Un-Break my Heart: Book 2 (The Heart Trilogy) (45 page)

Pausing for a second next to Lennon, who just beamed at the two of them, like a proud parent? Mitchell was about to head off when he heard their names being called by Ne-Yo. Grabbin
g
Charlotte’s hand in his they ran back on and the spotlight imprisoned them, glaring into their eyes and obscuring any sign of the audience. They took their bows and then left the stage once more.

“Oh my God, that was fucking awesome” Charlie gasped, reaching to plant kisses on Mitchell’s face and lips.

“We did it! I can’t wait to watch it later. I forgot to tell you that I asked one of the stage security guys to record it on my phone” Mitch said. Looking up he spotted Lennon tapping his watch.

“Look I’ve got to run and change for the next dance”

Charlie watched him race away before turning her attention back to the continuing show.

“You can change if you want too” Lennon whispered.

“No way am I taking this dress off, although I may go and dry off the sweat in the interval”

The rest of the show seemed to race by and when the final curtain call happened Mitchell rushed to drag her back on stage. Standing next to hi
m
Charlott
e
felt like her heart would burst from all the happiness and love he had already bought into her life. All worries about what was happening at home faded into the distance.

The after show party was filled with more music, food and celebrities tha
n
Charlott
e
could comprehend. Every compliment she received she locked away for future memories. Mitch had located the security guy with his phone and they had both bolted to the now quiet auditorium to watch it. Then they had slipped to the back row and quietly made out, unable to wait until they returned to the hotel.

Finally the party wound up and the minibus collected all the dancers to return them to their hotel. Snuggled into the crook of Mitchell’s arm Charlie tried to keep her eyes open, but the steady hum of the engine lulled her into sleep. Pulling up outside their hotel Mitch woke her up and then they wandered down the corridor to their room. Once inside Charlie paused and looked up at Mitchell, her eyes sleepy but love filled.

“Think you might have to help me out of this” she murmured, the latex clung to her curves.

Gently Mitch slid the straps off her shoulders and then slowly peeled the material from her gorgeous body. However looking back up at her he realised that she was too tired for anything other than sleeping. He picked her up and placed her on the bed before climbing out of his clothes and slipping between the covers next to her. He spooned up behind her and dropped a couple of lazy kisses on her bare shoulder and neck.

“Night, night my love”

Charlie didn’t hear his words as she had already danced away in her dreams.

Chapter 56

By Thursday night I was ready to collapse at the huge amount of work that I had accomplished ready for our launch on Saturday. The Station was a hive of workers as we all pulled together to get everything finished. I had tasked Naomi with sending out invitations to various business owners in the area, some had already signed up for adverts but others in the hope that we would get their support. Lesley and Amy were either on their phones or out and about confirming deals with other sponsors. Greg looked so tired I thought I would find him asleep in his office but he kept going and his enthusiasm kept us all responsive.

I had decided to theme the launch party at Dusk till Dawn as an 80’s night, since the song Love Shack had burst into the charts in 1989. All the invitations said fancy dress optional but preferred and I knew that all the DJ’s were going to be offering competitions through the day for tickets to the event. James had been on nights for the last 3 nights but it meant that he would then be off all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday. After a re-heated slice of Lasagne and some salad for tea I lay down on the sofa and reached for my phone.

“Hi Sarah”

“Hi Steph, how’s it going”

“Bloody knackered already but everything is looking good for the launch on Saturday”

“I can’t wait to see you, is it ok for us to head over tomorrow afternoon as I need to go and find something to wear for the party”

“Sure, I’m finishing at the station around two in the afternoon as I haven’t got anything to wear yet either” I replied.

“Deal then, I’ll meet you at the house and we’ll head out from there”

“Yeah that will be fine, James will be home if I happen to be running any later” I said, before stifling a yawn.

“Is Charlie ok”

“I guess she is as she hasn’t phoned me at all since landing”

I listened to Sarah laugh at the other end of the line

“Sounds like it” she responded. I reached to finish the last few drops in my mug.

“Well’ I’m going to sound old and boring now and say that I’m off to bed before I drift off on the sofa”

“Ok, honey. I’ll see you tomorrow” Sarah said.

