Suite surrender, p.4
Suite Surrender, page 4
‘So, are we going to talk about what happened today?’ Rain asked bluntly.
Lauren shifted in her seat, not meeting Rain’s eyes. ‘I don’t regret—’
‘I’m not talking about the kiss,’ Rain interrupted, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. ‘I’m talking about what happened after. The way you practically kicked me out.’
‘Rain, I . . . it’s complicated.’
‘Well, uncomplicate it for me then,’ Rain snapped, suddenly fed up with the evasiveness, the half-truths. ‘Because from where I’m sitting, it feels like you’re playing games. And I don’t like being played.’
Lauren glanced down briefly. When she looked up and met Rain’s gaze, her eyes were filled with anguish.
‘I’m married, Rain,’ she whispered.
Rain gave a harsh laugh. ‘Yeah, I kind of figured that out when you couldn’t get rid of me fast enough.’
‘I didn’t . . . I wasn’t trying to get rid of you,’ Lauren protested weakly.
‘No? What would you call it then?’ Rain challenged. ‘Because it sure as hell felt like that to me.’
Lauren closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. ‘I panicked, okay? I didn’t want him to find you there. It would’ve been . . .’
‘Awkward?’ Rain said, her tone razor-sharp. ‘Yeah, I bet. Can’t imagine many guys would be thrilled to come home and find their wife getting off with a woman.’
Lauren’s eyes flew open, a spark of anger flashing in their depths. ‘It’s not like that. What happened between us . . . it wasn’t planned. I never meant for things to go that far.’
‘Could’ve fooled me,’ Rain muttered, taking a long pull of her beer. The bitter taste matched her mood perfectly.
Lauren leaned forward, her expression pleading. ‘Rain, you have to believe me. I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ve never . . . I’ve never felt this way about anyone. I know this sounds crazy considering we’ve only just met, but I can’t stop thinking about you, no matter how hard I try.’
For a moment, Rain wavered. There was something so raw, so vulnerable in Lauren’s voice. It made her want to reach out, to soothe away the pain etched into every line of her face.
But then reality came crashing back in, cold and unforgiving.
‘I can’t do this, Lauren,’ she said quietly, hating the way her voice shook. ‘I won’t be your dirty little secret. It’s not fair to me, and it’s sure as hell not fair to your husband.’
Lauren flinched as if Rain had struck her. ‘I know. God, I know. I’m so sorry, Rain.’
‘I think it’s best if we end this now, before it goes any further. We might do something we both regret.’
A single tear traced a glistening path down Lauren’s cheek, but she made no move to brush it away.
‘I could never regret you. Not for a single second.’
Rain gave a sad smile. ‘Maybe not. But I would.’
Rain stood up, every muscle in her body screaming at her to sit back down, to try and figure out a way to make the situation work.
But she couldn’t. She wouldn’t.
‘Bye, Lauren.’
And then she walked away, each step heavier than the last. She didn’t look back. She couldn’t. Because if she did, she knew her resolve would crumble.
As she left the bar, she could feel the ache of loss of something precious, something irreplaceable.
And deep down, in a hidden corner of her heart, she wondered if she’d just made the biggest mistake of her life.
Chapter Nine
Lauren sat at her dressing table, methodically wiping away her makeup in slow, deliberate circles. Her mind wandered to her conversation with Rain. She knew she had done the right thing by telling Rain the truth about her marriage. It had been the only option. Lauren refused to become the kind of person she despised, the kind who lied and deceived. She would never be like Jake.
As she wiped away the last traces of lipstick from her mouth, the memory of her kiss with Rain lingered in her mind like a sweet fragrance, refusing to dissipate. It had been a moment of pure bliss, a moment when time had stood still and nothing else had mattered. Lauren couldn’t help but wonder what might have been, if circumstances were different. If she had been true to herself from the start, instead of bowing to the expectations of others. Would fate have brought Rain into her life then?
Maybe it wasn’t too late. Maybe there was still a chance for them, even if it was just as friends. Lauren’s grandmother had always said that the things worth having in life required a leap of faith. That you had to be willing to step outside your comfort zone, to embrace the unknown.
Do I really have the courage to do that?
