The Corporate Escape (6 page)

They talked together until the wee hours of the morning. Fatigue finally won and Lynn and Paul realized their last night together in Auckland was over.

“What time does your plane leave tomorrow?” Paul asked at the door to her room.

“Not until 3:30,” Lynn replied. “And yours back to Sydney?”

“Not until Sunday evening,” he replied cautiously. “I wish you could stay.”

“Perhaps this is best,” Lynn replied.

“You could be right,” Paul sighed sadly. “There is so much more I want to know about you. Even your two weeks in Sydney won't be enough time.”

“But I do have two weeks in Sydney,” she said. “And we have tomorrow until 3:30.”

“I'll be by at 9:00 AM,” Paul said. “You can check out in the morning, we can sightsee all day, and I'll take you to the airport.”

“Promise you won't kidnap me?” Lynn teased.

Paul stared deeply into her eyes. They were sparkling with challenge and amusement. The green so deep, as to match the hue of her dress.

“No promises,” he replied. “Not yet.”

Lynn recognized the solemnness of his tones and felt her stomach tingle. She watched his face as he glanced down her slender body. Lynn felt her willpower begin to buckle. Her knees felt as weak as her resolve. She wanted to be in his arms. Longed to be devoured by his kisses and held by his touch. His eyes returned to hers. Each saw the raw emotion looking back at them. His voice was deep and husky as he kissed her softly on her forehead.

“Good night, pretty lady. Keep saying your prayers.”

Lynn's voice was soft and Paul did not hear her reply. He walked quickly down the hall to his room.

Lynn was exhausted. Yet, sleep didn't come quickly. Her mind was absorbed by thoughts of Paul Dillard. He had told her about his family and home life growing up. She felt she knew him so well, yet knew it was only the surface. Her desires kept coming back to her mind. Yet, those were not keeping her awake. Her sleeplessness was caused by the blatant realization that she was falling in love.

*****

Lynn couldn't remember when she finally fell asleep, yet she was now being jarred awake by the pounding on her door. Absent-mindedly she reached for her robe and opened the door. Paul looked at her with a curious look in his eyes. His handsome face took in the effect of Lynn's appearance. Lynn was immediately embarrassed.

“I must have overslept,” she apologized. She reached to tame her tangled mane.

“You have an endearing way of stating the obvious,” he smiled. “I'll wait for you in the restaurant. Don't forget to pack.”

“I'll be right down,” Lynn promised.

Lynn was furious with herself. She looked a mess. How could she have overslept on her last day in Auckland with Paul? She had to shower, dress and pack, and he would be anxiously awaiting her.

Paul was finding it difficult to arrange his feelings. Lynn had looked so wonderful. She looked so innocent with her robe tied around her, and her hair out of place. The lack of make up had no negative effect on her beauty. She looked fresh and alluring. He wanted to hold her in his arms and protect her. He wanted to wake up to her every morning. How could he be having such intimate and committed feeling for this woman? She lived half way around the world. The feeling wouldn't leave him, and he tried to push the thoughts out of his mind. He ran his fingers through his hair and tried to turn his attention to his coffee.

Lynn was ready in record speed. Paul had barely finished his breakfast when she arrived exclaiming that she was checked out and ready for the day. Paul, again, was suitably impressed. He had witnessed so many women in his life that took no less than an hour simply to apply their “natural look” makeup. Lynn looked radiant.

They put her bags in the trunk of his rental car, and set off for the MOTAT. The Museum of Transportation and Technology was intriguing. Paul was astounded by Lynn's knowledge and interest in the technology exhibits. They held hands as they walked through the numerous sections. The motion pictures, music boxes and player pianos were Lynn's favorites. Paul inspected the cars, trains and planes with the enthusiasm of a small boy. They spent most of the day touring the museum, and Lynn was filled with remorse as she noted that it was time to leave for the airport.

“Let's leave now,” she said. “Then we can talk privately at the airport.”

Paul agreed, yet the drive was a solemn one. Each trying desperately to decide what to say.

“I'll miss you while I'm in Christchurch and Melbourne,” Lynn confessed. “Isn't that silly? I only met you two days ago.”

“Not too silly,” replied Paul. “I was just thinking the same thing.”

They walked directly to the check in counter.

“Maybe I can come down and see you in Melbourne,” Paul said.

“That would be lovely, “ Lynn replied.

Her hopes soared. Maybe she would see him again in a couple of days instead of ten days. They moved to Lynn's gate and waited.

