The Corporate Escape (11 page)

“You already are,” he replied, the guilt surfacing. “Your hugs always help.”

“Glad I can be of service,” Lynn laughed.

“A kiss would help even more,” he added.

“Yes, sir,” she teased, as she reached to kiss him. Paul's reaction was intense. Lynn had expected a peck in return, yet he held her with desperation. His kiss was sensitive, yet, demanding. It seemed as if he could not get close enough. Unconsciously, her hands began to move on his back. Caressing every movement. Outlining every muscle. Paul's hand captured her face, as the passion controlled his breathing.

“Lady, the things you do to me,” he whispered.

“At least you don't look tired anymore,” she smiled.

They stared deeply into each other's eyes. Both expressing the feelings of their hearts. They stood in silence for many moments. Lynn hugged Paul and rested her head against his chest.

“I missed you today,” she confessed.

Paul hugged her closer, and kissed the top of her head. “Glad to hear you are finally realizing that you can't live with out me.”

“Just in time,” she sighed.

“It's not fatal,” he replied. “Or so I have been told.”

They walked into the living room. Arms entwined, still in silence. Barbara looked at them knowingly as they entered the room.

“I was wondering if you two got lost someplace between the entry and the living room,” she teased.

“Getting lost is my specialty,” Lynn smiled.

“You sure did a fine job last night,” Paul laughed.

Lynn slapped his shoulder lovingly as Duane walked in to join them.

“You two aren't fighting again, are you?” he teased. “Must be love Barbara, what do you think?”

“I think you're right, Duane,” she laughed.

“I know he is,” Paul said seriously. “Totally, madly in love.” His gaze stopped on Lynn's face to watch her response. She smiled at him confidently.

“Totally, madly and foolishly in love,” she replied.

Dinner was lovely. Paul and Lynn smiled at each other across the table, as their feet found each other underneath it. Duane and Barbara pretended they were unaware of the intimacy in the air. Barbara again invited them to spend Sunday brunch at the Coleman's.

“That is Valentine's Day,” said Paul calmly. “We already have plans.”

“We do?” asked Lynn.

“We do,” smiled Paul.

Friday went by quickly. Sandra had made many contacts, but was disappointed to report that there was no new information. Paul was relieved.

Lynn was oblivious to the turmoil that Paul was experiencing. She spent the day at the Museums in Sydney, ending the afternoon high atop the Sydney Tower.

The 360 degree view of the city was breathtaking. Sydney, the city that the man of her dreams called home. Who would have ever thought Lynn would have to travel to the other side of the world to meet him!

Lynn was looking forward to the weekend with Paul. But she knew that only two short days following that, she would be leaving. Her ambivalence increased as she remembered Paul's silence the night before. Again, he had left her at her door. Not even a decent good night kiss, after an entire evening of comfortable flirtations. The silence on the way home had been difficult. Paul seemed to be lost in a world all his own.

When Lynn arrived later at Paul's office, she was relieved to find that Sandra had left early. Paul finished reviewing a contract he was working on, and asked her to wait for him. Lynn sat comfortably on the couch and watched him work.

She began to miss her office, and felt thankful that she had something that she loved to go home to. She only wished there was some way to be at work, yet, with Paul. She recognized that he still had not asked her to stay. He had not spoken to her at all regarding the future. He actually had only mentioned her leaving in passing. Perhaps he was preparing for her departure, by ignoring it. But how long could he continue in that game?

*****

Lynn was still in awe of Paul's beautiful house and, as always, was mesmerized by the ocean scene. She stood at the window and watched the waved roll in. Paul came in behind her and watched her as she stood in her daydream. He was moved by her beauty, and once again felt a wave of guilt as he thought of the investigation he had allowed. He wanted to trust Lynn. He loved her. He had never felt so sure of someone in his life. Yet, he was allowing his secretary to investigate her connection to the contract he had been reviewing when she arrived. He wanted to talk to her about it. Get her side of the story. Yet, he was too embarrassed by his actions.