Lauren retrieved her phone and searched through her contact list until she found the number she was looking for. Pressing the call button, she waited for a moment before hearing Mr Larkins’s voice on the other end.
‘Good evening.’
‘Evening. I wanted to follow up on an interview you had earlier today with a woman called Rain,’ Lauren said, striving for a professional tone.
‘Yes, I remember her. Is there an issue?’ Mr Larkins asked, sounding slightly perplexed.
Lauren paused for a moment before asking, ‘What was your impression of her?’
‘Well, aside from appearing a bit absent-minded, she was polite and presentable, and claimed to be able to handle demanding physical work—’
‘Great, that sounds promising. I’d like you to contact her tomorrow and offer her the job.’
After a brief pause, Mr Larkins responded, ‘Of course. I’ll call her first thing.’
‘Thank you,’ Lauren said, before ending the call.
As she set her phone down, a movement in the doorway caught her eye. Ben stood there, peeking around the frame, his dark hair tousled from sleep. He looked so much like Jake, with those deep blue eyes, it made Lauren’s heart ache.
‘Oh, Ben, you startled me.’
‘Sorry,’ Ben said sheepishly as he padded into the room, his bare feet sinking into the thick carpet. ‘How come you didn’t come say goodnight?’
Lauren reached out, ruffling his hair. ‘I’m sorry, baby. I just got in. I didn’t want to wake you.’
Ben settled himself on the floor, crossing his legs beneath him. ‘Who’d you give a job to?’
Lauren froze, realising he must have overheard her call. ‘Ben, what have I told you about eavesdropping?’
He shrugged, the picture of innocence. ‘I wasn’t. I just heard.’
Lauren sighed. There was no point in scolding him. ‘If you must know, we’re short-staffed in housekeeping. Mr Larkins was updating me on an applicant who seemed like a good fit. That’s all.’
Ben seemed to accept this, his curiosity satisfied. Lauren stood, holding out her hand. ‘All right, mister. Back to bed. You’ve got school in the morning.’
He let her pull him to his feet, stifling a yawn. Moments later, Lauren tucked him in, smoothing the bed cover with her hand.
‘Hey, how about we go to the cinema tomorrow? Would you like that?’
Ben nodded, his eyes already heavy with sleep. Lauren leaned down, pressing a kiss to his forehead.
‘I love you. More than anything. Don’t ever forget that.’
‘Love you too, Mum,’ he mumbled, burrowing deeper into his pillow.
Lauren watched him for a moment, her heart full to bursting. It seemed like only yesterday she’d brought him home from the hospital, this tiny, perfect being. And now, in the blink of an eye, he was halfway to being a man.
‘It all goes by so fast,’ she whispered, blinking back sudden tears.
With a heavy heart, she switched off the light and pulled the door closed behind her. When she reached the living room, that’s when she heard it – the doorbell – ringing once, twice, three times. Loud, insistent. Echoed by a series of heavy thumps that sent Lauren’s heart racing.
Panic seized her. She spun, ready to run back to Ben, to keep him safe. But then the front door creaked open, and she heard the familiar sound of unsteady footsteps in the hallway.
Jake. Drunk, by the sounds of it.
Lauren shook her head as he stumbled into view.
‘For God’s sake, Jake. Are you drunk?’
He grinned at her, his eyelids fighting to stay open. ‘Drunk? Nah. I’m celebrating! S’not a crime.’
Lauren glanced back towards Ben’s room. ‘Keep your voice down. You’ll wake him.’
‘Wouldn’t want that,’ Jake slurred, dissolving into giggles.
Lauren clenched her jaw, her patience fraying. ‘I’m not doing this with you. Not when you’re like this.’
He pouted, swaying on his feet. ‘Used to think I was cute when I was drunk. Remember the good times, Laur?’
‘Of course, I—’
‘Do you?’ he cut her off, his eyes suddenly shining with unshed tears. ‘You’re never gonna let it go, are you?’
He reached for her, but Lauren stepped back, keeping him at arm’s length.
‘I’ve tried, Jake. I really have. But what you did . . . I can’t just forget it. It broke me.’
