I know Brian could afford to help me if I asked him, but I cant bring myself to do that. I’ve always been independent, so this is something I feel that I need to do on my own. I try not to let that bother me now. I need to focus on my happiness and not ruin such a beautiful moment. I’m taking a sip of champagne when I hear a voice next to me say “Excuse me Tammy?” I look up to see its candy. “Um, yes,?” I ask in surprise. I’m so shocked to see her there.
She looks at Brian and I before saying “I just happened to be eating here, and I saw you. I wanted to come over and congratulate you on your happiness. I also found happiness with the man I met at your auction, so thanks for that ” I cant tell if she is being sincere or not. I can feel my old jealousy returning, before I can stop myself, I make a snide comment about her and Jim. She looks at me, “Ugh, he was such a douche. I’m glad to be done with him!,” she exclaims in disgust.
My eyes widen in surprise and I set my glass down. Brian watches us quietly. “tell me about it, I could have told you that, after he dumped me for you.” I reply, trying to be less snide about it, but I cant help it. I’m not prepared for her reaction. She looks at me in confusion, then shock “He did?” She asks, the emotions ringing true in her words. “I honestly had no idea.” She admits. Her reaction is too genuine, so I believe her. Suddenly I realizeSheila was right and that I was holding onto bitterness for no reason. It’s time for me to move on and forget what happened, just like Brian has done in his own situation. Its time for me to have my happiness.
Candy interrupts my thoughts with a quiet suggestion. “Maybe we can work together to buy the business? With so many auctions happening now and people flying in from San Fran, and other large cities there is going to be a lot of work and we are going to need a really big place. We are the leading two catering businesses, maybe it’s a good idea to team up?” She asks.
After a moment of thought I reply “no thanks, i am fine on my own.” I have always been independent. I prefer it that way. It would be too awkward working with someone else. It took me a long time to trust the help I have now. “Oh, ok” Candy replies, she turns to walk away. I think I have offended her again. I need to stop that now.
I sigh then stop her. I say “thank you though, and that it does sound like a good idea, maybe. I’ll keep it in mind and give it some thought. ” in a much more polite tone. She smiles at me and thanks me before going back to her table.
Chapter 15
Tammy
After Candy has walked away and Brian and I go back to our dinner, I notice that he keeps looking at me. I look up at him curiously. “That was very gracious and commendable of you to do that. ” he says. I smile, I feel proud of myself for reacting that way. “Actually I think it has a lot to do with being with you. I guess you are good for me.” I reply with a shrug. I look up and I see him smiling happily at me.
“I think you are good for me too. You have changed me a lot. You helped me let go of my past resentments and be able to trust and love.” He confesses. He looks at me, suddenly I see love in his eyes when he does. I reach out and hold his hand for a few seconds.
After that we finish our food and dessert. We talk about the auctions, how everything is going at the office. I love how I don’t have to eat dinner alone anymore. I have someone I can share things with now, not just physically, but also emotionally and mentally as well. It doesn’t hurt that he is gorgeous, and we have hot sex as well.
We spend the drive home, quiet. Wrapped up in our thoughts. I keep staring at my ring. I’m so happy and excited. Brian smiles at me and holds my hand for the duration of the car ride. When we get home he opens the doors for me and we walk inside. I yawn, after that meal I feel ready to sleep. I dont hear brian as he walks up behind me. He wraps his arms around me and starts kissing my neck. His hands gently cup my breasts. My nipples harden under the fabric of my dress. Suddenly I feel wide awake.