Forever Mine (Joe & Ella 2)

Typical Joe, thinking he was immune from any danger. He even bulldozed through his own life. He would always be an enigma to me. If I had received hate mail as disturbing as his I wouldn’t rest until the culprit had been found.

Max and I sat chatting and laughing together in the sun until my return to work couldn’t be put off any longer. It was easy to be around Max, he always put me at ease. He was like a comfort blanket; reliable, familiar and calming.

“I’m glad I saw you today. I missed you Max, I missed our chats. You’re a good friend, one of the good guys.”

He blushed again, what was up with that? Then we both stood and headed out of the park. I gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek then left him on the pavement as I headed back into work. I decided I would make more of an effort with Max. I hadn’t been a very good friend to him, to just up and leave him too. Plus I liked being with him, he made me feel good about myself, and that could only be a good thing right?

When I walked into the office I saw a bouquet of white and red roses sat upon my desk. No prizes for guessing who had sent those. I sat down and opened the envelope to see what words of wisdom he was sending me this time.

My Beautiful Ella,

White roses for honesty, red roses for passion. I have always been honest with you, I always will. Together we have passion and honesty in our relationship.

I will wait for you, but I’ve told you before I’m not a patient man and I will be coming back to claim you Ella, very soon. You own me Ella. Always.

Your Joe x

I added the card to the large collection of previous messages in my handbag and moved the flowers to sit them on the cupboard behind me at the back of the office. I couldn’t afford to be distracted every five minutes with his words playing on my mind, which I would have been if I’d left them sitting on my desk.

“I’d throw them in the bin if you don’t want them.” Colin said.

“I didn’t say I don’t want them, they’re just too big for my desk.” I replied.

Colin could be an insensitive ass sometimes. No wonder he was single.

“How’s your dog Colin?” I attempted to make an effort with him, even though he was pissing me off right now.

“He had an operation over the weekend and he’s improving, thanks Ella.” He visibly relaxed then. “I’m surprised you remembered.”

“Of course, I remembered. It’s your dog, your fur baby. I’m glad he’s on the mend. You must have had a tough weekend.”

“I did. I’m okay now though. Thanks Ella.” Then Colin actually smiled at me. I’d never seen him smile before, not once.

“It looks good on you.” I said.

“What?” He looked genuinely puzzled at me.

“The smile. It looks good on you Colin. You’re always so serious. Life is for living, you should get out and enjoy it sometimes.”

He smiled again and nodded.

“You’re right Ella. I will.”

I smiled to myself and got to work on my inbox, feeling like I’d made some headway as far as Colin was concerned. Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all.

“You know I think I got you all wrong Ella.” Colin said out of nowhere.

“Erm, I’m not sure how to take that Colin.” I replied honestly.

“I thought you were one of those girls that’s so preoccupied with their own life they couldn’t care less what was happening with other people, but you’re not are you.” Classic Colin, always brutally honest no matter what.

?

??I sure hope not. I was brought up to care about others Colin. I’m sorry if I haven’t shown that lately.”

“Maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough, not paying enough attention.”

“Well, thanks for…being wrong I guess.” I said frowning. What a weird afternoon this was turning out to be.