'At least she'll be gone in a few days if there truly is an underhanded deal happening here,' he thought. He shook his head as he recognized the tone of his thoughts. He was already finding her guilty of wrong doing, and he had no evidence. The woman he loved was leaving him, and he had been feeling relieved. He may never see her again. They had never discussed a future together. They had only discussed the impossibility of the situation. Now the feeling of helplessness enveloped him. He watched the emotions on Lynn's face. She too seemed to be experiencing an inner battle.

“Lynn,” he said finally.

She turned expectantly towards him. She had sensed his presence in the room, but was feeling too melancholy to face him. As they stared into each others souls, both felt the deep piercing of sadness. Lynn felt her eyes filling with tears, as the realization of the loneliness she would feel began to engulf her.

Paul reached for her in silence. She came into his arms and rested her head against his chest. She felt the tears spill onto his shirt and knew her grief was just beginning.

“We've done so well, not dwelling on your departure,” he said softly. “Do you think we can find the strength to continue that, just for this weekend? I want us to be happy together. I'll have plenty of time to miss you. Let's not start it now.”

“I am trying,” said Lynn. “But, I love you so much, and the pain of leaving is so deep. The emptiness so vivid.” “At least I hear it is not fatal,” Paul's voice cracked. Lynn looked into his face and saw his eyes were also brimming with tears. Her heart felt renewed as she saw the proof of his caring. He too, was saddened by her upcoming departure. She drew new strength from those eyes, filled with love. She closed her eyes to will back the tears. She prayed for strength and compassion.

She drew a deep breath, “You are right. Let’s focus on the joy of being together, not the pain of being apart.”

Paul smiled at her. He was able to get his emotions under control and resolved to push all doubts about Lynn's loyalty out of his mind. This was their weekend. Just the two of them. Their very own special time, and he refused to let grief, or doubt, or guilt, or pain get in their way. He loved her, she loved him, and for this weekend, that would be all that mattered.

*****

As they left church Sunday morning, Lynn sighed. The weekend had been as perfect as they could have hoped. Friday night they had gone to dinner and out dancing. Both remembered fondly their night in Cairns. They moved together as one around the dance floor, their love emitted to all watching. It was another night of memories to savor.

Saturday had been a day of bright blue skies and warm sunshine. They had spent the day at the beach, and barbecued their dinner on his patio. The evening, turned cool, and they lit a blazing fire in the living room. They laid on the couch and talked and laughed until the early hours of the morning. They had fallen asleep in each others arms and both awoke with a sense of belonging. Paul complained of being stiff from the hour on the couch. Lynn laughed at the rumpled state of their clothing.

Both felt unnerved by the knowledge of their bodies entwined in the unconsciousness of sleep. The closeness they felt seemed to solidify, and Lynn knew that she and Paul were meant to be together. They had been lost in their own thoughts as he had driven her back to her hotel.

On their way to church that Sunday morning, Lynn had prayed for answers. Paul had given her roses and candy, as a sign of his affection on this Valentine’s Day. Lynn had been touched. As they stood together in church, beside Duane, Barbara, Katherine and Doug, Lynn felt a new surge of emotion. Recognition of her happiness and contentment. She knew for certain, that she could live in Australia with Paul. She could be happy here with the man of faith at her side.

They returned alone to Paul's house where his cook fixed a special lunch. It was romantic and intimate. Now, as they stood on his deck Paul confessed he had another Valentine’s surprise.

“Stay right where you are,” he said. “I'll be back.”

Lynn laughed as he told her to turn around and shut her eyes. She did so, and felt the coolness of gold around her neck. Something heavy hung from the chain, and she longed to see what it was.

“O.K., turn around and open your eyes,” he said.

Lynn's hand rose to her neckline, as she turned to look into the mirror Paul was holding.

“Oh, Paul!” she exclaimed. “It is beautiful!”

“Just like you,” he said softly. “I love you Lynn. No matter what happens, I want you to have this to always remember that you have my heart .”

“I’ll never take it off,” she promised.

He reached to kiss her, as the beautiful heart shaped necklace pressed between them. The diamonds felt cold on her skin, yet it warmed her heart. A wave of sadness swept over Paul, as he turned their kiss into a desperate embrace.

“I love you,” said Lynn. “I always will. No man has ever made me happier or made me feel more alive.”

“We will work this out,” said Paul. “Somehow, someday, I promise.”

