It had been two weeks since I last saw Will; if I'm being honest with myself, I expected him to chase me after he claimed to 'still love me' in the park. Nevertheless I wasn't disappointed- things were going smooth between Noah and I. We had the most amazing time together these past two weeks.
Despite me being busy with my signing events and other stuff regarding my book release, we were able to cherish our 'family time'.
One night after we made love, I was staring at the ceiling in the dark- wondering if all it took was Will to waltz back into my life for Noah to truly express how much he loved me.
I too wasn't much of an expressor, if you could call it that. I barely said 'I LOVE YOUs' to him or responded when he said those to me. I think we both just understood each other without really putting our thoughts into words.
I guess that's why there was never a moment of insecurity in our relationship; never a time when I felt like he was going to abandon me. It wasn't perfect but it was enough for the both of us.
Present:
"Brooke! You need to hear me out. This is crazy!" She basically screa.ed with excitement whilst all the people in the publishing house remained unaffected. Looks like they too were now accustomed to her out-of-the-world persona!
"Keep it low, Sarah. People are working here." I berated her.
"You'll too want to dance around like a lunatic when I tell tou what I want to." I narrowed my eyes at her in disbelief. What could it possibly be?
"SinCorp Industries want to organise your book signing event in NYC. They have a new clothing line to launch and this will probably help them in their advertising campaign."
I sat there dumbfounded. I would be a fool if I declined such an offer. SinCorp Industries was a well-known name in the Fashion Industry. This could be a great turning point in my career. Indisputably, I had to imstantly grab this opportunity but-
"But what about the money? Are you sure we could afford this?" Because I was certain that we couldn't. My publishing house has just began operating and organising an event this huge would require much more finance than we could produce.
"Darling! Clearly you didn't hear me well enough. They want to organise this event on their own and hence, they are to bear all costs involved!"
True to her words, I jumped out of my seats and into her arms, screaming and jumping around in exhilaration.
When we finally came back to our senses, I was met by a dozen pair of eyes adorned with panic and fright. I guess my persona was not so out-of-the- world!
************************************
"No! Mommy, I want to come along with you. Pretty please!" Sam had been urging to go with me ever since he learnt that I will be going to New York.
"Sam! Mum has already told you that she's going for work. You and I are strictly not allowed in any of her work trips, Bub." Noah reasoned with him.
"Sam, please understand. Daddy has work here and you too have to go to school. Be a good boy and don't trouble your father while I'm gone. It's only for two days."
"Mom, you know that I'm well ahead of everyone in my class. Please!" Sam was a prodigal son. He had won countless accolades in school for his amazing skills. Sure, he always stood first in everything be it sports or academics.
"C'mon Bub! I told you a hundred times already!" Noah spoke with authority and Sam surrenderd and retired to his room.
When it was just the two of us left in the living room I leaned my head on his shoulder and heaved a sigh of relief. Nobody told me it'd be so exhausting parenting a child.
"Thank you. You really saved me from Sam's wrath. I know he's pissed right now but I can't-"
"You can't afford any distractions while you're at work. I know. You've worked way too hard for it amd you have to give it your all. I know and I fully understand." He completed my sentence and I raised my head in order to look into his hazel eyes.
"I love you." I tilted my head a little bit so that I could kiss his soft lips.
Flashback:
"I love you, Brooke. I love you Brooklyn Hedge! I love you so much that it consumes me and it's driving me mad."
Undoubtedly, I had expected this confession but not in such a melodramatic situation. It was a rainy February day in Los Angeles and we were standing in the store where I worked. All the peope who were present in the store were looking at me.
I had gone out with Will only a couple of times. His full name was Will Sanderson and he was a musician unlike his father, Mr. Darren Sanderson who was a self-made businessman. His mother, Mrs. Kayla Sanderson was betrothed to his father as an alliance between the two biggest hotel chains across the country.
Will was expected to inherit the grand 'Nichole Chain of Hotels' named after his beloved grandmother. However, he turned out to be a dissenter and left for LA the first moment he could.
His father, although condemnatory of the profession that his son chose for himself continued to nurture the hope that maybe one day he would return to his senses and join him.
His hope never turned into a reality and Sam never returned home. He performed gigs at bar to pay off his rents and tried contacting numerous recording houses.
It was only a fortunate stroke of serendipity that I caught his eye at the mall. He told me several times earlier that it was love-at-first-sight but I refused to believe him- true love only existed in fairy tales or so I believed before meeting him.
I never could have assumed that I too would be feeling such an incomprehendable emotiom towards him. His ocean blue eyes continued to bore into mine and I knew he was expecting an answer that only I could provide.
"I never imagined that I'd say this- like EVER! But I have to-" I was interspersed by Sarah "I swear to God of you take more time, I'm gonna sweep this guy off his feet! Just cut the crap already! We know you love him." My back tingled and my face burnt with embarrasment.
"I love you, Will Sanderson. I love you more than I thought I was capable of."
He bridged the gap between us and pulled me in for a hug. All the spectators present started hooting and clapping and I couldn't anything more than to be invisible at this moment.
We broke apart when we heard Sarah cough in the background, signalling us something needed our attention, or rather somebody!
There she was, Julie, the mall manager who stood there with her hands crossed across her chest. Her always serene demeanour was nowhere to be found today- her eyes were raised and right foot tapping on the floor, demanding an explanation which I certainly couldn't offer.
"Brooklyn, even I never knew that I was capable of expelling someone out of work. You're FIRED!" She barked and was about to walk away before Sarah spoke up, again!
"Hey! Ms. Big Ass Julie! You don't just talk to my bestfriend like that and walk away with a clean chit. If she's leaving- so am I." She removed the badge hanging on her left breast-pocket, threw in on the floor and crushed it with her feet.
At this point, Ms. Julie was red with anger- literally!
"Can we leave now?" Sarah asked with sass.
"Gladly." Ms. Julie muttered through her teeth and I, for once in my lifetime, was enjoying this drama. I anticipated what was to happen next when Sarah came walking towards us in all her glory, held both of our hands and led Will and I out of 'TwentyFour Seven'. All the people present inside were staring at us wide-eyed but we didn't care.
Once outside, I gazed at Will who was apparently shocked and then at Sarah who was oozing of confidence and victory.
"That was awesome!" I said in awe and the three of us burst out laughing. It seemed like Will too enjoyed the mayhem that Sarah caused.
Amidst all this laughing, I glanced at Will and he gently pulled me towards him and pressed his lips onto mine. The feeling was exquisite and I wanted it to continue forever.
"Guys! I just saved your ass so please stop torturing me with this mouth sucking session." We stopped at once and he rested his forehead on mine, the silent promises being spoken by both of us through our eyes.
I didn't know at that time that this was just the beginning of the countless adventures that I were to undertake with Will.
Author's Note:
Had fun writing this one and I hope you enjoyed it too! I can't choose between Noah and Will! It's so harddd! Guys pls come up with ship names and continue to love this story like you always have. We're also about to reach 200 reads and 100 votes- all thanks to you lovely people♡ Do vote and comment and thank you!
Love you,
Sara