Paul cleared his throat, “Lynn,” he said. “You have grown to mean a great deal to me very quickly. To be honest, I am a bit overwhelmed by it all. You seem to have touched a place inside of me that hasn't been broached in a very long time. I'm trying to deal with those thoughts and the realization that you live in San Francisco, and I in Sydney. I don't have any answers, only more questions. One being, how dedicated are you to your career?” Lynn was surprised at his question.

“Very,” she stated simply. “As I mentioned, I haven't even taken a vacation for months, because I enjoy my work. I wasn't working at trying to be a martyr. I get a lot of fulfillment from my job.”

“So the independent American woman personified,” he replied bitterly.

“I guess you could say that,” defended Lynn. “I love my work, as you do. And I'm good at it, as you are.”

“Are you implying that I'm chauvinistic,” teased Paul.

“I believe imply would be too nice of a word, don't you?”

“Intimidated might be closer to the truth,” said Paul.

“What,” laughed Lynn. “You're about as intimidated of me as a rattlesnake would be of a mouse.”

“Now you are calling me a snake!” he chided.

They changed the subject to Melbourne. Lynn talked of her plans, and Paul agreed to call her sometime after she arrived. They exchanged private cell phone numbers, and he gave her his number at work, and insisted that she call him if she needed.

Too quickly, Lynn's flight was boarding. Their good bye was a short one. Intensity shone in their eyes, as they realized something special was coming to an end.

*****

Lynn tried to concentrate on the view outside her window, but her thoughts were consumed by Paul. Her flight seemed to arrive almost immediately in Christchurch, instead of an hour and 20 minutes later. By 6:00 PM Lynn had arrived at the Hotel where she would be staying.

The hotel was elegant. Located on the banks of the lovely Avon River, with a panoramic view of the 'Garden City' and the distant Southern Alps. The large lobby had marble walled elevators and a beautiful stairway to the mezzanine. After a relaxing meal in the hotel's cheerful grill, Lynn returned to her room to plan her stay. She found a Church across the river on Worcester, and she planned to attend in the morning. Lynn spent the next two hours going over all of the other information the concierge had given her.

After church the next morning, Lynn walked through the center of town. Christchurch Cathedral at Cathedral Square, the Bridge of Remembrance, Provincial Government Buildings, Victoria Square and the Floral Clock were all included in her self made tour. Her leisurely walk down the Avon River, which truly resembled more of a stream, brought to mind constant thoughts of Paul. The willow shaded banks seemed to draw throngs of lovers, strolling hand in hand. Each one she passed, increased her longing and anxiety. The quacking ducks invaded her thoughts, as if to make her laugh, yet, she remained melancholy.

By evening, Lynn was tired and again decided to dine at the hotel. Her meal was a constant reminder of the loneliness she was feeling. She returned to her room dejected. She attempted to write some post cards, and finally called her secretary to end the solitude.

Susan Fleetwood was thrilled to hear of Lynn's adventures and reassured her that her cat Cassie was well taken care of. She informed Lynn that she was missed desperately, yet demanded that she not think of the office and reminded her of her promise to Jeff to not talk about work. Lynn laughed at her concerns and reassured her that she had not talked about work hardly at all. Lynn had much more interesting things on her mind!

Lynn fell into a fitful sleep, waking numerous times to thoughts of her and Paul. Her subconscious was fighting the conflicts of her feelings, that her conscious mind refused to grasp. She had picked up her cell phone more than once to call him, but each time put it down, determined to wait until he contacted her.

*****

Paul had left to fly back to Sydney with confused feelings. His time alone in Auckland without Lynn was empty. He missed her smile, her laughter, the ease of their conversations. He missed the glimpses of insight into himself that she inspired. With her, he was able to express his views and have them mirrored back with concern and respect. He felt a part of himself was missing.

He had phoned her Sunday from the Auckland airport, but her phone reported that she had no service. When she was not in her hotel room either, Paul elected to not leave a message.

The flight back to Sydney had been uneventful. When he arrived home he immediately got busy with unpacking and catching up on paperwork. He found moments in his house in Palm Beach, that were void of thoughts of Lynn. Those moments, however, were few and far between. She seemed to fill every spare thought. He longed to hold her and feel his lips on hers. He prayed that night for guidance and patience. He thought in anticipation of seeing her again.

She had not called from Christchurch and he was disappointed by her lack of contact. But it had been he who said he would call when she arrived in Melbourne.

*****

Monday Lynn got up early and went to the Art Galleries and Museums of Christchurch. They occupied most of her morning. The Botanic Gardens were peaceful and beautiful, and it was in the garden that she ate lunch at their small restaurant. Not wanting to miss a single site, Lynn toured Canterbury University, the Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Mona Vale Mansion. The exquisite floral beauty of the Botanic Gardens was viewed through preoccupied eyes. Every flower reminded her of Paul, and the time they had spent together.