“Bye babe”

Wandering up the stairs I wondered what Sarah and Chris would think when I told them about the case being re-opened into the death of my husband Mark. In my heart I knew that they would as always be there to support me, whatever the outcome.

I dropped a quick text over to James wishing him goodnight and received the same in return. Then turning the lights out I drifted off into sleep my mind happy to switch off from all the little things that were worrying me. In the morning I left James a note on the table about Sarah and Chris’ arrival and then I headed out to work. I was ready to tackle all the last minute jobs before taking the afternoon off.

“Morning Stephanie” Naomi trilled, as I walked into reception.

“Morning Naomi, how many replies do we have” I asked, approaching the desk.

“Loads, I’ll compile the guest list and have it ready on your email for tomorrow morning. I can’t wait to have the music on in here from our station”

“I know, practice shows are just not the same as the real thing”

“Absolutely an
d
Leo
n
really can’t wait to start, he’s like a kid on Christmas Eve”

We both laughed and then I headed on through to my office. Greg was already there, sitting casually on my desk.

“So are we nearly there” he asked.

“Yes, Naomi is working on the guest list, the DJ’s have got to grips with the equipment and their show formats” I said, trying to slide past him. He reached out and grabbed my waist and pulled me in closer.

“So how about late lunch this afternoon, as your calendar says you are free”

I tried to struggle but it just made his grip tighter so I paused in his arms.

“I’m really sorry but friends of mine are heading over for the weekend and the launch and I’m off to find my outfit for the party”

I could feel his one hand slowly slipping over my hips and then down onto my thighs.

I shivered with repulsion at his over familiar behaviour and hoped that he would not read it in another way.

“Well, I’ll certainly have something to look forward to seeing tomorrow night”

With that comment we heard footsteps approaching down the corridor and he released his hold and stood up. Racing around the desk to put it between us I waited to see who appeared.

“Hi Greg, oh Hi Stephanie it’s you I needed to see” Jack said “I can come back later if you’re busy”

“Come in Jack, I was just leaving” Greg said, as he sauntered towards the doorway.

“I’m next door if you need anything” he said, turning his gaze back to me. I nodded and smiled.

In the doorway Jack stopped for a minute and watched the departing ass of Greg and then closing the door he started to mime a fan waving over his face.

“Jack, will you behave or I’ll sack you and send you back t
o
Hereford” I joked.

“Oh, but how can you resist such good looks” Jack replied.

“Thank god you came in when you did. He’s still trying to pull all his moves on me”

“But you’re in love so he doesn’t stand a chance”

“Yes and he’ll see me with James again tomorrow night so perhaps the message will finally sink in”

“You mean he hasn’t noticed that sparkler on your finger yet?”

Jack reached out his hand and took mine in his, taking a long look at my engagement ring.

I shook my head and smiled as Jack held my hand tightly and gave it a squeeze.

“I’m so thrilled for you Steph; you deserve happiness after all these years”

“Thanks Jack”

“So when’s the wedding just so I have time to organise my suit”

“Valentine’s day next year if all goes to plan, followed by a honeymoon in New Zealand” I replied.

Letting my hand drop Jack stared at me across the desk.

“I just came in to see if you had checked my programme show plans for tomorrow and next week” Jack asked.

“Yes, I looked at them yesterday. I can’t wait to hear you on the lunchtime slot”

“There’s something else isn’t there?” Jack suddenly asked. He had noticed the serious look in my eyes.

“Yes. James has managed to get the case re-opened into the death of Mark and the police will probably need to interview you again”

“Oh”

“Yes, it was a bit of a surprise but I guess in his way James is trying to help me get over it all”

“By finding the killer” he asked.

We looked at each other across the desk, I had known Jack for most of my life and he had undoubtedly helped to start my career in radio. Now I was his boss but I just looked on him as a friend, and confidant.

“Can’t wait for the launch party tomorrow, you can meet Jeremy”

“Great, I’ll be looking forward to that”

“I’m going to head off now so I’m all fresh and lovely for tomorrow”

“See you in the morning”

I watched Jack saunter out of the office, he paused in the doorway and did one more flutter of his imaginary fan. I laughed and shooed him away as I had loads of things to wrap up before I could escape for the afternoon.

