Stay

Chapter 13

I was having coffee at work when Brad knocked in my office.  

''I brought sandwiches. And I don't think you can say no to these amazing taste,'' he said.

I took one of the sandwiches and agreed that indeed these were magnificent. ''So what do you need?'' I asked wiping my jaw as some of the mayonnaise dripped from the sandwich to my jaw.

''I met Kenny and he asked how you were doing. I gathered from his worries that you have broken up with your husband?'' He asked.

''We haven't broken up, he just wanted to stay away for a while so I can heal,'' I said. 

''What about the kids?'' He asked.

''The kids are fine, they just believed that their daddy is away at some school training for a month. We don't want them traumatized with the separation.'' I answered.

''But what about you, how do you feel?'' Brad asked as he wiped the remaining mayo that was still in my chin with his hand. I swear his hand seemed to linger there. But I ignored it and just assumed it was only my imagination that is running wild. I mean a millionaire interested in me with three kids in tow is just impossible. 

But for weeks now it seemed that he had made it his mission to entertain me with his anecdotes and sandwiches or drive me around to meet with the suppliers whenever necessary. He never failed to find me a gift whenever we visited an antique store.

Chantal and I were pouring through the brochures for mirrors and lamps when she asked me if I've been in Venice. And with a little shame of my untraveled self I said no. And to my great embarrassment Brad chooses that moment to enter Chantal's office through the connecting door. Who wouldn't be embarrassed to these kinds of people who have traveled the world in just a flick of their finger?  

He was smiling when he came to sit with us on the small conference table that Chantal kept in the office and asked, ''Who have not been to Venice?''

I know he has heard but he still asked the question while looking at me. I blushed and stammered and like a schoolgirl I raised my hand and said I do.

''No need to be shy about it, I can remedy that. What do you say you accompany me next week?'' he asked then turning to Chantal he said, 

''My secretary hasn't returned and I think you owe me big time for training Emily when you were not around. So do you find it in your heart to loan her to me?'' he asked his sister.

Chantal was swatting his arm as she laughed hard and thanked him for the work he had helped while she was away. She looked at me and asked if I wanted to go.

But Brad continued to say, ''Actually Emily you can't say no for I have every right to demand your time as she had with mine. So be ready this weekend okay?'' 

''Brad I have kids I just can't leave them,'' I argued.

''It is just for the weekend, you are with them the whole time. And besides a change of scenery will always work well in your favor.'' Brad reasoned.

''Well you are going through a tough time in your marriage right now, use this opportunity to refresh your soul,'' Chantal said.

With these arguments who wouldn't be persuaded? 

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I was still a bit hesitant and reluctant to leave my children so I  made a final call to Nanna and Maria who were left behind to take care of the children. William snatched the phone from Nanna and insisted to take my call. These are the little moments that I treasure. The children's desire to be with me and talk to me about their day and how they missed me already. I assured William and Wilhelm that Yes I will be bringing them the toys they wanted. 

''I have to go now okay and please behave. Please give the phone back to Nanna.'' I asked Will.

''Nanna please let Maria call me anytime if there are problems with the kids,'' I  said.

''Don't you worry about a thing okay have fun you deserve that vacation,'' Nanna said.

''I'm not on vacation Nanna, I'm working with Brad my employer's brother as his personal secretary. for this trip.''

''Well knowing that man I bet he wouldn't let you leave the place without visiting the sites. He's a good man giving you the job and letting you go with him.'' Nanna said and after some thoughts she asked, ''Is he married?''

''Nanna why do you ask are you interested in him?'' I exclaimed with mock horror.

''I just wondered why he is so kind to you,'' Nanna said.

''He's a confirmed bachelor Nanna and it isn't only him that's kind both him and his sister  are.''

''But isn't he just a little bit more thoughtful of you? And don't forget he seemed to be really concerned for the kids too.''

''I think you are just reading too much of his actions,'' I said smilingly at Nanna.

''Well make sure that you won't be giving him false hope. And it is high time that you should be examining your feelings towards your husband before you would be entertaining someone else's attention. If you love him still don't let him be gone too long or else he would be seeking someone else's arms for comfort.'' Nanna wisely said to me. 

And she started singing the song from the first Corinthian,  ''Love is very patient and kind, never jealous never envious, never boastful nor proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. 

Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.''

With that song ringing in my head, I went ahead to unpack my things and enjoy the feel of the place.