‘Then why am I still here?’ he demanded, petulant. ‘Why not just kick me out, instead of keeping me trapped in this gilded cage?’
Lauren sighed, the fight draining out of her. ‘Because you’re Ben’s father. I won’t let him suffer for our mistakes.’
Jake raised an eyebrow. ‘Our mistakes?’
‘Yes. Yours, for cheating,’ Lauren said, her voice hard. ‘And mine, for turning a blind eye.’
She spun around and walked into the living room. Jake trailed after her, his steps uneven.
‘You’re going to end up alone, you know,’ he said. ‘Bitter and lonely.’
Lauren met his gaze, unflinching. ‘You’re entitled to your opinion, Jake. But I don’t have to believe it.’
He snorted, stumbling over to the bar and pouring himself a generous measure of whisky. He tossed it back in one gulp, grimacing.
‘Don’t you think you’ve had enough?’ Lauren asked, eyeing the bottle warily.
‘I’m just getting started.’
Lauren threw up her hands, exasperated. ‘I can’t do this anymore, Jake.’
‘You can’t? What about me, huh?’ he said, his eyes blazing. ‘Living with an ice queen in this mausoleum!’
‘If that’s how you feel, why take the job?’ Lauren countered, refusing to back down.
‘Because . . . because I’ve earned it,’ he said, invading her space. The stench of alcohol was overwhelming. ‘And once I’m in charge, there’s not a damn thing you can do about it. I own you.’
Lauren recoiled, bile rising in her throat. ‘I’m not a possession. I don’t belong to anyone, least of all you.’ She squared her shoulders, lifting her chin. ‘I’m so done. With you, with this sham of a marriage. I’m just . . . done.’
For a moment, uncertainty flickered in Jake’s eyes.
‘If . . . if you leave me, it’ll be the biggest mistake of your life,’ he said. ‘I’ll . . . I’ll ruin this hotel’s reputation, I swear it. Imagine the scandal.’
Lauren frowned, confused. ‘What scandal? What are you talking about?’
Jake laughed. ‘Oh, I’ll make something up. Affairs, embezzlement, abusing the staff. It doesn’t matter. Once the rumours start flying, it’s over for you.’
She stared at him, seeing a stranger. ‘I can’t believe what I’m hearing.’
Jake leaned in close, his lips brushing her ear. ‘I’ll call Social Services myself. Tell them you’re an unfit mother. That you neglect Ben. They’ll take him away, and you’ll never see him again.’
Lauren jerked back as if she’d been slapped. ‘You wouldn’t.’
‘Try me.’
Lauren’s blood turned to ice in her veins. She needed to get away, to think. Without a word, she turned and strode to her room, slamming the door behind her.
She crawled into bed fully clothed.
I’ve got no one to blame but myself for how things have turned out. I’m the one who got myself into this mess and I’m the only one that can get myself out of it.
Sleep evaded her for the next few hours, and when the first rays of dawn filtered through her window, she climbed out of bed and made her way to Ben’s room, easing the door open.
He was fast asleep, his face peaceful. Innocent. Lauren’s heart clenched, fierce love welling up inside her.
‘I’ll fix this,’ she whispered. ‘I’ll find a way. I promise. You deserve better.’
She leaned over him and pressed a feather-light kiss to his hair.
We both do.
***
Lauren was elbow-deep in the mess Jake had left behind from the night before when a sharp knock at the door made her jump. She wiped her hands on her jeans and went to answer it, surprised to find her mother, standing there.
‘Mum! This is a surprise,’ Lauren said.
Eleanor breezed past her into the hallway. ‘Hello, darling. Is Jake around? I want to ask him about that hotel deal he mentioned last week. I thought he might have some more details.’
Lauren shut the door. ‘He’s out. Not sure when he’ll be back. Did you try calling him?’
‘Yes, but his phone’s switched off.’ Eleanor frowned.
‘Standard,’ Lauren muttered under her breath. ‘Well, since you’re here, want a cup of tea?’
Eleanor’s face brightened. ‘That would be lovely.’
In the kitchen, Eleanor made herself at home at the dining table while Lauren busied herself with the kettle. As she poured the tea, she had a sudden thought.
She carried the mugs over to the table. ‘Mum, can I talk to you about something?’
