Our Love in the Clouds

Chapter 2

These days we have many flights. After 15 days, we finally return to Colorado. I'm exhausted. Julian called me to warn me that Barnett is reluctant to give me the divorce.

As I'm leaving the airport, I'm surprised to see a limousine in the employee parking lot. My curiosity makes me stay to see who they're coming to pick up. After a few minutes, Cameron comes out without a uniform and in a tailored suit, an expensive one that Barnett would have envied. The driver gets out and opens the door for him. Before he can get in, a little girl comes out and hugs him happily. He starts spinning the little girl around and showers her with kisses, then they get into the limousine and leave.

Although we talked a lot these days since we spent most of our rest hours together, either having dinner or going for a walk while waiting for our next flight, it never occurred to me to ask him if he was married. Even though with how handsome he is, it's logical that he has a family. In fact, it didn't cross my mind to ask him because I was dying of embarrassment for everything he found out about me on the first day we met.

Anyway, I stop thinking about my coworkers and start mentally preparing myself to go to my old apartment and collect my things. I just hope I don't run into Barnett.

Upon arrival, I hurry to pack all my things and when I'm about to leave, I run into Barnett face to face.

"I figured you'd come for your things, so I asked the guard to let me know as soon as he saw you."

"Barnett, I don't want to have any more problems with you. Let's handle this divorce amicably, please."

He approaches me and tries to kiss me, but I turn away.

"Loren, don't be foolish. You're 28 years old, you can't have children, plus you're a very unattractive and fat woman. Don't you realize that you won't find anyone else who will accept you like I do?"

His words hurt me because, unfortunately, he has never tired of repeating them to me.

"Don't worry about me, Barnett. I don't need a man to be happy. On the contrary, I think that from now on I'll finally be able to enjoy life as I damn well please."

"I'm not going to sign the divorce, ever."

"It's your decision. If you want me to make a scandal and show the photos I took of you with your little friend, fine, I have no problem with that."

He grabs my arm in fury.

"You wouldn't have the guts."

He raises his hand to slap me and I quickly move forward and knee him in the groin. He doubles over in pain and starts yelling at me.

"You'll regret that. When you come back on your knees begging me for forgiveness and begging me to make love to you, I'm going to laugh at you."

"Please, Barnett, don't think you're all that. I have a small confession to make. You never made me feel anything. You think you're so good at s*x, but let me burst your bubble - I've never had an o****m with you. So you're not that good, and don't be so dramatic. I don't think your pain is that great."

"You foolish woman, you're nothing but frigid. You'll never feel pleasure with any man."

"Well, we'll see about that. Someday I'll look you in the face and tell you if it was my fault or yours."

I hurry out with my belongings, and although I feel very sad about how things ended, I'm optimistic about my future and feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

I arrive at my mother's house and find her sitting on the porch with her husband, Hector. They got married a few months ago. He's a very nice man who treats my mother wonderfully. They met in a senior citizens' group, and he has brought joy to both my mother and me, as I've grown very fond of him too. When she sees me, she immediately stands up and runs to hug me.

"My little one, you finally remembered I exist."

"Hi mom, I was on a trip. I need to talk to you about something important."

Hector approaches and gives me a hug.

"Hello Loren, it's great to see you. You're still as beautiful as your mother."

"Thank you, Hector, it's great to see you too."

"Well, I'll leave you two to talk. I'll make you something to eat while you talk."

My mother gives him a kiss.

"Thank you, darling."

I sit next to my mother and try to organize my thoughts to talk to her.

"Well, daughter, are you going to tell me what's happening?"

"Well mom, a few days ago I returned from my trip and wanted to surprise Barnett for our anniversary. It turns out I was the one surprised. While I was waiting for him, he arrived with a beautiful girl. I hid when I heard them come in, and they ended up together in my bed."

My mother takes my hand.

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I never liked that man for you."

"I know, mom. I'm in the process of getting a divorce, and right now I have nowhere to stay."

