Catch Me (The Winters Family Series: Book 1) (16 page)

Isabel jumped, then looked up, "Sorry, sir."

Tom, her News Director smiled down at her, "Do you have a couple minutes?  I want to talk with you about something."

Isabel had no idea what he planned to talk to her about.  Last time he called her into his office it sent her life into turmoil.

Would he try to persuade her to take the job in Philly?  Or was he going to try to convince her to stay in NC?  She was hoping the latter, rather than the former.  She really liked this station, and enjoyed the anchors, reporters, and especially Shawna.  She looked up at Tom, "Sir?"

Tom took her into his office and closed the door.  All Isabel could think about was negative, unhappy thoughts.  This was not helping the nausea that still wanted to surface.

Tom looked at Isabel with sympathy in his eyes.  "Isabel, you seem distracted and on edge the past few days.  Does it have anything to do with the job opportunity?"

Isabel let out a deep sigh, smiled, "Yes. I apologize, I know I have not been on top of my game this week."

"It is okay Isabel, you are doing fine.  I want you to know something.  We don't want you to go. That being said, we know we can't stand in your way.  This is a wonderful opportunity for you.  Do you plan on taking the position?  Or do you know what your decision will be?"

Isabel looked at him and almost screamed with delight.  "So, your saying, it's okay if I decide to not take the position?"

Tom laughed, "Are you asking, because you don't want to move?"

"Sir, if you would have asked me the beginning of last month, I probably would've taken the opportunity.  Now, I am happy here, and I have made some friends.  I would like to still go and see them.  I'm curious about what they have to offer.  Is that okay?"

"That's great, Isabel.  You have been a stellar addition to this team.  Just go and chat with them, then enjoy your family for a few days.  Plan to start back to normal next Monday."

Isabel laughed, "If it was appropriate, I would totally hug you.  Thank you again!"

Isabel wanted to jump up and down, maybe scream with delight!  She had to call Drew immediately.

Drew was trying to stay focused, but that was next to impossible.  This week had not only been tough on Isabel, it was rough for him, too.  He loved distracting her last night.  The chocolate cake was delicious, but tying her up was beyond erotic.

He was cleaning some of the equipment outside, they had an emergency call at 6:00 AM.  While he was cleaning, his mind kept wandering.  During one of his rousing thoughts, he had an idea. He decided he should surprise Izzy, and head to Philly on Saturday.  That definitely helped his mood.

Danny came out and handed Drew his phone, "This thing is ringing non-stop."

Drew looked concerned, "What?"  Everyone knew not to call him at the station, unless there was an emergency.  He looked down and was immediately worried.  "Thanks Danny, I am just going to go call them back."

Danny raised his hand as he was heading back inside the station.  "No worries Drew, take your time."

Drew dialed Isabel's number, and she picked up on the first ring.  "Izzy are you okay?"

"Yes, yes!  Did I totally bother you?  I'm sorry I kept calling.  I'm just so excited.  Guess what?"

Drew had a guess, but decided to hear it from Izzy first.  "I have no idea, but I know I'm dying to find out!"  He laughed.

"So my News Director called me into his office."  She went on to explain the conversation she had with Tom.  "Isn't that awesome?  They never expected me to take the position!  They knew it was a great opportunity, and so made sure I decided without influence from them.  I'll still go home for a few days.  I figure I'll talk to the Philly station, they're paying for the trip. Plus, I can hang out with my family for a few days."

Drew had to sit down, "Isabel, seriously?  I agree, just go talk to them, you may change your mind, maybe it will be an outrageous offer."  Laughing, "Of course, I hope it's not."

Isabel and Drew both just sat silent on the phone.  Isabel spoke first, "Is there a way I could see you for a couple hours tomorrow morning, or maybe tonight?"

"Let me check with Danny.  It would probably have to be tonight."

Isabel couldn't wait to see him, "Perfect, I'll see you soon."

Isabel was preparing a grilled cheese sandwich.  It was really hard not thinking about Drew and her, and a grilled cheese.  That delicious memory could stay in the forefront of her mind forever.  She was just finishing making her sandwich, and heating some soup when she heard a light knock at her door.  Drew walked in without waiting for her to answer.

Isabel had heard his Jeep pull up, so she was next to the door.  She jumped into his arms and started kissing him all over his glorious face.

Drew was laughing, "Hello to you, too!"

Isabel slid down, pressing against his already rock hard erection.  "Hi, baby!  You hungry?"

"Starving, but not for what you're talking about."

Isabel had her arms around him.  She looked up into his eyes, "I like how you think, but you don't have much time.  Plus, I really am starving, I haven't eaten since this morning.  Don't ask why, it's dumb."

Drew smiled, "Well, now I have to ask.  Why?"

Isabel sighed, let go of her hold on him, and walked to her kitchen.  "I have been sick with worry all week.  Today I felt nauseated.  Eating was the last thing on my mind, until now." Isabel sat her grilled cheese on a plate and poured her tomato basil soup in a bowl.

Drew loved watching her in the kitchen.  You could tell she was happy there creating recipes.  "Let me throw together a sandwich, and I'll eat with you."

"I can make you a grilled cheese if you want?"

Drew was in the fridge grabbing a few items to make a cold ham and cheese sandwich.  "Nope, sit and eat.  I'll be right there in a sec."

Isabel started to tell him how her day started and then how it ended.  "This job thing really freaked me out.  I'm glad Tom decided to talk to me."

Drew walked over and sat down.  "Did he notice you were distracted?"

"Oh yeah, and I apologized for my below-average work this week."