His statement was said with such passion, that Lynn was overcome with emotion. Her heart felt heavy as she realized he was not going to ask her to stay. She longed for him to beg her to not leave on Tuesday. Yet, he was not even going to suggest it. He assumed she would leave. Yet, she was hopeful. His last statement had been full of promise for someday. But Lynn knew that all too often, someday never comes.

*****

The drive back to Lynn's hotel was filled with chatter. It seemed neither Lynn nor Paul could stand a moment of silence with their thoughts. Lynn talked endlessly of all the things she needed to catch up on when she returned. Paul talked of some of the plans for his business, and everything he had to do on Monday.

Lynn thought of Sandra's comment about Paul's lunch with Christine, and again wondered of Paul's feelings for her. She tried desperately to calm the doubts, but instead she went on and on, about her love for her life in San Francisco. She mentioned again how she missed her cat Cassie.

Paul was feeling more and more shy. He had planned on asking Lynn to stay in Australia, to marry him and quit her job. He wanted her to live here with him forever. Listening to her now, he realized how much Lynn's life in America meant to her. He was certain she would never leave it for him. He would be selfish to even ask her to consider it. The doubts of her loyalty crept back into his mind.

By the time they arrived at the hotel, both Paul and Lynn were filled with fear and confusion. They stopped by the gift shop to see if the present Lynn had bought for Paul was ready. Lynn realized the monogrammed gold pen was not even close to the extravagant necklace Paul had purchased for her. She knew he would appreciate her loving card and thoughtfulness, yet, it seemed so insignificant. She was told to return in a thirty minutes, and the gift would be wrapped and ready. They proceeded to Lynn's room where she placed the roses on the desk and peered in the mirror to admire the necklace.

“It is the most beautiful gift I have ever received,” she stated.

Paul stared at their reflection, as he held her from behind. They made a handsome couple. They fit together. He could see she was thinking the same thing as she smiled to his reflection. They stared at one another until the silence became too passionate. Lynn turned to face him, and found her lips instantly devoured by the soft curve of his mouth. Lynn felt the now familiar dizziness return. Paul's mind had taken almost the same path. He realized he wanted to possess her, make her his forever. He knew her feelings as well as her convictions. Both were as strong as his.

He stopped to pray a silent prayer as he held her close, 'Lord, let this love grow your way. I don't want our affections to be a weight of guilt. I want this relationship to be a perfect act of purity and selflessness.'

He felt all the passion drain from his caress. He kissed Lynn softly with the reserve he knew was necessary. They held each other a moment longer and recognized the similarity of their thoughts.

“You are a good man, Paul Dillard,” said Lynn.

“And you are the perfect woman for him,” said Paul.

“You stay here,” she instructed. “I'll be right back with your gift.”

Before he could counter, she was out of his arms and out the door. Lynn had only been gone for a moment when the phone began to ring. Paul decided not to answer it, but by the sixth ring felt compelled. Maybe it was Lynn calling from the Lobby.

“Hello,” he answered.

“Hello, I was calling for Lynn Eastman,” the man's voice advised.

“She's not in right now. Can I tell her who called?”

Bruce Carradine was confused for a moment, and then realized he must have rung back through to the front desk.

“Oh, certainly,” he replied. “This is Bruce Carradine.”

“Any message?” asked Paul with sudden curiosity.

“Yes,” laughed Bruce. “Tell her I said Happy Valentine’s Day, I miss her desperately, can't live with out her, and hurry home.”

“Is that all?” Paul said seething with anger.

“Isn't that enough?” asked Bruce.

“It certainly is,” replied Paul, as he hung up the phone.

Paul didn't know what to do. Bruce Carradine, was the President of the company that was buying out his subsidiary. He knew Lynn worked with him, Sandra had told him that. But why was he calling Lynn and blatantly professing his love for her?

All his doubts resurfaced and magnified. Thank God he hadn't asked her to marry him! How stupid he had been. All that Sandra had said was true. Lynn was trying to do some kind of dirty dealing. He paced the room like a caged panther. Finally he sat at the desk and tried to calm himself. If Lynn was playing some kind of game with him, she deserved an Oscar for her performance. She had done a wonderful job. He had fallen in love with her. Hook, line and sinker. He stared at the roses in front of him, feeling foolish and naive. It hadn't been his money she was after, as Christine had insinuated, but it had been his business.

