It’s Complicated But It Doesn’t Have To Be

8

Blake drove home, as he got out of the truck and locked it, he pulled out his phone.

Melissa - Hi Blake, I had an amazing time today, thank you, my parents address is

32245 West Park Ave

See you tomorrow about 10 am M x

A smile instantly came to Blake’s face as he read the message. Melissa had trusted him, trusted him with her parents address, that was something massive.

Putting his key in the lock, he could hear Brock moving around inside.

Blake loved Brock and there were times he was glad they lived together, he just wished right now that they lived apart. He’d love to bring Melissa back to his place and make her call his name all night long.

Pulling up the name of his bar, Blake put the phone to his ear as he opened the front door to the apartment.

“Hey Craig, it’s Blake. Listen I know you guys got the bonus from the IBA, I’m giving you all a bonus if you’ll shut the bar tomorrow for me. Thanks dude.”

Ending the call Blake pocketed the phone.

He found Brock sitting at his laptop, looking at pictures, a flyer next to him. Picking up the flyer, reading it aloud “Featherlite, we help support new business ideas.” Snatching the flyer out of Blake’s hand Brock raised an eyebrow, “You’ve not been working?” His voice hoarse.

“Nah man, I’ve been on a date with the most amazing woman.” Blake had now moved to infront of Brock, as Blake couldn’t see what was on the screen of the laptop, Brock pulled up a picture of Melissa, standing on stage at the IBA, her auburn hair glowing under the stage lights, her red dress making her look angelic but devilish, the curve of her breast, her long legs peeking out from the slit in her dress. God Brock was hard. It took him a few seconds to realise Blake was telling him about his date.

Smiling, Blake said “Well that’s it. Goodnight Bro.” And within three steps had shut the door to his bedroom.

MELISSAS PARENTS HOUSE

Pulling the heavy bag up to the house, Melissa unlocked the door, with the spare keys her parents gave her.

Walking into the hallway it was beautiful decorated with warm colours of orange and gold. In most places it would look tacky, but in her parents place it looked the best.

Going up the stairs with the heavy bag, Melissa found her room. Opening the door, she put the bag on the floor and switched on the light.

The room was perfect. It had cream walls, a four poster bed and an en suite bathroom, a walk in wardrobe and a balcony that overlooked the swimming pool and patio area.

Putting the bag on the bed Melissa set about putting her stuff away. Once everything was sorted she went back downstairs to let the dogs in from the run they were in.

Melissa’s family had three dogs a German Shepherd called Storm daft as a brush but an excellent guard dog and he loved his humans. An all black Belgian malinois called Ebony who liked to think she was top dog. And finally the boss that was a St Bernard called Sully short for Sullivan, he was old now at nearly 10 and he had been Melissa’s best friend. All three dogs had ran over to her, knocking Melissa to the floor and giving her licks all over.

After giving them something to eat, Melissa grabbed the good bourbon that she knew her dad hid in his office and sat on the couch with the dogs. Flicking on Netflix, her phone rang, picking it up Sully growled. He hated phone calls, it meant less scratches behind his ears, shushing him Melissa picked it up.

“Mel, it’s Dad, are you okay? Listen there’s a bottle of bourbon in my office by all means finish it. Help yourself to anything. We love you. Grandpa Bill says hi.”

Melissa smiled “Hey dad, ok I will and tell Grandpa Bill I said hello and he better get well soon. Or he’ll have me to deal with.” Laughing down the phone Shane said “Ok sweetie, we love you.” Melissa heard “I don’t.” From Ryan.

Melissa said “Tell Ryan I don’t love him either. Bye dad.” And hung up the phone.

Flicking through movies Melissa decided to put on her favourite anti hero Deadpool.

Warm and comfortable, Melissa quickly got into the movie and before she knew it her eyelids were closing and she was fast asleep.

A ringing phone woke Melissa, looking at the phone she could see it was gone midnight.

“Yeah?” Melissa said her voice heavy from sleep.

“Did you get my message?” Sam asked

“No sorry Sam.” Melissa said as she moved the heavy dogs from on top of her. “I booked in an appointment for tomorrow, at 9:00 I was waiting for a response. Sorry boss.” Sam said guiltily.

“Honestly it’s nothing for you to apologise for. Ok. I will have the meeting at my parents place. I won’t have time tomorrow as I am busy after that. Goodnight Sam.” Melissa explained before hanging up.

Getting her personal mobile, she called Blake. “Hey Blake, it’s me. Sorry for calling you so late.” Feeling guilty at ringing at that time of night, she could hear in his voice she’d woken him up.

“Is everything okay?” Blake asked slightly confused.

“Yeah. I have a meeting tomorrow, my secretary reminded me and I completely forgot. The thing is I don’t know how long it will take. So can we meet at 11:00 instead of 10:00. I should be done by then.” Melissa said silently praying

“Of course baby. Don’t worry. I don’t mind meeting later. Maybe we could have some dinner together too.” Blake suggested to make her feel comfortable.