"Oh sweetie, don't even think about that. This is your home, and you can stay as long as you need."

"Thank you mom, I appreciate it and I promise I'll look for an apartment as soon as possible."

"But honey, it's not necessary."

"Mom, I don't want to be a bother. You're newlyweds and I don't want to get in the way."

"Oh honey, don't be silly, you're not in the way at all. Besides, if you put some earplugs on at night, it's no problem."

I burst into laughter.

"Oh mom, you're so funny."

"I just wanted to make you laugh, honey. You don't know how much it hurts me that you're going through a separation. It's really difficult."

"Yes mom, it is. But to be honest, I feel liberated. I want to enjoy everything I couldn't before."

"That's how it will be, daughter. You can count on me for anything you need."

We enter the house and I settle into my old room. It's strange, but in the apartment with Bennett I never felt like I was at home. I always saw myself as a guest. I can't believe how blind I've been all these years by his side.

I leave my room, Hector and my mother have the table ready. I'm completely amazed. Hector is an excellent cook. He prepared delicious chicken fajitas and rice soup for us.

"Wow Hector, I'm at a loss for words. Your cooking is amazing."

"Thank you, Loren."

"Although if I stay here much longer, I'll end up fatter than I already am."

My mother looks at me annoyed.

"Daughter please, you're not fat. What nonsense are you talking about? You have a very nice body. I'm sure that damn Bobonett left you traumatized."

I'm surprised to hear her and can't help but laugh out loud.

"Mom, for God's sake, what do you mean 'Bobonett'?"

"Oh daughter, forgive me, but that guy is a fool. I've always disliked him, but now I can tell you with confidence."

I stand up and give her a hug.

"How true it is when they say mothers have a sixth sense."

"That's right, daughter."

"Well, I'll leave you two. Thank you very much for dinner, but I'm exhausted."

...

I take advantage of my week off to look for an apartment. I'm deeply engaged in conversation with my real estate agent when my phone rings. It's an unknown number.

"Hello."

"Loren, please don't hang up on me. I need to talk to you. I promise it will be quick."

It's Barnett.

"We have nothing to talk about."

"Please give me a few minutes. It's something important."

"Alright, I'm near my favorite coffee if you want to meet there in half an hour."

"Perfect, I'll see you there."

I'm leaving the real estate agency when I run into Cameron face to face.

"Hi Loren, what a surprise to see you here."

"Hi Cameron."

He's dressed in one of those expensive suits. He looks like a real CEO. Looking at him, I would never have guessed he's a pilot. I know they earn well, but I never imagined enough to dress so elegantly.

"Are you buying a house?"

"I'm looking for an apartment, something compact since it's just for me. And you?"

He looks a bit nervous.

"I'm actually selling my apartment. I bought a house a few months ago, and I don't need it anymore. By any chance, would you like to see it?"

"I'm not sure, to be honest. My budget is a bit tight. I'll talk to my agent about it."

He smiles and I look at the clock. Barnett is probably already waiting for me at the coffee.

"Well, I have to go. It was nice to see you. I'll see you tomorrow."

I go to the shop and enter to look for Barnett. He's sitting at a very secluded table in his expensive suit as always, though it honestly doesn't compare to the suit Cameron was wearing. Without meaning to sound bad, when did I start thinking he was a Greek god? There's not even a comparison.

I snap out of my thoughts and approach Barnett. When he sees me, he stands up and tries to kiss me, smiling when I don't allow it.

"Loren, we can fix this. You know you'll never find a man like me."

I roll my eyes in exasperation.

"If that's why you wanted to see me, I'd better leave."

"No, I'm sorry, that's not it. The thing is, I need your help. As you know, I want to become a partner in the firm, and now I have the opportunity, but we can't get divorced yet. Give me a few months please, do it for everything we've been through together."

"I don't know, let me think about it."

"The problem is that we have an important dinner tonight, and they're going to ask about you."

