Chasing My Heart

Chapter 2: Take it or leave it

Seated in the booth in the rear end of the late night café, not one of us has said a word since our arrival. I continue to fork my pasta dish and avoid eye contact while my nerves grow rapidly. The overall décor of the café wasn't my style. Neon greens and pinks splashed the walls, I guess it is suppose to accent the rainbow coloured tables and chairs which spread out across the floor. almost resembling a giant circus tent. It was almost laughable seeing this domineering man sit on a unicorn coloured chair. The silence admittedly gave me time to dwell on the day.

In the last 45 minutes, I have finished work, got blindsided by my so called dad, nearly got mushed by on coming traffic and now sitting with a stranger who apparently knows all about my 'situation'. By far not one of my greatest nights for sure. 

Slow, deep breath, and exhale,... again, slow, deep breath and exhale, I continue to coach myself silently. As I release a long breath quite dramatically, Mr. Expensive decides to speak up. 

"I'm Thomas incase you were wondering", 

Mr. expensive, well, Thomas, smirks at me in a way where confidence seeps out of his pores attracting a lot of female attention. For the first time I pay close attention to Thomas, his face isn't all that unfamiliar, I have seen this smug man somewhere but I cannot for the life of me figure out where. No time like the present, I start my ambush of questions.

"First of all, how do you know who I am? How do you know about my situation? What do you know about my situation? Whatever comes first. How do you know someone's at my house? Why were you watching me? What do you want?", My cheeks flush red, after forcing so many questions out without a pause or breath in-between.

A new sense of determination washed over me, I've been independent for so long. I can do this, I chanted in my head hoping my adrenaline doesn't crash so I can stay strong.

Chuckling without a care in the world Mr. Expensive dares smiling at me like this whole encounter is a simple first date.

"I am a very rich man who happens to own the local casinos around here, and of course I hear things. In particular I hear of the high rollers and who has what debts and who owes whom. Hence, how I know of your farther and his debt to mobster.
Along the chain of information I receive, I heard your piece of shit dad boasting about his stunning, intelligent daughter. In exchange for his debt being cleared he will give your hand in marriage. Quiet simple really".

I nod, then nod again. At least giving the impression I understood.
My brain physically aches trying to interpret this new found information. Stupidity was the first emotion that came with hearing Mr. Expensive' version of the story. Next, deflation. How could my dad, George do this to me? He really has a warped sense of the meaning of family. 

The metaphorical cogs click in my head, Thomas Bradshaw. Thomas freaking Bradshaw. Owner of Shaw's Hotel and Accommodation's across the state, no country. Casino and restaurant owner too. The realization gives merit to Mr. Expensive's story.
I've come to know this seeing The Business Men's Magazine at work which lies in the staff tea room. 

"Okay Bradshaw, now why do you care? And you forget the part about people in my house? Where am I suppose to go then?"

Amusement sparked in Thomas's eyes, "So you do know who I am then, good. I know there's people in your home as one of my men is parked across the road watching their movement. And now that brings me to my next subject. I wanted to propose a solution for you." Mischief seemed to dance in his eyes too.

Why is this so amusing for him? Is my turn of unfortunate events funny or does enjoy seeing my uncomfortable and confused. Considering things carefully I decide to hear our what he has to say. It can't be any worse then what awaits me at home. I have so much pent up emotions and anger I want to scream and tear everything down but now's not the time. Stretching out my back to sit a little taller, I question, "let's hear it".

"Come work for me. 6 months. That's all." Thomas offered.

"Umm, sorry what? Work for you? How?" I stuttered.

"Yes, come be my PA in head office. 6 months contract. I'll will pay your father's debt off in full if you choose to come work for me for 6 months. That's all". I could see the challenge in Thomas's face. Almost making me want to agree right then and there.

"Why you do this for me? I'm a nobody to you." Suspicions slowly starts climbing into my mind. 

Thomas's patience seems to be thinning, "Emma, I have my reasons. That's not for you to question right now is it? As I see it, your choices are limited. So choose".

"Well your sucky attitude isn't making things any easier for me is it Mr. Expensive. If there's mob men at my house where am I suppose to go till then? I don't suppose you have any bright freaking ideas for that".

Subdued anger is quickly bubbling to the surface. I'm alone, confused and I just want my mother back.
Tears begin to prickle the backs of my eyes, exhaustion from the day finally settling in. I wish I could just curl into my bed and fall asleep.

"I'll take to a hotel few a blocks away until I settle your dad's payment. Meanwhile, tell your job your quitting and I will see you first thing Monday at the Bradshaw offices. Okay?" The sincerity in his voice halted any other protest from me.

It can't be so bad can it? A new job for 6 months. Easy, right? Desperate to lay down I respond, "okay, let's go".

Thomas slams a 50 down onto the table as he rises from his chair. Calming my nerves, I stand and lead the way to the door subconsciously hoping when I exit the facility I'll wake up from a nasty nightmare.

The pressure of a hand on my lower back propelled me forward and out into the cool night.

Pedestrians line the sidewalks, waiting to enter pubs, restaurants and other food stalls open at this time if night. All of them unaware to the misery I feel and happily so. Constantly aware of Thomas's presence next to me, I use my peripheral vision to admire his harsh jaw lines and immaculate features of his face. Hm. Handsome.

Approaching a black Mazda sedan, Thomas opens the passenger door for me and I make a quick scurry across the chairs to sit as far away as I can.
Thomas slips in right after me closing the door behind him

"Jeff, Magnus hotel", Thomas ordered.
The car set in motion, gliding swiftly through traffic.

The warmth and hum in the car provided the perfect relaxation I needed to wind down. My eye lids grew heavy, eventually fluttering closed. I didn't even bother staying awake to reach my hotel, I wasn't bothered Thomas sat directly next to me. I just wanted sleep.