THREE

JULIE

SIX YEARS LATER

I laughed as soon as my son bounded into my arms, inhaling the familiar scent of him and snuggling him to my chest.

“Hey baby, how was school today?”  

 “It was okay, we had a new teacher… she is nice and called me a great boy” He laughed, holding his arms out so I could help him into the car.

“That is perfect, baby. We are going to the office because I have a meeting and I could not book Molly” I told him.

“That’s okay. I love your office and I promise to be on my best behaviour” He assured me.

I smiled, marveling at how well my baby had grown over the years. It wasn’t everyday one was blessed with such a bright child and I could only thank my good fortunes. I had named him after his asshole of a father at a time when I had thought it was a good idea but his surname remained mine and I was going to make sure it stayed that way.

“Do you want some ice cream while you wait for me to be done?” I asked as soon as we neared the office.

The client we were going to be entertaining today according to the director was big. They mentioned they had come all the way from London to hear our pitch about fashion because they were very much interested in investing with us and I was to give the pitch. Then if they loved it, we would be establishing another branch of the company in London and someone will be chosen to spearhead the branch. I already knew they had plans to choose me hence the reason I was offering the presentation.

“I want some ice cream, thank you mommy” My son responded.

We got into the building and I took him straight to my office where I had my assistant watch over him while I readied myself for my pitch.

It was soon time and I inhaled, walking into the board room to meet our new client.

“Good day, my name is Julie Paxton and I will be presenting…”

My breath hitched in my throat as my eyes came in contact with the dark ones of none other than Adam Jones! My former boss.

His expression was also one of surprise as we continued staring at each other. It has been six years since I saw him last and he still could make my stupid heart race.

“Julie?” The director prompted, wondering at my pause.

“Right” I continued, breaking my eyes away from his with all the effort I could muster.

It took experience to remember exactly what I was about to say and I took another deep breath, avoiding his dark brooding eyes which by now was searing a hole into the side of my face

“I would like to explain to you why fashion is the future and everyone should have a slice of the cake” I recited, reaching the front and flipping the slides.

I could not help the butterflies on full rampage in my stomach as I thought about how intense his stare was on my face and I whooshed a sigh of relief when I finished the presentation and they all began clapping in delight.

“Interesting… I am totally convinced, Mrs Paxton” He drawled from where he sat.

I raised an eyebrow at the use of the prefix, wondering if that was his way of finding out about my status.

“I am not married but it is perfect that you are convinced because there is no other fashion brand better than this one. Most of my other clients have been quite difficult but I assume you are quite easy, Mr Jones” I drawled, the sarcasm evident in my tone.

The room was silent as my director stared at me in horror, wondering why I was speaking in such a way to his big client.

Adam maintained my stare with another of his own before his mouth widened, revealing pearly white teeth.

“Bravo” He whispered while I struggled to not swoon under the heaviness of his tone.

I blushed much to my distaste, hiding my face away from him while the director took over from where I stopped, explaining the pros and cons in the fashion world and why their investments will be safer with us.

I made it a point to not look in his direction and as soon as the meeting was concluded, I dashed away from the board room and straight to my office with one thought in mind.

He could not see my son, Bryan.

He would know immediately that I had kept the pregnancy not only because they had the same names but because they painfully had the same features. The same blue eyes and beautiful dark hair.

“How did it go, mommy?” My son asked

“Perfect baby, I think I was able to convince them and we might be moving to London” I told him, laughing at the smile on his face.

“What is London?” My son asked again, confusion dotting his pretty forehead.

“A place with plenty of ice cream and playgrounds” I explained, smiling at the brightness in his eyes while I was sure he was envisioning how perfect London was.

I could not help the niggling thought at the back of my mind as I reveled in my son’s smile that it was also the lair of his father.

“The director wants to see you” My assistant, Anna interrupted our moment

“I will be there in a moment” I told her.

I knew they wanted me to finalize the contract with Adam’s company, but I did not think I was ready to see him again after all these years.

It would take all of my professional power to not slap him across the face or scratch out his fucking eyes like I wanted to do.

“Are you okay, mommy? You seem angry” Bryan muttered, his baby blue eyes on my face

“I am fine baby. I want you to remain here and do not go out of this office” I said smoothly

He nodded, his blue eyes searching my face like he wasn’t sure he should believe me.

I walked out to meet Adam, my shoulders held high and my face set in stone

“Julie” He called out.

His voice washed over me; years ago, if that voice had called out to me, six fucking years ago even after everything, I knew I would have run coming like the pathetic little girl I had been.

“Adam” I muttered dryly.

“It is so good to see you again” He continued.

“I cannot say the same thing about you, but this is purely business, so that is fine” I grated, maintaining a straight face. “Follow me and I will have my assistant draft up your contract. Please try not to fuck her as it is something you are well known for.” I quipped.

“I am a changed man” He said after a moment of silence.

I turned to him, my eyes searching his face.

He still had that handsome rugged look that I had fallen sheepishly for, although it has aged with the years but other than that, there was nothing changed about him.

“I do not give one flying fuck” I muttered triumphantly, turning around

I asked Anna to draft out his contract and when they were both not looking, I reached into my office for my son whom I walked away with.

We were just about to enter the car when Adam burst out of the office, stopping me in my stride.

He paused when he saw Bryan, his eyes widening as he stared at the boy.

“I thought you said you were not married?” He accused.

“I am not’ I snapped, wondering why I felt the need to answer his prying questions. “This is my son, Bryan” I introduced, praying he does not see the resemblance.

He reached for Bryan’s hand, shaking it gently.

“Hi, I am Adam Bryan Jones” He introduced.

“We have the same name” My son showed milky teeth, shaking his hand.

“We do” Adam smiled, turning to me with questions in his eyes.

“Wait in the car for me, will you?” I interrupted the moment they were having

Bryan bounded to the car while I was left to speak to Adam.

“How?” He asked, confusion in his eyes.

“I got married and then divorced. Now I only have and want Bryan” I told him, hoping he asks me no further question.

“I got married and divorced too” He smiled bitterly.

“I do not care about that. Now if you will excuse me” I muttered, walking away.

I resisted the urge to turn around but I knew he was watching me, his eyes branding me long after I left.

“Is that a friend of yours, mommy?” Bryan asked

“Yes baby, a long forgotten friend” I told him.

“Is he also a friend of Daddy?” My son asked again.

My hand stilled on the steering wheel

“No, baby… why do you ask that?”

“Nothing, I wondered if he knew daddy. Maybe you can invite him over for dinner one of these days.” He suggested, glancing out the window.

I said nothing in response.