“No, dad!” Leigh grabbed the edge of her seat, tension gripping her arms when she argued, telling her father she was not the least bit enthusiastic about the idea. Adam Michaels watched his daughter, saw her pale face, and almost took pity on her. Almost being the operative word because when he shook his head, it was as if the indecision did not happen. “Our main branch is in Somerset. You are aware that after you get your degree, you will take on the company just like what you wanted.” He sprung the idea in an enticing way that would make Leigh snap it up in seconds, but the reaction he expected following his announcement. was not forthcoming Adam Micheals still has something up his sleeve. He was not a ruthless businessman for nothing. He looked his daughter in the eye, daring her. “Or,” He dangled the word in suspense before continuing, “... Are you perhaps afraid to come back?” Adam knew his daughter well for him to challenge her this way. Leigh would not back down

At his office, Rocky was surprised when a flying newspaper landed unannounced on his messy table filled with proposals and documents he needed to sign.  He shoved the newspaper aside, opting to concentrate on the more pressing business matters. Then, his eyes landed accidentally on the front page of the newspaper, and his jaw automatically clenched. Printed on the banner photo was the face of Adam Fowler and Rocky’s ex-wife Leigh Michaels Bolton.  Something akin to pain pricked his chest. His eyes took in Leigh’s appearance. Gone was the girl who liked to wear ordinary clothes to fit in the usual crowd, replaced by an elegantly-dressed woman who looked more beautiful than the last time he saw her. Rocky looked at her face and studied every feature, taking on the changes that time brought in her.  Like land in drought, he lapped up the image, trying to quench his thirst for the sight of her. Then, his eye

Leigh sat on the passenger seat with a huge scowl on her face.  “What do you want?” She demanded without looking at Rocky, crossing her arms over her chest, unmasking annoyance at being dragged from her date. Rocky made sure they were well out of the establishment before he replied.  “Can’t I have a small chat with my ex-wife?”  He asked casually.This time, Leigh turned her head to the side and was presented with a view of Rocky's profile. “We have nothing to talk about. We were divorced.” She reminded him before pulling her gaze away from him and back to her front. The night is still young.  It was way past the rush hour, and traffic flowed smoothly.  The sidewalks were filled with people. Some walked in droves, smiling or chatting. Palm trees lined the center island of the avenue.  “You don’t have to remind me, Tiny.”

Adam woke up groggily.  He opened his eyes but immediately closed them again from the sunlight’s glare.  He closed his eyes again before opening them once more. This time, slowly as he tried to focus on his surroundings. He knew he was in his own bed.  He remembered Sam got him there and helped him undress.  He also remembered how she ran a wet cloth over his body to relieve some of the stench caused by the alcohol and the remembrance of it made him smile to himself. Her gentle ministrations made quite an impression on him.  Adam could never recall a time or a place when someone who was not his mother tended to him tenderly like that.  He felt cared for and...He shook his head trying to shake off the last trace of sleep.  He was fully aware of everything that happened after that.  Warmth surging through him, Adam turned to his side, bracing his head with his hand, elbows propped on the bed to fix a

“Finally, I got a hold of you. Why are you not answering my call?” Leigh demanded when her call finally pushed through, allowing her to talk to Adam. Adam sighed. He wanted to throw the question back at her, but he was downright satisfied and happy and was in no mood to initiate an argument with Leigh especially since Sam was with him. Besides, Leigh ditching him was a blessing in disguise. If she had not done that, he wouldn't have had the chance to spend the evening and much of this morning with Sam. Adam thought about what transpired last night and the event succeeding it and felt an unexplainable warmth in his chest. “Adam? Are you with me? Are you angry?” Leigh sounded uncomfortable asking the last question but felt she must out of respect for a dear friend. But Adam did not notice nor appreciate her efforts. Instead, he cut her off. “Sorry. I am busy.” Adam was trying to dismiss the call, feeling guilty that he had to be rude, but Leigh would not take the hint. She