The appointed Chief Operating Officer of Ervy Realtors was rushing her way to a meeting. She was running late, again. She had to check on his sickly father and made sure he had everything he needed for the day. For months this has been her routine and somehow it's already taking a toll on her. She was losing focus, always worried and her thoughts lingered elsewhere. Her boss seemed to notice these changes and maybe it was the reason they're having this meeting, or maybe something more.
"Good day Mr. Ervy. I'm so sorry I am late again"
Sullivan stood up on the table as the COO leaned in to kiss his cheek.
"Its fine. Take your seat"
Two of the highest ranking personnel in Ervy Empire we're having quiet lunch in this cozy restaurant in downtown Chicago. The young COO looked into his boss' eyes in confusion because quite frankly, she had no idea what this meeting was all about. Usually the CEO would e-mail her on the subjects he'd like to go over, but today was different and that made her uneasy.
"How is Greg doing?"
She was taken aback with his boss' question as her eyes grew wide in bewilderment. It was the least she expected, but somehow she managed to answer.
"He's been in and out of hospital having blood works and check-up.."
She trailed off as she looked down on her almost untouched food.
"He's not okay"
The CEO straightened his perfectly tailored suit and shifted uncomfortably on his seat. He looked into the woman's eyes before speaking.
"I'm so sorry to hear that. If you need a time off from work then please don't hesitate to tell me. I'll have someone cover your load"
She shook her head in an attempt to rid her thoughts of her poor father which was slowly paralyzing her. She swallowed the lump that instantly formed in her throat and peered on his boss' eyes.
"Mr. Ervy thank you but I can't just take a break, not when we're in the middle of transition, it would be very unprofessional if I leave at this point"
"I know but I just don't want to see you getting very preoccupied with work and Greg's illness. He needs you now more than ever and family should always come first"
"I understand but I assure you, I can manage. I've already thought about making some adjustments in my schedule so my load wouldn't be as heavy as it was before"
Sullivan nodded, resting his case but somehow it did not lessen his worry for the woman. He deeply cared about her.
"Thank you for trusting me with this position"
A smile curved in her boss' lips. He is proud of the woman staring back at him. He was proud of what she has become.
"I admire your courage Lexi"
She offered him a weak smile before opening her mouth to speak.
"Thank you. Can I ask you something?"
"Go on sweet heart"
She put her fork down, wiped the corner of her mouth with the neatly folded table napkin. When she looked at the old man, he was already looking at her.
"Is this what the meeting is all about?"
Sullivan tilted his head from side to side, a smile starting to form across his face.
"Partly. I want to know how Greg was doing and of course you. You've been very busy lately. I hope you are fine dear"
She let out a long sigh or maybe it was her breath she was holding ever since the meeting started.
"You seemed relieved with that, something bothering you?"
Sullivan and Lexi maintained a close relationship even after finding out that the latter was not his biological child almost a year ago. The old man has been always on her back, supporting her as she went through with again, another life changing revelation.
"I just though.. I thought you'd.."
She trailed off as her gaze settled on her plate.
"You thought I'll find someone to replace you?"
She nodded and shifted her gaze back up to meet the old man's. Sullivan reached out for her hand and gave it a soft squeeze.
"The truth never changed a thing inside me. You are still my daughter. I raised you, and I witnessed how you evolved into a beautiful and smart woman you are today. There is no one that is as competent as you are Lexi. You were born for this"
She reached out for his hand over hers and tearfully said thank you. They pulled apart and Lexi saw something flash across his boss's face.
"What's wrong?"
The old man sighed heavily, puffing out deep frustration.
"I'm old Lexi and in few years, I know I wouldn't be able to give my best to my people. I always pray that Gabrielle would find interest in taking over the company. Everything I worked for was for her. I would be happy to see you and Gab work together for our company"
The sound of her name left her ears ringing and her heart stinging in pain. It's been more than a year since Gab left but she felt like it was just yesterday. She was keeping the pain at bay and would occupy her mind with work, but it would come back for her at night torturing her again, and in the morning she'll wake up as broken as she already is. Gab never tried to contact her nor Sullivan after that incident.
"My agent told me that she was in Ibiza 3 months ago and a month after that she was spotted in Brazil. I don't know how much longer this will take Lexi. Gab is running away from her problems and I'm afraid her partying is already getting out of hand"
Sullivan trailed off, shaking his head on the process.
"But just this morning I received a report, and somehow it sparked a flicker of hope in me. My agent said that she's been in the Philippines for almost two months now. I'm hoping it will stop there"
Lexi felt guilty. She knew deep inside of her that she was the reason for Gab's doing, but she had reasons why she did it. Though Gab managed to stay out of tabloid and keep the Ervy name out of controversy, there was never a day that her dear father was worried about her. The morning after Gab's encounter with Lexi, she took a flight to anywhere that suited her mood. From the reports given, she spent the entire 10 months wandering across the world. She partied a lot, she was spotted with different people in public, but she managed to be discreet somehow.
Lexi couldn't talk. When she opened her mouth and decided to address her opinion, the words instantly died in her throat and she didn't do anything about it. She couldn't even say her name. Saying her name out loud feels foreign to her. She thought that her opinion might be pointless anyway. Sullivan looked at her, his eyes filled with growing concern.
"I tried reaching out to her. I tried to talk to her. I wanted to tell her the truth Lexi because I know it will turn things around. But she wouldn't even grace me time"
Lexi already knew what was going on Sullivan's mind. He wanted Lexi to reach out for Gab. He wanted her to tell her the truth and maybe make Gab come home, but Lexi was certain. Gab wouldn't want anything to do with her, not after crushing her heart, her entire being. Little did Gab know, Lexi's heart died that day too.
"Lexi, I know I'd be asking too much from you again, but only you can help her"
Without much though, Lexi spoke.
"I'm sorry, but I don't think so"
Tears were brimming Lexi's eyes that she had to focus on Sullivan to keep them from falling. She couldn't stand a topic involving Gab.
"Why not?"
Sullivan's voice was almost pleading. He was desperate to bring his one and only daughter home. He missed Gab and he was so worried about her.
"Gab despised me. She doesn't want to have anything to do with me"
Sullivan wanted to appeal, convince Lexi to reach out and maybe turn things around, but he reminded himself that he too was responsible for Gab's rebellious acts. He was the one who asked Lexi to push his daughter away, but he had reasons and at that moment he thought what he did was right. He thought of giving her more time to think things through and blow of the steam, but it's been more than a year. He's afraid he might be running out of time.
He slumped in his chair in defeat, feeling extremely hopeless. There was no way Gab is ever going to come back. The only person Sullivan thought that might make Gab change her mind was Lexi. But now, even Lexi refused to. She knew what he did to Gab was heartbreaking and maybe unforgivable, even though she had justifiable reasons. But then again, Sullivan could be wrong. Nothing can make Gab come back. No one can make Gab come home, not even Lexi.
+++++++
END
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HEY REBELS. Yes, sadly that would be the END (ROTF..TISSUE PLEASE!!!OH GOD NOOOO!!).............................of BOOK 1. YES, THE END OF BOOK 1. I'd like to thank everyone who took time to read my story. I've read each and every comment from you and I always try and reply. Your feedbacks have been the fuel to my passion and I appreciate that you shared your precious thoughts on this one. Thank you again! TRUST THAT AN ENDING IS FOLLOWED BY A BEGINNING.
ALL THE LOVE
-tarLutz
P.S I'll be posting the Book 2 teaser a few days from now so watch out for it. I hope that you'll support the upcoming sequel with same enthusiasm as you had with the Book 1. Thank you dear Rebels!
And oh. What do you think about this cover??