Heal My Wounds

Chapter 2

Stan

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I walked into the office after being summoned by Jason. Jason is my half-brother and we both saw to the affairs of the company.

I saw a familiar figure sitting across the table just opposite Jason. The blonde hair reminded me of someone in my past life, the life I left in Brighton.

The scowl on Jason’s face wasn’t welcoming. But then, that’s Jason for you; always being so cold and unwelcoming. Though we got along quite well, I had tried numerous times to get him out of his shell but all my efforts proved abortive.

Mrs. Mandy, the housekeeper, had once told me that he had been a very cheerful, happy boy until he lost his mum to cancer.

We had our little misunderstandings, just like the one we are having now in the presence of the young lady to be interviewed.

And then, at just that moment, my eyes met with hers and a stream of happy and sad memories flooded my mind.

‘Olivia?’ I muttered inaudibly and like an impulse, she got up abruptly and scurried off.

Jason paused for a while.

‘The same Olivia? The one you told me about? From Brighton?’ he inquired trying to keep his anger from exploding.

My silence gave the unspoken response.

‘Come on, bro. You of all people should know we don’t do business with sentiments.’

‘I must have mixed-up the names.’ I said. Trying to take the blames because I knew Jason would fire Sylvia immediately if I didn’t accept the blame although I knew nothing about what just happened.

Jason was now looking through her documents which she had given to him.

‘Hmm. This is quite impressive. She might not be such a bad idea after all.’ He said after going through her skill set. ‘Since she’s here and she’s quite credible, she'd have the job but whatever happens, would be on you.’ he concluded.

I let out a boyish smile. I couldn’t decipher the reason for my smile. It felt odd.

My mind flashed back to four years ago when I was madly in love with Olivia. Tracy her best friend had been unusually into me but I gave it no second thought. She was Olivia’s most trusted friend. There’s no way she’d want anything serious to do with me. So I thought.

Ever since that night at her parent’s 30th wedding anniversary, I tried hard to let go and forgive myself for hurting her so badly. Staying back in Brighton didn’t make it easy for me as almost everything reminded me of her. We’d been to every restaurant in town and had secret spots where we meet to have some quiet lovers time which always ended in our little make-out sessions. I had no chance to make up for my deeds. She refused to see me and only a week later, I heard she left for college. That was the last I ever heard from her or saw her; till today.

The thoughts and memories we made sent chills down my spine. I knew definitely that I was still in love with her. She still had that glow and those slim model curves that left me in awe of her body. Then it occurred to me that she would probably have moved on. A lady that pretty won’t be single for a long time. She definitely found someone that gives her the treatment she deserved.

‘Here!’ Jason handed me a brown file. ‘Do the needful. She’s to resume in two weeks. Instruct Sylvia to contact her.’ He turned back to his screen.

I glanced for a short while at the file.

‘Miss Olivia Rodrigo.’ I mouthed. She’s still a ‘Miss.’ I still have a chance. I smiled sheepishly as I walked out of the office.

‘Stan. This had better be good.’ Jason called out to me.

Turning back, I smiled and gave a salute which worked because it made Jason smile.

‘She's a good girl.’ He said.