Loving You (Remembrance Series, Book 2) (11 page)

“No, I was going to wait until he got home.” Just then, he walked through the door.

“Wait until I get home for what? Is something wrong, Jordan?” His voice was full of worry.

Mom got up from the sofa, giving me a pat on the hand, before heading toward the kitchen to give us some privacy. “Everything’s fine; just needed to discuss an unexpected change in our plans for tomorrow.” Gregory took Mom’s spot on the sofa as I enlightened him on my conversation with Caroline and the sudden urgency of the meeting.

He reaffirmed my suspicions about wanting to be my protector. “I’ll drive you to the hospital for the meeting and wait for you in the cafeteria.”

“That’s so sweet of you, but you know I can drive myself.”

“If it means I get to spend more time with you and know that you’re safe, I am happy to oblige. Are we still on for the rest of tomorrow?”

“It’s probably too late to postpone the dinner reservations with your family, tomorrow night, so we’ll go through everything else as planned. I am hoping to get some restful sleep tonight and maybe a nap tomorrow?”

His tone sounded sympathetic and understanding, “I’m sure my parents could postpone the dinner.”

“I beg to differ on that. Your mother was insistent on us all going to this place to eat. The way she praised the chef, I would almost bet that she has him in mind to cater the Engagement Party and this is our chance to try a sampling what he has to offer.”

He laughed. “You’re getting to know my mom a little too well. She definitely isn’t subtle about pursuing what’s on her mind. At any rate, the food should at least be good. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the place they’re taking us.”

He placed one hand on the back of my neck and the other arm wrapped around my lower back, pulling me to him. He gazed deep into my eyes. “So, will you let me chauffeur you around tomorrow morning?”

I couldn’t help but smile. “You’re going to work to persuade me until I say yes, aren’t you?”

He leaned in, brushing his lips gently across mine. “Yes,” he admitted, before landing another convincing kiss against my lips. He nipped at my lower lip, forcing them to part, then plundered my mouth.

After nearly taking my breath away I acquiesced. “Fine, I give in, Mr. Protector. But, know that we can’t sleep in, because I cannot be late.”

“That will be no problem.” He gave me another kiss before heading to his bedroom to deposit his jacket and tie.

“What was all that about?” My mother questioned, coming back in to announce that dinner was ready.

“He is concerned about the meeting tomorrow and would like to drive me to the hospital and stay close by.”

Her face seemed a little perplexed. “I thought you were going to ask him to drive you?”

“I was, if he argued with me about the meeting. But, it was his idea, so I let him run with it.”

“I would feel better having him close by, in case there is any trouble,” she admitted.

We quickly ate dinner and headed off to bed to prepare for an earlier morning than expected.

My mind knew I had fallen asleep around ten, but my body felt like I had only a couple hours of sleep. I couldn’t seem to relax enough to dream or allow myself to sleep soundly. A cold shower and a stiff cup of coffee were definitely calling my name.

It didn’t take me long to shower, put on some makeup and get dressed. I didn’t have a lot of time to do something nice with my hair this morning, so I used the blow dryer to get most of the moisture out and let it finish air drying the rest of the way. It would have a slight curl to it, which Mom and Gregory seemed to like. I already decided to wear a black, two piece dress suit, with ¾ length sleeves and some white piping, with and a cute petite white belt at the waist. I could wear the white strappy heels that I planned to wear tonight. It was not a formal dress suit, but I would definitely be presentable for the meeting.

I grabbed a piece of toast with my coffee and talked with mom, while I waited for Gregory to shower and change. I was surprised to see that he was wearing a pair of casual navy pants and a crisp white polo shirt that outlined his muscular build.

“I thought about dressing casual, but with you going to a business meeting, I thought it appropriate that I dress up a little, so I don’t clash with you.”

I smiled and shook my head for a second, “You do think of everything don’t you?”

“I try to; but most of all, I think about you, and our future, together.” He surprised me by taking hold of my hand and pulling me up out of my chair and close to his chest. “I love holding you close,” he whispered in my ear, as his lips began a trail of gentle kisses that found their way to my lips, where he kissed me, softly.