Greg popped in once more as he was on his way out to a meeting.

“See you tomorrow, launch day”

“I’ll be here and ready for it” I replied. With my final email typed I closed the computer down and realised that the building sounded empty. All the DJ’s had finished their final practice ready for tomorrow and the PR girls were still out and about. Closing my door I headed into reception and foun
d
Leo
n
hanging around.

“I’m just waiting for Naomi” he grinned. He looked beyond me as she appeared from the corridor.

“Do you need me for anything else? Greg said we could finish early”

“Nope, go have fun and I’ll see you both in the morning”

Locking the door behind us all I paused with my hand on the knob. The sky was already starting to darken and I felt moisture in the cold air. Despite this I smiled and took a moment to thank whoever was responsible for all my good fortune. Dashing to my car as the first few drops of rain fell I jumped in and started the engine. I was eager to get home and see my best friend Sarah, her husband Chris and of course James. The traffic was clear for a Friday afternoon and I soon pulled up in the driveway to see that my guests had arrived.

I was greeted by Jester, closely followed by James who eagerly pulled me into his arms.

“I’ve missed you”

“Me too, but I hope you can manage without me for a couple of hours as I need to hit the shops with Sarah”

“I’ll try my best, anyway Chris and I can find something to do for a few hours and then perhaps we’ll come and find you and whisk you off for dinner”

“Sounds great” Sarah said, appearing in the door. James let me go so that I could be swamped in the next embrace. Over her shoulder I spotted Chris smile and wave hello.

“Do you need a coffee here first or shall we just head out?”

“Let’s just get going I’m sure we’ll have time for a drink at some point” I replied.

We headed out and waited for the bus to arrive for the short trip into the shopping centre. James and Chris were going to meet us at the local pub on the corner for six which gave us plenty of time.

“So what look do you think we should go for?” Sarah asked.

“I was thinking Wham girls”

“Like in the go-go video?”

“Yes, there is a t-shirt printer in the centre and I’ve seen some white skirts somewhere”

“Excellent, then it’s just bright make-up and white stilettos”

“Do you know what the guys are wearing” Sarah asked. I shook my head

“James won’t tell me but I have a sneaky suspicion it will be Madness related”

Laughing at the thought we linked arms as if we were teenagers again and headed for the stores we needed.

Fully laden we grabbed a take-away coffee and found a nail salon. With our feet being pummelled and rasped I sat back and closed my eyes.

“You look so different Steph; I’d forgotten what happiness looked like”

“I guess the declaration of his love has made me feel special again, wanted”

“Loved” Sarah finished for me.

I nodded and opened my eyes to stare at the sparkling diamond that lit the skin of my hand.

“So what’s the other news you need to tell me” she asked.

“The police are re-opening Mark’s case”

“Jesus Christ, is that really a good idea”

“I don’t know, maybe I need the answer”

We both paused in thought as the girls switched from our feet to our hands.

“I’ll help, we’ll both help in whatever way we can” Sarah said.

“Thanks, that means so much to me and I will repay you”

“You will?” Sarah asked, incredulously.

“Yes, James and I talked about it on holiday and once we’ve got married and been to see my parents then I think we should try. After all I’m not getting any younger and they may think I’m too old”

Looking across at my best friend I saw the tears sliding down her cheek, hope filled her eyes.

“We were going to tell you both later, but I’m sure you can share it with Chris at some point”

Sarah quickly wiped the tears away from her eyes before the girl started on her other hand. Leaving the salon we headed towards the bus stop admiring our glossy nails, mine in neon pink and Sarah’s in bright orange. One short bus journey later and we entered the warmth of the local pub. Chris spotted us first and called out so we could locate the table.

“I’ll get you some drinks as it looks like you girls are all shopped out” Chris said, staring at our numerous bags.

“Can we see” James asked, his hand strayed to the top of one of my bags nearby.

“Nope, we’ll show you ours when you show us yours” I quipped.

“I’ll look forward to that” James responded, reaching over to kiss me lightly on the lips.