Always & Forever

Chapter 13, "Its not what it looks like"

Jayda's POV

"Are you nervous at all?" Cory asked.

"A little bit actually. There's going to be a lot of investors there and I don't know if my husband is going to show up or not," I confessed.

"That's okay, I'll be here to support you the entire time." he said reassuringly.

"Thank you Cory. That means a lot."

"Of course. I'll always be here for you Jayda."

We drove in comfortable silence for the rest of the way over there. I didn't think anything of the compliments he gave me because it was usual for us. Plus, it's nice to feel noticed once in a while Harry doesn't even get the chance to see me throughout the day.

We pulled up to the venue to find everyone setting up. I wanted to come here early because I didn't want anything to go wrong. Cory got out and came around to open the door for me. I remember when Harry used to do things like that.

As soon as I walked in the place, I could feel eyes from all around gravitate towards me. It made feel a bit nervous and worried that something was wrong.

"Do I look okay?" I whispered to Cory.

"You look better than okay Jayda."

"Then why is everyone staring at us?"

"They're not staring at us silly. They're staring at you. Do you not know how stunning you look right now?"

"Oh. Ohhhh. Oh wow. I've never been stared at like this before."

"I find that hard to believe," he smiled.

He took my hand in his as we continued to walk through the place. However, we split up along the way so I could talk to investors and the managers of the place. My speech wasn't till about 2 hours so I had plenty time to get myself together.

Harry should be arriving within one hour. I really want him to meet some of the people I work with. I looked towards the front entrance to find Anne arriving.

I immediately walked over and gave her a warm hug.

"Hello love, you look gorgeous," she complimented.

"Thank you, so do you."

"So, when is my son coming? I'm excited to listen to your speech."

"Well I'm excited for you to listen to it and honestly, I have no idea when he'll be here. Hopefully within the next hour."

She nodded her head and I took her around to meet a few people starting with Cory. We mingled for the next hour and it was finally time for me to go up. I looked around the room to find no Harry anywhere. Maybe he's just finding a parking spot, I thought.

Harry's POV

"Okay um....let's switch this lyric to the one from before." I instructed.

"Got it. Hey man, you know it's 6:30 right?" Jeff asked.

"Yeah, why?"

"Didn't your wife have a really important seminar at 6?"

Oh no. Oh god no. Please don't tell me I missed it. I'm assuming everyone saw my eyes get big because their expressions became worrisome.

"Somebody's sleeping on the couch tonight," Sarah said.

I rushed out the studio and straight to the car. I didn't even have anything to wear. I was going to have to stop by the house and get a suit.

Jayda's POV

"So, as you can see here, these are the marketing rates that our business have successfully accomplished. However, I want to do more. I know that's something so typical that many other people say, but I would like you all to know that I'm not other people," I spoke, gaining praised faces from the audience.

I felt natural being on the stage in front of all those people. I gazed over the audience looking for once person in particular, but he was no where to be found.

"What I want to do is gain investors to build up not only my company but others as well. Basically buying other companies to gain more product rates. This would not be me taking over the business necessarily, but it would be me helping that company thrive in return for not even half the product. I wouldn't need it if I had other companies," I said, as the audience laughed at my last comment.

Harry's POV

Yeah, there was just absolutely no way I was going to be there in time. I'm sure Jayda was already finishing up at this point. Hopefully she's just happy I tried to make it at all. Nope. Let's face it, I didn't do what I said I would do. End of story.

I pulled up into the place rushing to get inside.

Jayda's POV

"So now, I ask who will join me?" I finished.

The crowd filled with applause and raised hands. Yeah, definitely did not think that was going to work. I was on the stage for one hour and just made a lifetime deal.

I walked off the stage trying to contain my excitement. Anne was right there to congratulate me first.

"You did wonderful Jayda. I'm very proud of you and you should be proud of yourself."

"Thanks Anne. I was so nervous."

She gave me one last hug before going to the main room. I found Cory's eyes on me and I immediately ran over to give him a hug. He span me around happily. Our smiles were wide when he suddenly kissed me.

"Jayda you are amazing. You are so gorgeous and I'm so proud of you."

"Cory I-"

I looked past him to see a hurt and surprised Harry standing in the doorway. I immediately removed Cory's hands from on me and watched as he angrily walked towards Cory.

"No. Not here," I said, pushing him back and taking him to a empty room.

"Jayda what the hell?"

"Harry no. That's not what you think that was I-"

"Then what was it then because to me it sure as hell looked like you had your lips planted on another man." he yelled.

"I didn't know he was going to do that I promise. I would have never let him do that if I knew. Please, you have to believe me," I began to cry.

"Don't bring the tears Jayda. Save it. How could you not know. I had a feeling about this Cory dude."

"So you just think I would cheat on you like that?"

"You did! There's not telling what you have done when I've been away."

"Really? You want to go there? Well maybe if you were ever home I wouldn't like the fact that someone is taking interest in me."

"So you liked it?"

"No I didn't like it. Don't twist my words. I wasn't even speaking about the stupid kiss. That's all it fucking was! A stupid kiss that I didn't even initiate. Maybe if you were here like you fucking promised you would be, none of that would have happen and I would be been kissing you in front of everyone who even thought they had a chance with me." I said, my voice cracking a few times.

"You know what Harry. Fuck you. I have no words for you." I said, leaving the room without a second glance.

Harry's POV

I stood there speechless. Surely this isn't my fault. I mean what does she want from me? Suddenly, my brain flickered to Jayda's words once before....

"Availability is all I will ever ask from you Harry. That's it."

This is all just wrong. So damn wrong. All I could think about was Cory's lips on Jayda. Did she like it or did she wish it was me?