"And what exactly are you asking me?"

"To accompany me."

"Why don't you ask one of your flings?"

"Because it's an important event and all the partners will be there."

"And didn't you say that I don't know how to behave properly and can't even dress appropriately for those kinds of parties?"

"Please come with me, it's very important. I'll owe you one."

"I'll go with you, but it's the last thing I'm doing for you. I'm not giving you the months you're asking for. I want you to sign the divorce papers as soon as possible."

He's not very sure but he nods.

"Alright. Where can I pick you up?"

"No, just send me the address and I'll meet you at the entrance. No one will notice we didn't arrive together."

"Okay, one more thing. Could you wear the black dress?"

"Yes, see you later. I'll talk to Julian so you can tell him when you can bring me the divorce papers."

I get up quickly and before going to my mother's house, I stop at a beauty salon. I get my hair styled in a more modern cut, and while I'm there, I ask my stylist to do my makeup for tonight. Looking at myself in the mirror, I feel very beautiful. My eyes really pop and although it's simple makeup, it looks quite good.

I go to my mother's house and take out the black dress Barnett wanted, but after thinking about it for a bit, I change my mind and take out one I bought a few months ago. It's red, fitted, has a bit of cleavage and a huge slit up the leg. Barnett never liked it, so I hadn't had the chance to wear it until now. I put on red lipstick which stands out a lot against my very white skin. Once I'm ready, I leave the room and my mother and Hector are surprised.

"Honey, where are you going all dolled up?"

"Mom, don't exaggerate."

"Oh no, Loren, sweetie, your mom isn't exaggerating. You look gorgeous. I don't understand why you say you're fat when you look perfect."

"Thank you, Hector. Well, mother, don't get angry, but I'm going to a business party with Barnett."

"Oh, daughter."

"He assured me that if I accompanied him, he would sign the divorce papers."

"But you still believe that Bobonett will sign the divorce papers? Honey, I don't want to discourage you, but that man is just stringing you along for his own benefit."

"Well, mother, don't worry. I still have an ace up my sleeve that would force him to sign the divorce."

"Will he pick you up?"

"No, mom. I told him I'd meet him at the hotel entrance."

"Well, daughter, you know what you're doing, but if you need anything, don't hesitate to call us."

I approach to give her a kiss and say goodbye to them. I get in my car and while driving to the hotel. I can't stop thinking about the face Barnett will make when he sees me in this red dress. He's always told me it's a very trashy color.

I leave my car in the parking lot and as I approach the door, I see a limousine arriving. I don't know why it caught my attention and I stand watching it. A beautiful woman steps out wearing such an elegant and gorgeous dress that it makes me feel inferior. A man approaches her, and they go to the entrance together. I move closer, and I'm amazed when I realize who it is. It's Cameron, looking incredibly handsome in a black tuxedo and white shirt, his beard perfectly groomed. I'm staring at him so intently that I think he senses my gaze because he turns, and his eyes can't hide his surprise. He says something to his companion and approaches me.

"My God, Loren, I didn't recognize you. You look beautiful. I've never seen anyone wear red so well."

I flush a little at his comment, and he smiles at me.

"Sorry for being so direct, but I truly think that from now on, red is my favorite color."

"Thank you very much, Cameron. You look very handsome too."

"And what are you doing here?"

I'm about to answer him when Barnett arrives and approaches us.

"Loren, why didn't you wear the black dress?"

Cameron gives him a skeptical look. Cameron is a bit taller than Barnett and I hate to admit it, but he has a better physique than Barnett.

Barnett realizes we were talking and greets him with a smile. Apparently, they know each other.

"Mr. Parker, what a pleasure to see you."

Cameron shakes his hand but remains very serious.

"Loren, could you remove that lipstick? The color looks quite gaudy."

I'm very embarrassed that Cameron is overhearing the complaints and orders Barnett is giving me.