‘Of course. What’s on your mind?’ Eleanor looked at her expectantly.
Lauren fidgeted with her mug. ‘It’s about Jake and I.’
Eleanor’s eyebrows shot up. ‘Oh? What about you two?’
Here goes nothing. Lauren chose her words carefully. ‘Well, I’ve been thinking a lot lately . . . about whether we’re really happy together.’
Eleanor’s face fell. ‘What do you mean, Lauren? You and Jake have been married for years. You’ve built a life together.’
‘I know, but sometimes, things change. People change.’ Lauren shrugged, avoiding her mother’s gaze.
‘Change isn’t always a good thing, Lauren. You made a commitment to Jake. You can’t just throw it away because things aren’t as exciting as they used to be.’
Lauren felt a flash of defensiveness. ‘It’s not just about excitement, Mum. It’s about feeling fulfilled, like we’re truly happy.’
‘Happiness isn’t everything. Marriage is about sacrifice, about sticking together through thick and thin.’ Eleanor sipped her tea, her expression unwavering.
‘But what if sticking together means we’re both miserable? What if we’re not setting a good example for Ben?’
‘You can’t base your decisions on what-ifs. You made vows to Jake. You owe it to him and to your son to honour those vows.’ Eleanor’s voice was gentle but firm.
Lauren slumped in her chair, feeling defeated. ‘I just don’t know what to do. I feel torn between my own happiness and my responsibilities as a wife and mother.’
Eleanor reached across the table and patted Lauren’s hand. ‘I know it’s not easy, but sometimes we have to put our own desires aside for the sake of our family. Think about Ben. Think about how this will affect him.’
She’s right, but . . . Lauren sighed. ‘I am thinking about Ben. That’s why I’m considering this. I want him to grow up in a happy, healthy environment.’
‘Happiness isn’t guaranteed. Sometimes, we have to make sacrifices for the ones we love.’ Eleanor’s eyes were sympathetic but unyielding.
Lauren’s shoulders sagged. ‘I know, Mum. But I can’t help but wonder if staying with Jake is the right sacrifice to make.’
Eleanor’s eyes widened. ‘Don’t even entertain that thought. Your marriage is worth fighting for. Now, let’s not dwell on this any longer. Have you and Sydney planned the upcoming event?’
And just like that, the subject was changed. Lauren forced a smile. ‘Yeah, and we think you’re going to love it.’
‘Good. Now, let’s enjoy our tea.’ Eleanor settled back in her chair, the tension dissipating.
As Lauren took a sip, a moment of truth crossed her mind.
What did I expect? At least I can say I tried to talk to her about it when I finally drop the bombshell.
Chapter Ten
Rain jolted awake, her phone’s incessant ringing dragging her from a restless sleep. Fumbling for the device on her bedside table, she squinted at the screen, not recognising the number. For a brief, hopeful moment, she thought it might be about Fay. With a sense of dread, she answered.
‘Hello?’ Her voice was rough with sleep.
‘Good morning, this is Mr Larkins.’
Rain’s sleep-fogged brain struggled to place the name. Then it clicked – The Mayfair Heritage Hotel.
‘Oh, Mr Larkins. Good morning,’ she said, trying to sound more alert than she felt.
‘I’m calling to offer you the position,’ he said curtly. ‘If you still want it, the job is yours.’
Rain nearly dropped the phone in shock. After the disastrous interview, she’d been sure she’d blown her chance. To hear she’d actually got the job was surreal.
‘Are you serious?’ she blurted out, wincing at how unprofessional she sounded.
Mr Larkins sighed. ‘Of course I am. Why else would I be calling?’
‘Right, of course. I just . . . wow. Thank you. I’d love the job.’
If her enthusiasm was slightly tempered, it was only because of Lauren. The thought of seeing her again, of working in the same building, made Rain’s stomach twist with nerves and longing.
If I’m going to find out what happened to Fay, I don’t have a choice.
‘Be at the hotel at one p.m. sharp,’ Mr Larkins instructed. ‘My assistant, Sarah, will get you sorted with your uniform and training schedule.’
And with that, he hung up, leaving Rain staring at her phone in bewilderment.
