "I've never had to watch a child. . ."

"You there." I point at the last girl. "I think I'd put him to bed. .?"

"Can you answer me?" I ask the girl in the middle. "Give him a hug and try to make him laugh." She says, avoiding eye contact with me.

I smile. "Step forward." I say. I get up. She steps forward, still avoiding eye contact with me.

"Congratulations. You're hired. Come with me."

*****

I take off my heels as I sit in my chair. "So, what's your name?"

"Diane Pratt, ma'am."

"Nice to meet you, Diane. I'm Natalie Richardson. I'd like for us to work together, gain mutual understanding. Now, what is like for you to do for me is to be there when I need you. You'd inform of my meetings, appointments, you'll report anything strange or anything you hear in the company to me. In essence, you'll do whatever I ask you to do. You'll receive your salary directly from me. Forty thousand per month. If you impress me, fifty." I say and I watch her gasp. I felt like it was my way of making up to Jennifer. I didn't know how to feel about her death.

"Okay, ma'am. Thank you so much! Oh, my God. Thank you!" She gasps, trying to contain her excitement.

"You may begin today because I have my first assignment for you."

"What can I do?"

"Good. I need you to find as many reporters and journalists as possible. I'll be at clumping beach tomorrow, I don't know what time yet, just make sure they get there and take photos of me and whoever they see me with. I want it published on the internet, I wanted it on all the papers, most importantly, the internet. Can you do that?"

"Yes, of course, I can. I was in the PR department."

"Good. I need it done right now, but don't let them know who you are. They can't know I sent you."

"Alright ma'am, I'm on it. Can I ask why you want your pictures taken?"

"I'm trying to get a message to someone. I hope it works."

I watch Rocket and Louis build a sandcastle from a far. Louis was happy. His smiling face was the only thing capable of comforting me at times like this. My phone rings. It's Diane.

"Good. Thank you." I end the call. I scan the area for the journalists. My eye falls on one who's holding a camera. I stealthily look away, trying to pretend as though I had no idea I'd seen him. I begin to walk towards Rocket. I'm a few feet close to him and then, I pretend to fall. I fall on him. I can feel his hands on my bare waist. We share an eye lock momentarily.

"Sorry." I say, getting up. I turn and look at my son. I open my arms to carry him and he climbs my body. I get up, holding my son close to myself. "Do you want to put your feet in the water, my love?"

"Yes!"

****

Holding Louis as tight as possible, my son and I place our feet in the water. It's exhilarating. Louis is all giggles and smiles. The sunlight falls on his face and that's when I get a proper look at him. More than ever, Louis looked like Luke. I gasp, my hand on my mouth. "What's wrong, mommy?"

I'm stunned. He'd always looked a bit like his father but this time, this time it was as though Lucas was standing right before me.

"Natty?" Rocky calls my attention. I look at him, still dazed. "What's wrong?" He asks.

I point at Louis. I'm fighting the tears. "He looks like his father."

Rocket doesn't say a word for a few seconds. "Of course. He's his son, isn't he? It's only logical he takes after him."

"What if Luke's still alive? We could— I could be making the biggest mistake of my life. What will you do?"

"What will you do?" He asks me. I stare at him.

"I don't have to answer that. You know the answer to that."

He chuckles, his hand on his nose. "Luke's dead, Natalie. When will you grasp reality? He's never coming back."

"Mommy?"

"I warned you before not to say that, especially not in front of my son."

"He's going to be my son too, in a few days."

"What is wrong with you?"

"I'll be in the car." He says and I watch Louis run after him. It was crystal clear that my son was too attached to Rocket. It made my blood boil.

******

I'm expecting aunt Ruth for dinner, Delores. Can you make Steak and Kidney Pie? That's aunt's favorite. I'd like if you could get to it." The door opens and I turn around.

"Ashley."

"Ms. Richardson!" She says and I rush towards her to hug her. We hug. "Oh, you look lovely!" I complement.

"As do you," She returns the gesture. I continue, "I'm so sorry, you were home the last time but I couldn't pay you any attention as I was occupied with Louis and his school. Forgive me, will you?"

She holds my hands, "Not at all. I understand and I never felt bad about it. I really miss babysitting Louis."

"You're blonde." I state, as I notice her dirty blonde hair. Ashley was formerly a brunette.

"Yes, yes. It was actually for a play in college but I ended up really liking it and I got a lot of compliments too, so I figured!"

"Ah. It does look lovely on you." I state. Once upon a time, I had blonde hair. I missed my blonde hair. I missed my old life. I missed Luke.

*******

"Well, your mother and I have had tea everyday for the past week and she does not fail to nag about how you've kept her away from Louis. Honey, don't you think you went a bit too far? She's your mother after all." Aunt Ruth states, sipping her cucumber water.

"And not once did she call me to say all of this. Aunt, can we talk about something else, please?"

"Alright, I didn't mean to upset you. Anyway, I saw the pictures, Natalie. You looked way too comfortable."

"What pictures?"

She looks at me, confused. She raises a brow. "The pictures of you, Louis and that ill mannered fool."

I get up. "I'll be right back, aunt." I run as fast as I can from the dining room to my bedroom. I look for my iPad and search my name. My breathing intensifies as I see multiple articles with my name. The articles are either, "Third time's a charm; Natalie Richardson's quest to find true love. Billionaire love? Natalie Devaux and Rocket Davenport. Could this be Natalie Richardson's last marriage? Alleged romance; Oil & Telecomms Queen & Famous Hotelier." I sigh. What a way to put it. Three marriages weren't so bad. Rebecca Claire had gotten married at least five times, besides, marrying Alex was only a means to an end. It was for business purposes alone, there were no feelings attached, at least, not from my end. I drop the iPad on the bed, irritated. I run my hand through my hair.

***

"Did you go check it out?" Aunt Ruth asks me.

I nod. "I did."

"Well?" She asks.

I smile. Aunt Ruth expected an explanation. "It's nothing to worry about. It was intentional. I wanted to get those pictures taken."

"Huh? Why? Why would you want that?" She asks.

"You'll think I'm crazy if I tell you. It's better if you don't know." I respond. I continue with my food.

"No, darling. I'd never think you're mad even if you were. Well. . ." We giggle.

"A few years ago, I thought Luke was alive. I believed he was hundred percent. Don't get me wrong, I still do, but a part of me is starting to believe that he no longer exists. He could be gone for good." She gasps.

"How are the pictures related to that?"

"I'm going to marry Rocky, aunt."

"Are you mad? That man destroyed your family, Natalie. Why would you do that?"

"If Luke is still out there, he'll hear about it. I'll pay international media houses to cover it, I don't care. Wherever he is, I'm certain the news will get to him, if he's not already keeping an eye on me. Luke hates Rocky with every blood in him. He'll be forced to come out as he'd never want me to be his, plus he's never want Louis to call another man dad now he knows Louis is his."

"And if he's dead?"

"Well, then, so be it. Louis really wants a father."

"Can you even stand that man?" She asks.

"No. No, I can't."

"And you're willing to bet on spending the rest of your life with him? Did you start taking drugs?"

I can't help but laugh even though I certainly wasn't in the mood for laughs. "I guess, I just have to pray that Luke's really not dead."