"If you'll allow me, Barnett, I must tell you that you have a beautiful wife. I've never seen anyone wear red so well."

Barnett turns a bit pale and comes closer to hug me. At that moment, Cameron offers me his arm to go to the party. I give Barnett a smile and walk in on Cameron's arm.

"I thought you were getting divorced?"

"Yes, but apparently Barnett couldn't come alone today. You can imagine he offered to sign the divorce papers if I accompanied him."

He remains thoughtful for a moment.

"Well, to be honest, I'm grateful to him. These parties are very boring to me, and running into you is the best thing that could have happened to me."

"I feel the same way."

Barnett approaches us.

"Come on, Loren. Our table is on the other side."

Cameron doesn't let go of me.

"Barnett, in your invitation you didn't specify that you were coming with someone, and it seems you only have one seat reserved."

I'm surprised, and so is Barnett.

"That's right, I forgot to confirm that my wife was coming."

"Well, I could seat her with me. I have a space for my companion, but as you already know, she won't be using it."

Barnett can't hide his surprise and leans in to whisper in my ear.

"Don't you dare say we're getting divorced."

He walks away a bit annoyed, and Cameron smiles at me.

"Well, come and sit beside me."

"Cameron, I don't want to be a bother. I'd rather leave, honestly. You came with someone, and I don't want to inconvenience your wife."

He smiles at me.

"My guest is my sister, and she's the organizer of this event, so don't worry. I'm not married, Loren."

Well, maybe he's a single father. Anyway, I sit next to him, and people can't stop staring at us. The truth is, Cameron is very funny, and my supposedly not-so-scandalous laughter can be heard up to the top floor of the hotel.

"I love your laugh."

"I'm sure. Look how everyone is staring at me as if I were crazy. Barnett wants to kill me with his glare."

A small ceremony begins, and then the music starts. Cameron invites me to dance, and I accept delightedly. He's an excellent dancer, but I can't help feeling nervous. I don't know what happens to me when I'm near him; it's as if a tingling sensation runs through my entire body, and feeling his hands on my back makes me very warm.

"Tell me, why are you divorcing Barnett?"

"Do you know him?"

"Not much."

"Barnett warned me not to say anything, but he doesn't know that we know each other and that you're my coworker. We're divorcing because of infidelity."

He opens his eyes wide.

"Don't look at me like that. Obviously, it's on his part. Remember the day I returned to the airport looking like a zombie?"

"How could I forget? I thought the Apocalypse had begun."

I burst out laughing.

"Don't make me laugh anymore. I'll embarrass you."

"I don't care what people say, and I'm happy seeing you smile."

I don't know how to take his comment, and I feel a bit embarrassed, so I'd better return to the topic we were discussing.

"Well, that day was our anniversary and I wanted to surprise him, but it was the opposite. He gave me the biggest surprise of my life - he arrived at our apartment with a woman, and you can imagine what happened next."

"The bruise you had, he gave it to you?"

I nod, embarrassed, and Cameron becomes furious.

"I can't believe it. He's a scoundrel."

"It doesn't matter anymore."

At that moment, Barnett approaches us.

"Mr. Parker, may I dance with my wife?"

Cameron nods but doesn't hide his anger as he walks away.

"I can't believe you're embarrassing me. First, you put on that vulgar dress, and now you're dancing with a man you just met, flirting with him shamelessly."

"That's not true, I..."

"Shut up. You always have to answer everything I say. You never know when to be quiet."

"Barnett, I need to go to the restroom."

We leave the dance floor, and he leads me by the hand forcefully.

"Do you even know who that man is?"

I'm about to tell him that he's my coworker when we're interrupted by the girl he cheated on me with.

"Honey, why did you bring that woman? We agreed that I would accompany you to all events from now on."

I can't believe the audacity of these two.

"You know what, Barnett? Sign the divorce as soon as possible and don't ever look for me again."

I'm walking away when Barnett grabs my arm forcefully.