She plotted beautifully, he thought. He had nearly signed the contract two weeks ago, without even reading it. Why? Because he had wanted to leave the office to spend time with Lynn. Had Sandra not warned him to read all the details, he would have sold the subsidiary for less than half of what it was worth. The counter bid contract he had signed the week before, was more that what he had anticipated. So, Lynn's plans had failed. Yet, how could he have trusted her so explicitly? What were her motives? Except perhaps a cut of the contract price? That could be in the millions. Certainly dirtier deals had been done for less.

By the time Lynn returned with Paul’s Valentine’s Day present, Paul had complete control of his emotions. His plan required that he show no noticeable change in his behavior. His acting was superb, for Lynn had no idea of his inner rage. He showed suitable delight at the gift of the gold pen. His name was engraved on it along with the letters, ILYL and the date.

“ILYL?” he asked.

“I love you,” she stated.

“And the second L?” he continued.

“Why, Lynn of course.”

He smiled and kissed her forehead, as he felt his anger raising again at her continued deception.

“If you love me,” he said. “Then why are you leaving me?”

Lynn was speechless. Now that Paul was asking he the question she had longed for, she was unable to confess that she was leaving simply because he had not asked her to stay. There was something is Paul's eyes. A challenge. A spitefulness she didn't anticipate. The feeling of pride chocked her words.

“Because I have a job, and a home, and a cat waiting for me in San Francisco,” she mumbled. “Not to mention family and friends.”

“Ah, good friends, I suppose,” Paul sneered. Lynn could not understand his patronizing tone.

“Well of course I have good friends.”

“And you certainly wouldn't quit your job for me,” he continued.

“Paul!” she replied. “I couldn't just quit my job, out of the clear blue. I love my work. I have worked very hard for my career.”

“I bet you have,” he said. “So, I guess it comes down to the fact that you love your job more than you love me.”

This wasn't going at all like Lynn had hoped. 'What is happening here?' her mind screamed. What has gotten into Paul?

“Paul, how can you say such a thing?”

“I didn't,” he replied calmly. “You did.”

“I did no such thing,” she retaliated. “What makes you think I should have to choose between the two?”

“It is a long daily commute between Sydney and San Francisco,” he said, with hate showing through.

All of Lynn's defenses went up. She saw the look in his eye. Something had changed. Paul had changed.

“And what about your job?” she asked. “Why don’t you quit and come to America with me?”

“You haven't asked,” he mocked her with her planned words.

“I am asking.”

His laughter was full of contempt. “Right,” he said, “Me, the President, quit my job, leave my four million dollar home, and come live in your cute little townhouse? Now who is being absurd?”

“So your job counts and mine doesn't?”

“It is strictly economical,” said Paul. “I make more money than you. I have more to loose. You have everything to gain.”

“I don't care about your money,” Lynn yelled. “I have plenty of my own. Vice Presidents don't make chicken feed you know.”

“Oh, yes,” he said venomously. “I forgot about your big bonuses for long hours above and beyond the call of duty.”

“What has gotten into you, Paul?” Lynn asked feeling frightened, “Where is all this anger coming from?”

Paul longed to shout the accusations running through his head. To let Lynn know, the charade was over. She had acted well and lost. He knew all about her. Yet, his pride and deep need for self worth, would not allow him.

“I guess we knew all along that this was just a vacation affair,” Paul said. “I am just glad that Christine didn't get overly jealous of you. I'd be the laughing stock of Australia.”

Paul's words cut to the quick. He was unaware that he was validating the lies that Sandra had told, with lies of his own. Lynn grew visibly pale. All that Sandra had said was true! Her hands instinctively went to her throat, as if it would help air to get to her lungs. She felt the coldness of the necklace that he had given to her just hours before. Her eyes began to tear, and she turned her back to him. She would not allow him to see the depth of her pain.

“What has Christine got to do with us?” she asked, having to hear it from him.

His laughter was like a guillotine. Cutting off every bit of hope she had.

“The better question, would be what have we done to Christine?” he said. “Her interest level has never been higher. She is putty melting in my hand.”

“And that is what you want?” she asked, turning back to face him. “Christine?”