“I would like to give you a kiss that shows just how much I care for you; but, I don’t want to mess up your lipstick. Be prepared, though, for that lipstick to get ruined later, babe.” He smiled his quirky, half curved up smile, that made my heart melt.

I wrapped my arms around him and leaned into his chest, “I’ve missed you talking to me like this.”

Gregory had a way of making me forget things. It wasn’t until I heard my mother clear her throat that I remembered she was in the room with us. I blushed with embarrassment and saw a little pink spread through his cheeks, as well.

I glanced over to the clock on the microwave. “We need to get going.” I quickly picked up my purse and gave Mom a quick kiss on the cheek. “I love you, Mom. Wish me luck.”

“I love you too, honey. Let me know how the meeting goes. Know that I admire your strength and know that you are doing the right thing.”

“Thanks, Mom. We’ll call you later to let you know what happened.”

Gregory held the passenger door open for me before taking his own seat behind the wheel. “Which hospital?”

“Downtown. Orlando Memorial Health Center, on Raleigh Avenue. The quickest way from here is to take the Expressway,” I suggested.

He grasped hold of my hand, lacing our fingers together, as he placed it on his thigh. I was thankful to have him with me, since the closer we got to the hospital, the more nervous I became.

He gave my hand a gentle squeeze, “Don’t be worried, Jordan. You are not under scrutiny here. You are just merely stating what you were told and observed. Your ethics are very admirable.”

I felt a sense of relief from his words. “Thank you.”

I guided him to the appropriate exit and told him which streets to turn on before reaching the employee parking garage.

I only had ten minutes to spare before the meeting started. I quickly showed Gregory the direction to the cafeteria and gave him a quick peck on the lips. “I’ll come find you as soon as I am done. Thank you for doing this for me, today.”

“It’s my pleasure, sweetie.”

Caroline was already waiting for me outside the conference room. “Good morning, Jordan. I am so thankful you could make it here, today. The doctors and several members of the Board are already here. We will get started as soon as the other two witnesses show up.”

As soon as the words were out of Caroline’s mouth, up walked Felicia, the head of the Clinical Department, and Parker, the Assistant Director of Marketing. We were all in shock to see one another there, particularly Parker.

Caroline looked at all of us. “I would like to apologize that all of you are here today, on your day off. I do thank all of you for coming and providing your input. You will each go in, one by one, give your statements, answer any questions, and then you are free to leave and enjoy the rest of your weekend.”

She glanced over each of us, with an apologetic look, before adding, “The outcome of this meeting may not be decided for some time. On Monday, continue your department’s business as usual, as though today never happened.”

We all nodded in agreement before she gave each of us a hug. Caroline turned to me, “You’re first, dear, since your statement is the most crucial.”

Caroline walked in with me, greeting everyone. The doctors acknowledged me with a warm welcome, while she introduced me to some of the Board Members, whom I hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting until today. Immediately, my heart jumped to my throat as I was asked to take a seat at the end of the table.

Dr. Talbot was the first to speak. “I understand Pamela shared some form of information with you, Jordan. Can you please enlighten us with what the discussion was about and your observations of her interaction with others around the office?”

My voice was a little shaky as I detailed how her clique sought me out, attempting to gain my trust. I went on to describe the conversation in the parking garage, where Pamela revealed everything regarding her intentions to overthrow the administrator. I also named her loyal followers in the office and her claims to have backing from specific physicians.

A Board Member asked, “Does she treat everyone the same or differently, at work?”

“When I first started here, she was very pleasant and welcoming to all the employees. However, as of late, she is disrespectful to most, with exception of her inner circle. The current atmosphere is either join her “team” and follow her rules, or be forced out of the company by intimidation.”

“When and why did Pamela approach you?” Dr. Talbot questioned.

