Working With Temptation

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

I woke up to unfamiliar surroundings. I sat up and looked around, trying to recall where I am-when it hits me. This is James’s room I fell asleep after we spoke. But where is he now? He’s probably gone to the kitchen or something. I check the clock and it’s only six in the morning so I guess everyone is asleep. I silently creep out of James room to my room without getting noticed. I took a quick, refreshing shower and got dressed into a multi-coloured maxi dress. I packed my stuff as we were leaving today and took my suitcase downstairs. I walked into the kitchen expecting to see James but he wasn’t there. I guess he went back to his room.

I looked around the huge kitchen and realised that the chef wasn’t here yet. I smiled mischievously as a plan formed into my mind. I put on an apron and got to work. I decided that I would be cooking breakfast. I love cooking but I couldn’t do often because of work. I started making a variety of food and a lot of it considering that there was over eight people in this house. I made a plate of: pancakes, waffles, eggs, sausages, bacon, omelettes, beans, toast, cookies and freshly backed chocolate chip muffins.

Just as I was taking the muffins out of the oven, Jessica comes in with the twins. “Something smells good,” she complimented taking in all the food. “Do you want help taking it into the dining room?” I nodded as she began taking plates of food away. The twins-as adorable as they are- helped her too. She was a great mum which just reminded me more that I wasn’t even one. I’ve always wanted to have kids, although I’m only 22, I wouldn’t mind to have some now. In minutes everyone was downstairs eating and chatting happily. After a while, I realised that James wasn’t here and the food was disappearing fast. I began placing some food on a plate before excusing myself from the table.

When I reached his door, I knocked but there was no reply so I just entered. “James!” I called out, but there was no reply. I looked around the room curiously and my eyes caught on a note on the side table. It read Rose in capital letters. How did I miss that? I took the note in my hand and put the food down. I sat on the bed a read.

Rose,

By the time you read this note, I’ll already be in New York. Isabelle is in hospital so Jonathan called me to comeback. As much as I’d rather be in Florida with you, I have to go. I’ve sent back the private plane and George will pick you up from the airport. Call me when you get back because there’s something I need to talk to you about.

Yours sincerely

James

I reread the letter to make sure I understood correctly. He had left me yesterday night, when I had just confessed to him -something very personal and private- for Isabelle. Tears were threating to fall but I kept them at bay. How could he do this to me? He said he cared about me but obviously not as much as he does for Isabelle. She was probably in hospital because of stress considering she is a model.  She was so much prettier than me but I thought that didn’t matter to James.

I scrunched up the paper and threw it in the bin. James has made one thing clear. It’s over between us.

**

The plane landed smoothly and we quickly reached the limo. After reading the note, I explained everyone what had happened. Kat gave me a look of sympathy since she knew our secret. The rest of the stay was great. We went out ice skating which was cool and I got to help the twins skate-not that they needed it. Saying goodbye was emotional but I got through it. I promised Jessica that I’d come and visit soon and hoped I would.

I decided to sit next to George on the way home. We made small talk but mostly stayed in comfortable silence. Eventually the limo came to a stop outside me and Chris’s apartment.