It was late when Lynn returned from her excursion. The concierge told her that she had seen in one day what most people can't see in an entire week. Lynn knew that she was trying to stay busy to forget about Paul's absence. Yet, her thoughts were always on him, so the fullness of the day only erased him for fleeting moments. Lynn was exhausted from her sightseeing. Yet, her internal struggles were what taxed her the most. She had spent most of her day pondering her feelings for Paul. Trying to discern the meaning of it all. The questions she found were many. The answers few.

*****

Monday without Lynn was no better for Paul than the night before. He missed her more and more. He was staring out the window when he made up his mind. He buzzed Sandra on the intercom and told her of the change in plans.

“You're flying to Melbourne on Tuesday?” she asked. “You just returned from New Zealand yesterday.”

“Leaving the day after arriving is not atypical,” he replied.

“I didn't mean to imply it was,” Sandra stated suspiciously. “It is just that you had planned to go to Melbourne next week, and you have a Board Meeting scheduled tomorrow.”

“Plans change,” said Paul. “And around here, quite often.”

Sandra was concerned about Paul's behavior. Yes, plans did change quite a lot around their office. But, Paul had never canceled a Board Meeting, and she knew he had received no phone calls from Melbourne that day. Sandra Wilson was also worried that his departure may have something to do with the woman from Auckland. Christine had called to inquire about the woman that Paul was with in Auckland. Sandra didn't like Christine much, yet she knew that with Christine, there were no brains to challenge her in the fight for Paul Dillard-Thompson. The mystery woman, however, could prove more of a challenge. She had obviously out maneuvered both Paula and Christine.

Sandra was head over heals in love with Paul. She had been for two years and had schemed to get her current position so she could be close to him. She knew that someday, he would recognize her inner beauty and realize his deep love for her. Her psychic had told her it would be soon.

Sandra, of course, didn't mention her metaphysical beliefs to Paul, for he considered himself a strong Christian. Sandra saw no problem with the differences in their beliefs.

Paul was unaware of Sandra's feelings for him. If he had known, he definitely would not have shared her thoughts regarding the lack of problems with their different beliefs. He had hired Sandra simply as a favor for an old friend of his fathers. She had been competent enough, but had little experience at being an executive secretary.

As Paul left for the airport Tuesday morning, Sandra was more curious than usual of his plans for Melbourne. Her questions, Paul attributed to her protective nature. Paul's meetings in Melbourne went as scheduled. His thoughts, however, were interrupted, more than once, by Lynn's face. He was embarrassed by his lack of attention, and others in the meeting were concerned by his uncharacteristic behavior. He had asked comments to be repeated numerous times, and the final decision was far less, than would have normally been expected. After the meeting one of his close friends and associates asked him if he was feeling alright.

“Just a bit of jet lag, I guess,” Paul stated.

His friend realized that Paul had just returned from England on Tuesday, and then had been in Auckland through Sunday. Yet, his friend was unconvinced, even though it was possible. He instructed Paul to slow down a bit, and think about taking some time off.

“Just what I had planned,” Paul smiled.

Paul paced as he waited in the arrival hall. He knew that Lynn was not expecting him to be there. Melbourne was 600 miles away from Sydney. He was certain that Lynn would be excited to see him, but he recognized it was a bit presumptuous of him to pick her up at the airport. How would she react? What if she met new friends in Christchurch and had made plans with them? All of Pauls' insecurities seemed to rise to the surface. What if she didn't want to see him?

Lynn's flight had been a bumpy one. She was feeling slightly nauseous, and thanked the Lord that Melbourne was in sight. She had tried to call Paul before she left the airport, and had been rather rudely dismissed by his secretary, Ms. Wilson. She would tell her nothing. He was out of the office, and she was unable to disclose when he was expected back. Since Lynn was getting on the plane, she begged off of leaving a message. She would try again tomorrow. Ms. Wilson seemed even more offended at Lynn's decision to not leave a message. But Lynn had an Executive secretary of her own. She was use to dealing with them and knew that Ms. Wilson had probably been instructed to always get a name and number.

Usually, Lynn would have left a message without reservations. Yet, something about the tone of the voice at the other end told her not to. Lynn rarely ignored her instincts, and this time her instincts were screaming. So, Lynn thanked her for her help and hung up. She literally hung up, on Ms. Wilson. Lynn realized that if Paul had not advised his secretary to let her speak with him, explanations would be necessary to get through the gate keeper. And Lynn was unsure what exactly she could tell her.

