Undoubtedly Yours

Chapter 6

Hope

Wow!! Today has been a roller coaster. I have been shocked so many times tonight that I feel like even if you electrocute me today, I won't feel it at all. I almost died when he held me like that but, Lord have mercy! I mean, he used to work out back in college, but now he looks like a Greek God. His tan skin, blue eyes, roughly tousled hair and light stubble, make him look like a model. I was not sure how I would handle him if he continued like that. I was terrified when I thought he might ask me questions that I was not ready to answer, but his suggestion came as a relief.

I think this is what I need. I need to have a normal conversation with him to calm myself down. I am thinking what to say after our little exchange over wine when he says, "So, Hope, how have you been?" Taking a deep breath, I smile as I answer, "Not too bad. I have been getting by just fine I guess. I started with NEXT ON after graduation as an intern to almost a team manager now. I have just moved back to Toronto a month ago when they moved offices here from Vancouver. Life has been work, eat, sleep, repeat for the last four years. I have been exhausted for two weeks because you know, moving sucks balls." He laughs when I say that and I blush a little as I realize what I said. Hiding my embarrassment, I ask, "Anyways, what about you? How have you been?"

"I can't believe you still say that. Sucks balls." shaking his head, he starts laughing again, making me laugh with him. It feels good to casually laugh with him again. He stops laughing but continues to smile as he says, "Same for me, I took over Campbell's four years ago when John got sick. Since then, I have revamped the entire company again and reintroduced it as Hoffman industries. I have butted heads with so many people double my age in the last four years because they thought they were better. I have lost count on how many times the older board members lectured me about "back in my day". It was rough for a while but now pretty much everyone has come around and I bought out the ones who didn't."

"Wow! That's amazing. Although, that does make me wonder and I don't want to pry if it crosses a line, but, why Dean Hoffman?" I ask, unable to hide my curiosity. He sighs loudly, and for a moment I think I might have overstepped, but then I hear him, "He, my father, was not the man I thought he was. When he got sick and I took over the business, everything he did was exposed. He had illegal investments, making him a huge chunk of money. I had to buy out a few board members when I closed those accounts. It feels like I didn't even know the man and I wish that was all. I changed from Daniel to Dean because he gave me this name and took my mother's birth name. You won't believe me but, over a dozen women came to collect money when he passed away. Turns out, daddy dearest had over a dozen women at his disposal when he went out on business. Some even had kids. I just couldn't stand to remain a Campbell after that." He has a forlorn look on his face as he talks about his father, no doubt, betrayal still fresh in his mind.

I instinctively reach out and place my hand on his arm when I say, "Oh my God, Dean, I am so sorry! I cannot even imagine. I am sorry you and your mom had to go through all that. It must have been devastating." He is staring into space when he replies, "Yeah. it was at the time. It felt like I didn't know who I was anymore. My dad used to complain that mom didn't understand his pressure and I believed him and now I know, I couldn't be more wrong. You know, she didn't say anything against him when she found out. She suspected it for a long time but was not going to speak ill of the dead. It had made me even more angry at myself for believing in him. Mom had to sit me down and make me understand that anger wouldn't solve anything." His eyes come back to mine and he smiles a little and shakes his head as if shaking out the memories and says, "It was cathartic to let Daniel Cambell go after that."

"Well, Dean Hoffman does have a better ring to it anyway" I say, trying to lighten the mood. His smile is appreciative when he starts talking again, "You tell me, Williams. What do you think? I know for a fact you did not expect to see me either, and don't lie, it was clear from the look of shock on your face. Didn't you do your research?" How does one person go from forlorn to aggravating in less than thirty seconds? But not one to give up, I say, "I.. I usually research about the company and their advertising practices. CEO's and board members are generally not a part of that search. My team mate, Katie, was trying to get me to see your picture but I was too occupied with moving and the presentation. Though I regretted it the moment I saw you. You know, the funny thing is, every time I spoke to Mark I kept thinking he sounded familiar, but didn't think much of it. Speaking of Mark, I can't believe you guys are still working together. I remember you guys used to fight all the time."

"The guy is a pain in my a*s. He always was and always will be. When I joined the company, I figured I needed my own cavalry. He is one of the board members now and so is Dani. You remember Dani?" he asks me. "Ofcourse I do. Who in their right frame of mind can ever forget Daniella?" I ask him, feigning shock. "Yeah, you are right about that. That woman always had brass balls. Despite being a board member now, she loves working as my assistant because, apparently, she loves the perks. She has been with me ever since I started. She has kicked my a*s on more occasions than I can count, but is also my biggest supporter. Sometimes I can't believe she is getting married.", he smiles fondly as he talks. One thing I do remember is their bond. They were always a force to be reckoned with when they were together. I am glad he had her in her corner.

"Wow! That is amazing. I am so happy for her. Although, it is very hard to imagine Dani wearing a bridal dress, but, again, she pretty much rocks everything she wears", I tell him, thinking about Dani. The waitress comes to drop off our entrees as we continue to talk. "I have no doubt she will have something unconventional planned. She asked me to be her bridesmaid. Bridesmaid! I put my foot down and agreed to be the best man and that was it.", he says, sounding exasperated and amused at the same time. Typical Dean and Dani. They drive each other crazy like siblings but stand by each other no matter what. I have always adored their bond. I can't help but laugh at what he just told me.

"That is hilarious. Only Dani can come up with the idea of you being a bridesmaid. She always had a different outlook on life, and I don't think that can ever change. If anything, it might have developed even more over the years. What do you think?" I ask. "You are not wrong. Not wrong at all. That woman can aggravate pretty much anyone. Unfortunately for us though, she has brains to go with everything else she has got going. The only person that can mellow down Dani is her fiance. You will see what I mean when you meet her. She is a totally a different person when they are together." he says laughing clearly finding it amusing.

The waitress drops by to collect our plates and asks for dessert, which we both decline and Dean asks for the check. "Together or separate?" the waitress asked. "Together as always." Dean answers before I can say anything and the waitress struts away to get it. "Dean.." I try to say. "No can do Williams. Don't even think about it. This is not up for discussion. It's done, alright?" The curt way he says it tells me it wouldn't bode well for me if I said anything at this point, so I just silently nod at him

Once the bill is paid, we get up to exit the restaurant. We are walking side by side, no one saying anything as we reach my car. "It was nice to catch up and not think about anything else for a bit, don't you think?" Dean asks. "Yeah. I was thinking the same thing." I tell him. He turns my way and bends down a little at my eye level as says, "I am going to enjoy having you around again." I gulp, my smile fading and then he surprises me once again when he kisses my cheek again."Good Night Williams! I will see you next week. Drive Safe" he whispers and walks away to his car.

I stand there stunned as I think one thing, What have I gotten myself into?