The look of genuine pain in Lynn's eyes almost brought Paul to his knees. But he remembered her motives and found the scene less convincing.

“You seem surprised,” he teased.

“Surprised is not the word for it,” she said. “Why the interrogation about my job if you want Christine anyway? Why did you ask me to stay?”

“I didn't,” he replied. “I simply asked you how you could say you loved me, and leave me. I never said I wanted you to stay.”

It was true. He still had not asked her to stay with him. He had simply challenged her, to get her reaction. To see what her reply would be.

“But, I did have a great time,” he said. “And I am thankful for the response you have aroused in Christine.”

“Get out,” Lynn said quietly, keeping her emotions totally in check.

“Whatever for?” Paul asked, battling his pain by increasing hers.

“Now,” she said with authority.

The anger in her eyes met his own. She was a virtual volcano ready to erupt. Seeing the emotion, Paul was gripped with a great compassion. He wanted to take her in his arms and tell her it was all a lie. He wanted to make her his forever. He stood, immobilized by the ambivalence of his emotions. When Paul made no move towards the door, Lynn quietly picked up her purse and walked out herself. She could no longer be in the same room with Paul. She took the stairs to the lobby, and left to walk on the beach. Instantly, she knew that was the wrong place for her to be. Emotionally, she could not handle walking on the beach, after learning of the farce Paul had made of their encounter.

She walked back towards the shops. Lynn walked for hours in an angry, tearful daze. She stopped in front of a small church, and checked the door. Finding it open, she went inside, and stared at the cross above the alter. She sat in the front pew and prayed and cried for hours. Her sobs went unnoticed to man, yet, God comforted her with his love.

It was after midnight when Lynn returned to her hotel. She noted that Paul's car was gone, as she expected it would be. In her room, she fell into an exhausted sleep.

Paul had waited almost two hours for Lynn to return. He knew he had been reactive and wanted to try to straighten out the lies. Then he recalled the words of Bruce Carradine on the phone, and left, again enraged, for his home. His pain now was so deep, he never once dared to doubt his conclusions.

*****

The next morning, Paul's conclusions were confirmed. And there was more. Sandra produced evidence that Lynn was having an affair with Bruce. There was a letter from a former employee of Lynn’s waiting for Paul on his desk. In it, the employee stated that Bruce and Lynn were involved in an affair. In addition, Sandra produced evidence that Bruce had paid for her trip to Australia, and made all the arrangements. Paul was further convinced by Christine at lunch when she revealed more of the conversations that Lynn and she had during her visit.

Never once did Paul notice the nervous twitch of Christine's smile. The outward sign of the deception she was telling.

Back at the office Paul could not be subdued. He finally announced he was going to go have it out with Lynn. Sandra panicked, and announced that a confrontation would be impossible, as Lynn had left.

“Left? What do you mean?” he asked.

“She left on the afternoon plane,” Sandra lied, and then trying to cover the deception, added a bit of truth.

“She checked out of the hotel this afternoon.”

Paul retreated to his office exhausted. Any trust he had felt for Lynn was gone. He called the hotel, and confirmed she had indeed checked out. He was certain of the conclusions about Lynn and was ashamed of his own stupidity. The contract on his desk mocked him. He picked up the copy with his signature dated the week before, and tore it to sheds.

*****

Lynn was having the worst Monday of her life. She woke to the sound of a ringing telephone at ten. She was saying hello, as the previous night's impact hit her.

“Did I wake the sleeping Juliet?” teased Katherine.

“Oh, Katherine,” cried Lynn. “Romeo was a frog in disguise.”

Her tears broke through the dam. After a half an hour of sobbing replies to Katherine's pointed questions, the gist of the story was out.

“I don't believe it,” said Katherine. “There is no way Paul is interested in Christine. He can't stand her. He loves you.”

“He used me Katherine,” said Lynn. “He all but said so. He also told me point blank he wanted Christine.”

“So, why would he lie like that?” asked Katherine with a keen sense of insight.

“He gave no indication he was lying,” said Lynn. “You don't know how much I wish he were.”

The tears started again and Katherine announced she was taking the day off, and the would figure this thing out. Lynn was just finishing dressing when there was a knock at her door.