Out of the Shadows ✔️ [Completed] [Book One]

Chapter 53

I return to my office and close the door behind me. I sit at my desk and blankly stare at my computer screen. My head is a total mess, I can barely think straight.

Between Daniel, Ed and Charlie I'm totally drained. I have nothing left to give. I feel as though I've been through the full spectrum of every single emotion and now I'm spent... completely done.

I need a cup of tea and then I have to force myself to actually get on with some work. As I walk to the kitchen I overhear some women whispering and I have the sinking feeling that it is about me. I stand outside the kitchen trying to eavesdrop on their hushed conversation. My heart beats loudly in my ears, but I stand perfectly still and listen.

"... I told you he would get bored and end it eventually." Her tone suggests she is thrilled at the news.

"How did you find out?" The kettle is being filled up and boiled while she speaks.

"Julie in accounts told me. Apparently there was some truth in all that Kimberly Summers stuff and he realised that Lizzie just wasn't enough for him. Can't say I'm surprised either."

"Well, I heard he had been calling here and Helen had been intercepting the calls?"

"I don't believe that for a second. A man like him is not going to run after someone like Lizzie now is he?" The excitement in her voice makes my heart beat faster.

I think about retreating back to my office again, like I did all those months ago. But then I feel a flash of anger run through every fibre in my body and suddenly, I am livid. How fucking dare they gossip about me? They don't even know the truth - they've got it all wrong! Nasty bitches!

I clear my throat loudly, step into the kitchen with my cup in hand and begin to make my tea. They nudge each other in alarm and there is the most awkward silence.

"Hi Lizzie. How are you?" Jane asks me innocently.

"Hey Jane. Hi Debbie. I'm good thank you. How are you both?" I speak through gritted teeth and stay perfectly calm while I finish making my drink.

"Good thank you." Debbie responds, a little too brightly.

"Can't complain." Jane smiles at me.

I go to leave the kitchen and they both look at each other in relief, clearly thinking they have gotten away with their gossiping. I spin round to turn and face them both.

"Oh girls... just to let you know you weren't speaking as quietly as you thought. I would appreciate it if you didn't talk about things you have absolutely no clue about. I understand that neither of you have anything going on in your own lives, so you feel the need to spread gossip about me. However, if you're going to talk about me and my life, try to get it right next time OK?" I smile sweetly at them and then leave them standing in the kitchen with their mouths open.

I don't wait for their response and I walk back to my office with a huge grin on my face. While still on my high, I dive straight into this new campaign.

At lunchtime Becky knocks my office door holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers. As she enters my office I see that they are white roses and my heart begins to race. I plaster a false smile on my face so she can't see the mixed emotions I feel.

"Thanks Becky, they're beautiful aren't they?" Somehow, I maintain my calm exterior when inside I'm sinking.

"You're very lucky Lizzie." She smiles at me. "There is a card." She gestures towards the envelope which has my name printed on. She places them down on my desk in front of me and waits for me to open the card.

I can't open them in front of her though. Memories of the last time Daniel bought me white roses fill my mind and I have no idea whether I'll be able to hold it together if she stays to witness me read the note.

"Thanks." I repeat and make no attempt to move. I pretend something has my attention on my computer screen. She looks a little put out, but thankfully takes the hint and leaves.

Once I'm sure she is out of sight, I tentatively reach across to pull out the envelope. My hand glides over the silky surface of the perfectly cut white roses. My hand then hovers when I realise I'm not sure if I want to read what is written on the card.

I take a deep breath and with trembling fingers, I open the envelope.

Sorry I was such a prick!
Can you ever forgive me?
Charlie
XxX

I let out a shaky laugh at his blunt note. It's just so typical of the Charlie I remember.

Tears spring to my eyes and I'm confused whether it's out of relief that Daniel has listened to my plea for him to leave me alone, or disappointment that the flowers aren't from him and he's moved on. Shit Lizzie... you are just a wreck I scold myself and fight the sting in my eyes.

Before I have chance to think things through, I pick up my phone and message Charlie.

Yes, you are a prick! Thank you for the flowers.

I place my phone back on my desk, but it vibrates almost immediately.

You're welcome and I know I am! I'm so so so so so sorry Lizzie. I want to start making it up to you. Can we go out for dinner so I can apologise in person?

I refuse to over analyse this. I miss Charlie being in my life, it has been nearly six months since I've seen him. Anyway, I could use another friend right now.

I could meet you straight from work tonight?

My phone vibrates while still in my hand.

Perfect, just tell me where.

I suggest a restaurant five minutes from work. It's not an expensive or romantic place because I don't want him thinking that this could be a date. But I do want to try and sort this out and get my friend back.

- hey. What do you guys think about this chapter?

Did you think the flowers were from Daniel?

Do you think Lizzie is doing the right thing?

As always, thank you for reading and I cannot wait to read your comments. Please tick the star too if you don't mind -