Smiling down the phone Melissa sighed “Ok see you tomorrow.”

Putting the phone down, Melissa locked up and went to bed followed by her entourage of four legged friends. Not before setting an alarm clock for 7:00.

THE NEXT MORNING

Melissa got out of bed as the shrill alarm beeped, hitting the button. She got up.

The oversized mans shirt she was wearing fell just below her bottom. Walking down the stairs she went and opened the french doors and let the dogs out. Shutting but not locking the door, because the dogs could open the door to let themselves in, Melissa put some food into their bowls, filled the other bowls with water, put them on the floor, Melissa grabbed her mobile calling up “Becky’s bakery.” The voice answered.

“Hi yeah, can I get a selection of pastries, delivered please?”

“Yes the breakfast box is good. Would you like to know what that contains?” The disembodied asked politely

“No that’s okay thank you. Could you charge it to the Hartford account please, would you be able to get it here before 9am? It’s to the residential address you have on the account.” Melissa loved Becky’s bakery, their food is always made fresh and delicious. And Melissa also knew that Ryan used them regularly, so they have their parents address on file.

“Ok. We can do that. Although it might be at 9:00. Is that okay?” The voice asked

“That’s perfectly fine. Thank you. Goodbye.” Melissa said, putting the phone down Melissa jumps in the shower, the hot water beating down on her frame, steam fogs up the mirror as she steps out.

Melissa went to get dressed, putting on a white vest top, with a long sleeved lace tunic over the the top, a pair of leggings, and flat shoes, although not her usual attire her business meeting wasn’t in its usual place either. Spraying a light floral perfume, that she wore only on weekends.

Her hair in a french braid, with a white hair tie as the end. Even in these simple clothes she looked elegant. She applied some light make up, no foundation, she was trying to let her skin breath, just brown eyeshadow, mascara with wings, and red lipstick. Melissa didn’t normally go for red it clashed with her hair, but this was a deep red like red wine, and looked amazing. She nipped downstairs and put on a pot of coffee carrying it and mugs through to the dining room along with cream and milk and sugar.

Putting the dogs outside a knock came to the door, checking her reflection quickly in the mirror by the door, Melissa opened the door, and stopped stunned, at the door stood who she thought was Blake. Brock was equally stunned, he knew she was beautiful from the IBA awards, but dressed in none business clothes she was breathtakingly beautiful.

‘Say something you i***t’ clearing his throat he spoke “Hi I’m Brock Milligan. Your secretary confirmed we’d be meeting here.” Brock stood there. A briefcase in one hand, his shirt, tight over his biceps, Melissa could see he like Blake clearly worked out. He was wearing a suit but no jacket. As he arrived the pastries also arrived, as Melissa went to turn to shut the door the awkward box made her over balanced and she fell, Brock standing close caught her in one arm and the box in the other. Melissa’s face is buried into his chest, her hand clutching at his bicep, as he effortlessly handles a briefcase, a box of pastries, and Melissa.

“Easy there.” Brock said, his eyes locked on hers as she looked at him from against his chest. She could smell his aftershave it was a very masculine scent. And seemed to suit him. He could also smell her perfume, ‘Wow, she smells amazing.’

Realisation hitting Melissa pulls away, straightening her clothes, with a slight blush on her face. “T-this way Mr Milligan.” Melissa said not dating to look at Brock as she took the box from him. Guiding him towards the dining room, with a table big enough to seat 16 adults.

Placing the box on the table, Melissa said “Ok Mr Milligan. Impress me. Setting his things down Brock gave a 40 minute explanation of what his business did.

Now Melissa understood why Sam had pencilled in this meeting last minute. Brock was looking to start his own photography business, to take the place of McAdam Photography. Smiling to herself as Brock handed her his portfolio.

Opening the book, she was a complete novice, but she saw how talented he was. As she flipped through the photos one in particular caught her eye.

“This is me. I’m at the IBA.” Melissa said shocked.

Brock had forgotten he’d put that in his portfolio. “Ah yeah. Sorry.” He started to explain.

“No you misunderstand, I look amazing, I only recognised it was me by the dress I’m wearing. Wow. May I keep this portfolio to show the board, it will help your case.”

Brock nodded, pouring himself some coffee and pouring some for Melissa as she looked again at the photos. Drinking down his coffee he had managed to look over at her, seeing the expression on her face, the curve of her neck. Taking a deep breath he placed his cup back on the saucer, “I think that’s just about covered everything.” Melissa said standing, “I will call you tomorrow with a final decision. The board meets Monday Mornings, so would 2 o’ clock be okay?” Melissa asked as she had her phone scheduler at the ready.

Brock nodded “Yes of course. I look forward to hearing from you then.”

Melissa walked Brock to the door as the clock struck 11:00. As she opened the door there stood Blake.

“Blake?!” Said Brock and Melissa in unison.