Drew smiled at her, "I take my work seriously too.  That's why I think we both will be able to get back to normal now.  You sure you want to tell them no tomorrow?"

Isabel reached her hand across the table, "Yes.  I love it here, and would really like to explore the place more.  Although, it is more fun exploring you."

They both started laughing.  After they finished eating, they decided they needed to explore some more.

CHAPTER 11

On Wednesday, Isabel arrived at the station in Philadelphia at 11:00 AM.  All her old friends greeted her, and shared how much they missed her.  Isabel smiled, but was starting to feel unease.  Her ex-boyfriend still worked here, and there he was, slowly heading her way.

Chad had not seen Isabel for several months.  She looked good, almost glowing.  He didn't remember her glowing when they were together.  As a matter a fact, she never smiled like she was now.  What the hell? She should have been happy with him.  He always treated her right.  Maybe while she was here, he could convince her that she missed him.

Chad walked up to Isabel, "Hey gorgeous."  He went to lean in and give her a kiss, but she pulled back.

Isabel hated that grin Chad had on his face as he walked towards her.  Then he seriously had the balls to call me gorgeous, and try to kiss her?  She decided to start another mantra, 'he is an ass, he is a loser, he only cares about himself.'  That pretty well covered it. "Ummm.....yeah, hi.  My name is Isabel not gorgeous, Chad.  Plus, why are trying to kiss me?  Especially while you are working?"

Chad just smiled, "ISABEL, does that mean I can kiss you later after I take you to dinner?"

Isabel wanted to puke, and preferably on his shoes.  "I will not be going to dinner with you, and you will not be kissing me.  Now if you will excuse me, I have a meeting to attend."

Chad looked legitimately stunned for a moment. "We will see about the dinner.  Good luck with the meeting.  I hope you accept, it would be fun working with you again."

If Tom didn't solidify her decision, sleazy Chad just did.  She felt like she needed a shower. Seriously, what did she ever see in that guy?   She started towards the News Directors office for her meeting.

Before she went into the meeting, she sent a text to Drew.  "Hi Handsome!  I miss you!"

Drew sent her a text back immediately, "Hi baby, you doing okay?"

Isabel loved his concern, "Yup, just heading into my meeting.  I wanted to say hi, chat soon baby!"

Drew responded with, "Chat soon, love."

Isabel was feeling very confident in her decision to decline the job.  After her encounter with Chad, she was ready to leave right now. Still, something about what he said about the job seemed odd.

She walked into the News Directors office.

Jane was a petite woman, with short brown hair, and a strong personality.  She was at her desk just finishing a phone call.  "Isabel, it's so wonderful to see you.  You look good.  The North Carolina coast is treating you well."

Isabel smiled, "Hi Jane, it's good to see you, too.  Wilmington is a gorgeous city.  Have you visited North Carolina?"

"I haven't yet, but will have to put it on my must-go-to list." Back to business, "So, I want to thank you for coming here to talk with me.  Did Tom tell you a little about the changes that are taking place?"

"He did.  You are looking to basically mix up things in the morning?"

Jane got up and went to sit next to Isabel.  "We are doing just that.  We are planning to move Chad to the morning, and we thought you would be perfect alongside him.  I know you signed a two year contract with the station in Philly.  We are willing to buy out that contract, so you could leave early."

Isabel was stunned, "Wow, I had no idea about my contract.  Why did you choose to have me for the morning show?  Some of the other people here are just as good, if not better?"

Jane looked down for just a second, but Isabel could tell something was off.  Then Jane looked at her with an air of unease, "Chad requested to bring you back.  At first we thought it was silly, since you just left.  Then as we discussed the situation, we knew you really would be a great fit."

Isabel reflexively stood, that nauseous feeling was back.  Chad requested her, what the hell?  Isabel took in a deep breath.  She had to be honest with Jane.  "Jane, you know Chad and I used to date right?"

Jane just smiled, "I was aware of you two dating.  He indicated you ended it because you moved to North Carolina.  We were told you both are still good friends and talk frequently.  That's why we didn't hesitate to call Tom.  Is that not true?"

Isabel looked at her apologetically, "Jane, I ended our relationship while I was still working here.  It ended on a very bad note.  Today was the first time I have seen or talked to him since I left."

Jane sat back in her chair, and pinched the bridge of her nose.  She had her eyes closed lost in thought, and maybe stifling the rage she had become somewhat known for.  Isabel prepared for the worst.

Instead, Jane lifted her head and looked at Isabel.  "I am truly sorry Isabel. I would've never brought you here, if I had known the truth."

Isabel placed her hand on the woman's shoulder, "It's okay, I promise.  He is still the same, and only solidifies my decision to break up with him.  I have made a home in North Carolina.  I am really happy at the station in Wilmington.  I wanted to come here, because I really didn't understand why you chose me.  Unfortunately, as you may understand, I have to decline the offer.  I really do appreciate that you considered me for the position."

Jane stood and held out her hand, "You were truly one of our best young reporters.  Good luck in Wilmington."  She smiled, "So you have made friends, as in male close friends?"

Isabel stood, "Thank you so much for the kind words, Jane." Laughing, a little embarrassed to be talking like this with her former boss. "Yes, a male friend.  It was not planned, but he is wonderful."

Uncharacteristically, Jane leaned in and gave Isabel a hug.  "Well, go enjoy your family for a few days.  I do appreciate you coming to talk with me."

"Can you do me one favor, Jane?  Don't tell Chad my decision.  He really thinks I am going to take the position.  He is under the impression I still care for him.  Not sure where he came up with that thought. I want him to hear it from me."