“We have always had a strained relationship, but her attitude toward me changed when my father passed. She sent her clique to befriend me at my father’s viewing and indicated that she wanted me as part of her group. I knew something was up, but before I could gain any information, I was in an automobile accident. When I returned, everyone tried to befriend me, again.”

“If you knew she was up to something, why did you allow them to get close?”

“Because, I value what this company stands for and needed to know why I was being singled out. I don’t mind helping others; but when it comes to being used for the benefit of hurting someone or for personal gain, my ethics will not tolerate it.”
Geez, I was beginning to feel like I was defending myself—as though my actions were being judged.

Another Board Member spoke up. “Please continue, Miss Carlisle.”

“I realized that I must have something they wanted, if they were putting aside their differences to befriend me. As it turned out, they wanted me to spy on Caroline. I hated playing devil’s advocate, but needed her to believe that I would do what they asked in order to achieve her desired outcome, which was to have all of you meet and decide a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in the Administrator. She saw herself as the next in line for the position and this as the only means of her acquiring that position.”

Everyone sucked in a deep breath of shock at my recounting of events.

Dr. Talbot asked, “Are there any further questions for Miss Carlisle?”

The other doctors and Board Members were silent. He continued, “Thank you for your time today, Jordan. We appreciate the information you have brought to our attention. It gives us a lot to think about. You are free to go and enjoy the rest of your weekend and we will see you in the office on Monday.”

“Thank you. I wish all of you a wonderful weekend, as well.”

Caroline gave me a gentle squeeze on the arm, wishing me well, as I walked past on my way to the cafeteria.

“How did it go?” His eyes were filled with apprehension.

“They asked a lot of questions, but I told the truth; and that’s all that matters. Let’s get out of here.”

He took hold of my hand and led me toward the parking garage. He held the passenger door open for me as I climbed inside his car. He leaned down, buckling me in, and brushing his lips softly against mine. “Now time for that kiss,” he said, teasingly. His lips were on mine before I could usher a response, pressing gently at first, then more forcefully, as his tongue parted my lips and slipped inside to mingle with mine. I was lost in the intensity of it all.

Gregory finally pulled back, as we both gasped for air. “Did you want to go out to eat or would you like to pick up some lunch and bring it back to my place? My mother was going to pick your mom up for lunch and do some shopping this afternoon.”

My thoughts were still scattered, as I stumbled to say, “Maybe get something along the way to bring home? I would like to get out of this suit and into more comfortable clothes.”

“What are you in the mood for?”

“I don’t really have a preference. Since you know me so well, why not surprise me?” I teased.

“Did you eat any breakfast this morning?”

“Yes; a piece of toast and a cup of coffee, while you showered. Why?”

He shook his head. “What am I going to do with you? That is not breakfast and definitely not enough food to keep your energy up.”

I gave Mom a quick call to let her know how things went. She praised me for my efforts and was surprised to learn of others coming forward, as well. She stated she would be spending the day with Gregory’s family and would meet us at the restaurant, tonight, and encouraged us to enjoy our quiet time, together.

Once we were on the Expressway, my heart began to race, as he reached over and took hold of my hand, pulling it back into his lap. His thumb kept caressing the back of my hand as he drove.

I was a little surprised that he got off a couple exits away from his place, not sure where we were headed, but I trusted him completely.

After a couple of twists and turns, we pulled up to a take-out window at a place called Le Croissant Café. Within seconds, a gentleman opened the window saying, “Hey, Mr. Riley, here’s you order,” as he handed him a large bag of food.

Gregory handed the young man some money, before the sack and placing it behind my seat on the floorboard. “Thanks, Harry. Tell your dad, ‘hello’ for me.”

As he turned toward me, the only words I could utter were, “How and when?”

“While I was in the cafeteria waiting for you, I decided we would need something for lunch. I figured you would probably want to change clothes, so I went ahead and called in an order. Are you mad?”

“Why would I be? I am just a little surprised, but I guess I shouldn’t be since you always think of everything.”

He laughed a bit, and then smiled at me. “Thanks, honey, but I don’t think of everything; if I had, I would have found you long before now.”