Predestined Hearts

It felt good to get that off my chest. Working on my other client e-mails, I got approvals to proceed with several projects I was working on. That would help keep me busy over the next two weeks. Hopefully, I’d continue to push ahead of schedule which would open up more time to spend with Gael when he returned.

As I was about to head to bed, an e-mail came across from Harris.

Rolling my eyes, I started upstairs. Obviously, Harris hadn’t spoken to Sabrina about the breakup. I’d be getting a phone call in the next twenty-four hours reprimanding me like an errant child. Regardless, all that mattered was that the announcement was made. This part of my life felt dirty after the refreshing presence of Gael.

Changing clothes, I got under the covers and thought back on my afternoon. The only word that completely encompassed the feelings and experience was magical. Any memory with Gael brought a smile to my face and my heart swelled with happiness.

The phone danced across my nightstand as it rang. Gael. I answered. “Hey, you should be in bed.” The soft lilt in my voice showed tenderness.

“Ashlin.”

I sat erect at Harris’ cold business tone. The screen confirmed it was him when I glanced at it. I felt sick to my stomach I had greeted him the way I had.

“Harris.” My tone matched his.

Letting out an exasperating sigh, he spoke, “I take it that you weren’t expecting me.”

“What do you want, Harris?”

“Who are you seeing?”

Why was Harris now acting interested in me? It was frustrating. Everything felt like a game with him. A game I was done playing.

We weren’t getting anywhere and I could hear the furious pounding of keys on his side. “Harris, all we have to talk about is when the announcement will be made and how I can get the rest of my stuff.”

A menacing almost-laugh came through on the other end. “That is not all we have to discuss. You should have let me handle this with Sabrina.”

“Harris, you’ve had plenty of time to handle it. I’m tired of this dragging on. We have two choices here. You can either handle the announcement in a discreet manner or I’ll let the press know. I don’t want to have to do that. We had some good years, but it’s time for us to admit it’s over and move on.”

Silence extended over the phone for an uncomfortable amount of time. Dueling with Harris drained me.

An incessant tapping started. Harris was probably hitting his pen on the desk as he thought. The image was clear in my mind from seeing it repeatedly through the years. “Okay, Ashlin. I’ll make the announcement. It’ll run the day after tomorrow in the Post.”

“Thanks, Harris. That’s all I wanted. I really do wish you the best. Have a good night.” With Harris conceding, my mind relaxed.

The tapping stopped. “Good night, Ashlin. But know this—it is far from over. You’re getting the announcement, but we are not done.”

“Harris, it is over.” I tried to hit the End button and noticed the phone was already disconnected.

Asshole.

As I laid down, I hoped that Harris would realize that the effort was in vain and would move on to securing someone that was more fitting for his lifestyle. I’m sure there was someone who wouldn’t mind being considered an asset versus a lover.

Thoughts turned to Gael, which helped alleviate my anger. Every moment from today played before my mind as I drifted off to sleep.

Rays of morning light penetrated my slumber. The clock on the nightstand read eight in the morning. As I stretched, my mouth let out a contented sigh.

Picking up my phone, I saw I had a text message from Gael. It was from four thirty this morning.

Gael: At the airport. Check your front porch. I’ll be flying across the Atlantic when you get this.

The text had me racing down the stairs in two seconds flat. Moving this quick in the morning was a first for me. The front door was flung open and my eyes were drawn to an envelope and a white calla lily that sat on top. Not able to wait, I opened the note while I stood at the threshold in my pajamas and read it.

The words from the letter leapt off the page and had me jumping and squealing like a schoolgirl. A passerby stopped and watched me. These Stowe men knew how to woo their women.

“Oh, sorry. Exciting news.”

The older gentleman chuckled. “I’d say it’s the news of first love.”