Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 105301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 527(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 527(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
“What people?” Kerim adds teasingly.
I glare at him as I take my phone into his office.
“I didn’t say you could go in there!”
In answer to his playful grumblings, I lock the door and pull up the number for Jackson, the investigator I hired.
“Jackson’s office, how may I help?” I recognise the voice immediately.
“Hey, umm…” Why do I always stammer when I’m on the phone to new people? “It’s Gwen. I hired Jackson recently to dig a little.”
“Oh, yes, I recall. He’s working your case now in fact.”
He is?
“So he’s not there?”
“No but I can assure you that I’ll relay any and all messages with perfect clarity,” she tells me and I have no doubt that she will.
“Actually it’s not really a message, it’s more of a cancellation.”
The line goes quiet for a moment. “I see.”
“I just feel as though I’ve made a huge mistake.”
“I see.”
“You guys can keep the money. I just know there’s no point him investigating further because he’ll not find anything. It was just me being paranoid.” I’m rambling. “I don’t want to waste any more time.”
“I understand, honey. This is more common than you think.”
That brings me relief. “I feel silly.”
“Don’t feel silly; we all go through rough patches that have us guessing. I’m just so happy that it has all worked out for you.”
“Thank you.” I hear the clattering of pots and pans coming from the kitchen. “I have to go. I’m sorry.”
“No problem, I’ll let Jackson know immediately. Take care.”
“You too.”
Work time. A weight has been lifted. I can’t believe I ever even entertained the idea of spying on Nathan. What is wrong with me?
Gwen: Make sure you’re home for Thursday and Friday! I’m not working! YAY! <3
Nathan: I’ll do my best. <3
“Are you done?” Kerim asks the second I enter the kitchen. I nod. He adds, “Good, wash your hands and get to work. Listen up, Gwen is overseeing your shit so don’t fuck up it!”
We all snigger at his language error but we don’t let him see. Never mess with Kerim in his kitchen; he gets angry and stays angry.
Everyone is helpful and happy under my ruling, despite the fact I’ve been there the least time. We all get on great so that helps, but knowing that they respect me is the biggest cherry on top of this cake.
I don’t have to yell at them; I’m only forced to raise my voice when it’s noisy. Even Patience listens, though I can tell she’s not happy about it.
This, apart from the first time I was line manager, is the best work day to date. I am so happy right now. Almost too happy.
Gwen: I’m ready to start looking at venues. <3
I send this message to not just Nathan but Sasha, Mum, Jeanine, and Tommy. They immediately send back excited replies with promises to help me pick. Nathan, however, sends me a list of places he’s already considered.
This makes me smile. I only manage to check two before my break ends, but they’re both gorgeous and paint such wonderful visions in my mind.
For the first time in a long time, I find myself feeling excited about my future wedding. This is good.
No.
This is great.
Cloud nine seats me comfortably for the rest of my work evening. It holds me tight in the strong embrace of Nathan when I arrive home. It floats in the steam of the shower we share after hours of love making and tickles my arms on the tips of his fingers as we browse the internet late at night, looking over venue after venue across the UK.
The next day, even though we wake up groggy and exhausted from lack of sleep, I call Kerim and pick two weeks I’d like to take off. Nathan and I head to his travel agency friend to book a trip to Rome, Italy.
Cloud nine needs to start charging me rent; I’ll be settled here for a while.
“Will you come with me to the store next Thursday? I really want to show you around before the renovation.” Nathan asks as we share a cup of coffee in our kitchen. The kids are both napping, a rare occurrence but a welcome one. We’re hiding in the kitchen so as to not wake them. The slightest noise sets Dillan off these days. He’s almost passed his nap stage, though they occur randomly still, very rarely.
“On our day off from the kids?” The thought of working on our one time away from the kids for so long doesn’t appeal to me but how can I deny him such a request when he seems so excited? “Sure, but not for long!”
“Of course, there are a few places I want you to see in Essex.”
“Like?”
“You’ll see,” he grins and takes the mug from my hands to have a sip. “Damn I make a good coffee.”