"You can't leave yet."

Cameron comes walking towards us.

"Loren, is everything okay?"

"Yes, Cameron, thank you. I have to go."

I rush out to the parking lot and stop at the door to catch my breath. For a moment, I feel like I'm suffocating. Cameron approaches and looks at me worriedly.

"Loren, are you alright?"

"No, I feel like I'm suffocating."

He takes my hand and helps me into the limousine. He gives instructions to take us somewhere - I honestly have no idea where, because I'm focusing on trying to breathe normally while he makes some calls.

We arrive very quickly at a huge building. He carries me out of the limousine hurriedly. When we enter the elevator, he enters a code, and we go straight to the penthouse. As the doors open, there's a woman waiting for us. He takes me to a room and carefully lays me on the bed. She starts examining me quickly. I try to answer her questions, but I don't have enough air.

She gives me an injection and I start to feel my breathing slowly return to normal. I feel my eyes getting very heavy and I fall asleep.

When I wake up, I feel a bit disoriented. I start to remember what happened. I try to get up, but when I look at myself, I'm surprised because I'm in my underwear. I couldn't be more embarrassed, seeing myself in my underwear.

Just then, the door opens and Cameron enters, wearing one of his suits. Seeing him reminds me that we were supposed to travel together today. I start to get up, but I do it so quickly that if he hadn't stopped me, I might have lost some teeth.

"Loren, please don't get up. You're a bit weak from the injection they gave you."

"What happened to me?"

"According to the doctor who examined you, you had quite a serious anxiety attack. She gave you a sedative to control it."

"Cameron, we were supposed to travel today."

"Don't worry about that. I notified our boss to find replacements for us this week."

"I'm so sorry, how embarrassing. It's been a long time since I had an episode, I even thought they had gone away completely. By the way, my mom must be worried. Where's my phone?"

"Don't worry, your mom called, and I told her what happened. She was scared for a moment, but then I explained that we were coworkers and she calmed down. Of course, not before asking for a copy of my driver's license and warning me that she knows how to shoot."

I smile at him.

"Well, I don't want to scare you, but my mom is indeed a champion sharpshooter."

"Alright then, I'll put off any nefarious plans for another time. I'm already scared by your mother's threats."

I burst out laughing.

"Is this the apartment you're selling?"

"Yes, I bought a house in Aspen and I don't come to the city much anymore."

"Cameron, this isn't an apartment, it's a penthouse. I couldn't even afford the rent for one of the simple apartments in this area."

"I could make you a good offer. I'll talk to your agent."

"I really don't think it's in my budget, but thank you. Hey, where's my dress? It's a bit uncomfortable talking to you in my underwear."

"Really? It doesn't bother me at all."

"How hilarious."

"I don't have much to offer you, but maybe you can put on some of my sportswear to be comfortable."

"Yes, I'd appreciate that."

He goes to a huge closet and comes out with a white T-shirt and gray sweatpants.

"They might be a bit big on you."

"Thanks, it doesn't matter."

I start putting on the T-shirt, and he smiles, without taking his eyes off me.

"You could at least try to hide that you're devouring me with your eyes."

"Why? Who do you think took off your beautiful red dress yesterday?"

"You're shameless, you don't even try to hide it."

"No, I'm not shameless. I'm a good Samaritan who helps you sleep more comfortably."

"Alright, Mr. Good Samaritan, thanks for undressing me and not letting me change in private."

We hear the doorbell ring and I get worried.

"It's not my mother with her rifle, is it?"

He roars with laughter.

"Fortunately for me, it's not your mother. I ordered some food, since I don't come here much anymore, I don't have any food to offer you."

He leaves the room and I sigh. I couldn't stand him at first, and now I even feel attracted to him. Oh my God, what am I thinking? Shoo, negative thoughts! I'm going through a horrible divorce and here I am thinking about another man. No, no, no and no. I'm not going to give in, no matter how irresistible the temptation.