“A friend from Auckland?” Not exactly.

“A friend from the states?” More accurate.

“A woman on vacation, who in a few days time has started to fall hopelessly in love with your boss... Even though it is totally unworkable from half way around the world and probably unrequited?” Too accurate.

Lynn shut her eyes and released a long sigh. If only she could talk to him. Find out if he even cared. The seatbelt sign came on and Lynn sat motionless until the plane touched the ground. She waited patiently for a break in the aisle traffic and grabbed her carry-on from the overhead.

Baggage claim and passport check went well. More smoothly than most international flights she had been on. When Lynn entered the arrival hall, she felt her spine begin to tingle. It was the same feeling she had the night of the dance in Auckland. Someone in the crowd, to the right, was watching her. Their eyes locked. His were filled with anticipation and amusement. Hers were filled with open joy. Dancing gray blue eyes met expressive elated green.

“Paul,” she said almost inaudible. Within seconds she was in his arms. The baggage dropped carelessly on the floor. The crowd ignored, emotions soaring. Lynn's mind screamed, ‘He cares! He's out of the office because he came to see me!’ Her fears were relieved, doubts forgotten and her bliss inflamed.

Paul delighted in her excitement. Her smiling eyes had been all he needed to calm his anxiety. She was more than pleased. She wanted him there. Thank the Lord! He had made the right decision. They laughed together, when a gentleman quietly begged their forgiveness as he asked if they would mind moving out of the doorway. Paul helped her with her bags, and they headed out to the parking lot.

“What in the world are you doing here?” Lynn asked.

“I had a meeting here today, so I decided to give you a ride to your hotel. Couldn't have you getting lost on your first day in Australia, now could we?” Paul teased.

“No,” replied Lynn. “That would be totally unacceptable.” Her smile was radiant. Lynn was certain that this was one of the happiest moments of her life.

“I missed you,” Paul stated, somewhat embarrassed. “I never knew that it was such a long time from Saturday to Tuesday.”

“I almost killed myself trying to stay busy,” Lynn confessed. “I saw everything there is to see in Christchurch, and then some, in two days.”

Paul’s laughter was filled with relief. “I believe you. When I called Sunday, you weren't at the hotel.”

“You called?” Lynn's voice rose in excitement.

“From Auckland,” he replied.

“Well, then I guess it is safe to tell you that your Ms. Wilson cannot disclose when you will be returning.”

“You talked to Sandra?” Paul asked.

“Today, from Christchurch,” said Lynn stopping to inspect his reaction.

“She didn't give me the message,” Paul stated, and he too, came to a confused stop.

“I didn't leave one,” Lynn said. “I was getting on the plane, so you couldn’t call me back, so I didn't”

“I didn't leave one either,” confessed Paul. “I didn't want to push you.”

“Push,” laughed Lynn.

“Promise,” Paul smiled. “And, from now on, I promise to always leave a message.”

“Deal,” said Lynn. “If you will, I will.”

Lynn could barely contain her excitement when Paul confessed that he had planned two more meetings in Melbourne and wouldn't be returning to Sydney until Friday. He hoped that he could get some free time over the next two days to show her the city.

“I had planned to return tomorrow, but these other meetings came up,” Paul said.

“So, Ms. Sandra Wilson truly was unable to disclose your estimated return,” teased Lynn.

“Actually,” said Paul, “I have yet to inform her of the change. She was right, but she didn't know she was.”

“Sign of a good secretary,” Lynn said. “Gate keeper until the end.”

“Is yours that way too?” Paul asked.

“No,” confessed Lynn. “Susan is more open than most. But I rarely get calls from people she doesn't know. She also has an uncanny ability to remember voices, and can usually tell who is calling before they even give their names.”

“I'll remember that,” Paul said.

“Wise that you do,” Lynn teased. “She'll be able to identify your heavy breathing, so promise you'll keep it to a minimum.”

“Promise,” Paul laughed. “Two or three international calls per week is my limit.”

Both temporarily lapsed into painful thoughts of her return to San Francisco. When they arrived at his rented car, Lynn was the first to break the silence.

“At least they can't trace international calls,” she stated quietly.

“Yes, it would be a shame if we lived in the same country. Then I could only breath heavy in person,” Paul replied.

Paul put her luggage in the trunk and walked around to unlock her door. Dark green eyes met steel gray. Both realizing the possible pain they were headed towards. Both unwilling to sacrifice the joy of today in an effort to try to avoid the potential pain in the future.