Beach Side Romance

Chapter 9: Bridgewood City

Olivia POV

The week went by in a blur. Mrs. Willis asked if I could babysit Brandon yesterday since she needed to have a check-up. I happily agreed and Brandon and I painted and made some artwork he could gift his Nonnie with. I also told Julian the very same day I was told by my dad that they wanted to have dinner with me, and he was invited. I couldn’t gauge his reaction since I just texted him but he didn’t say no.

Now we’re driving along the beachside road about to enter Highway 124. The drive was 3 hours long on a good day. We decided to leave at 7AM, just in case the Monday morning rush meets us, we’ll still be able to get there in time for our meetings. I had the 11AM slot with Mae, Pierre and our big boss. Although Julian offered to drive, I insisted we take my R8 since it hasn’t been out on a long drive for almost 2 months now. I did pack some breakfast for the road that we were now munching on. I had to shove hashbrown bites and fruit squares inside Julian’s mouth when he needed to have two hands on the wheel, but it wasn’t awkward. Which I found weird. 

A shuffled playlist was softly playing in the background while we were playing 50 questions. When it was my turn, a thought suddenly came into mind. “How did you meet Pierre?” I asked. He laughed a little before answering, “Pierre was a good friend in college. He doesn’t look the part that much but he was actually a frat guy back then. I was a Sophomore and he was a Senior when I met him. We didn’t lose touch, but it was just recent that I had to phone him up to seek his expertise on the complex.” He answered directly. I told him that Pierre wanted to lead the project initially but was too swamped with projects of his own, and basically being the boss. “Yeah, he did tell me that, and then I assumed he asked Mae to find someone capable to basically control my bossy ass.” He chuckled. “And then you got me.” I added. “Yes, yes I did, and you are what I need.” He said, glancing at me, making me blush. “You’re no bossy ass, but you sure steer your ship where you feel like it’s heading north smoothly,” I commented. He laughed at it, “well, it wasn’t smooth sailing right before you came along, but I’m glad I have you now.” Again, smooth.

We had one question left for each when we arrived at my office building. “I’ll save my question for later,” he said. I smiled and unbuckled, “okay, then I will save mine as well. No need to open the door for me, client. But I will see you later.” I said, opening the door. He waited for me to get inside before driving away.

I clocked in at 10:30, just enough time to prepare for my presentation. I asked Anna, the secretary if she could get some lunch for us and some coffee in to-go cups. While she was setting the food down, she was telling me the times Drew or Eliza came in to ask if I was reporting for work that day. To my surprise Mae ordered everyone, and I mean everyone she knew in the firm that if they were approached by either, to tell them ‘she’s working on a project out of town’ which was the truth, but the vague truth. “Good Morning, O.” Mae greeted me as she arrived in our meeting room. “Hey boss, I got you something.” I said as I gave her a cup of coffee and a small box. I bought it along with the stuff I had for Andrea at that local store when I was at the strip mall for the first time. She opened the box and saw a choker with small pearls beaded into it. “This is beautiful, O. But not as beautiful as you! You look radiant! To whom will I owe your beautiful glow and seemingly inspired self?” She gushed. I changed the topic before anyone could hear her. A few minutes later Pierre and our big boss, Jean entered the room. “Olivia, Good Morning.” Jean greeted. “Good Morning, O.” Pierre seconded. “Good morning, gentlemen. Coffee for you,” I said gesturing to the two cups of coffee placed on the table.

I presented my plans for about an hour going through everything in detail from the smallest bit Julian needed help with to the center of attraction once they went out on the beach side. “Originally, you see, this was their plan” I said, flashing the original maze and fountain. “Yes, it exudes elegance. Yes, it was beautiful. But it didn’t connect. I got that realization looking over the plans when Mae first sent them. But when I finally saw the site, it was then that I saw what needed to be there.” I clicked the next slide showing Julian’s model of the green house. “Here lady, and gentlemen is an open concept of a simple greenhouse atrium.” I walked them through the model, the measurements and even the way I initially pictured it. 

Jean was nodding in agreement which Pierre noticed and flashed me a smile. “This is amazingly done, Olivia. Can we walk through the timelines?” Jean asked. I did as told and walked him through the 6-week plan. “Interesting, and precise. I’m okay with this Olivia. I would suggest to commence your 6-week plan when you’ve finalized the materials to use, and not before. But I will leave you to steer your own ship. Mae, she’s ready to take on projects like this. Congratulations, Olivia.” Jean said as he signed off my design and presentation with his signature. 

Mae and I were the only ones left to have lunch, so we decided to just give the packed lunch to housekeeping and head out. We walked to the Galleria which was across the street and chose a nice little coffee shop to chat.  Mae and I had a lot to catch-up on about work and non-work. But work was important now because of how her questions integrated with my non-work fairly recently. “So he’s never asked you out?” She asked me. “We’ve been getting the plans together, Mae. It’s all mostly professional work.” I answered. The waiter brought us our food and quickly left after. “But do you.. like, you know. Drink together? Have coffee?” She asked. “Yes, Mae. I mean when I said it was mostly professional, obviously that was during work time and meetings. I do go to the resort every so often because Lizzie is my friend, and Jerome has been like a dad away from home” I said. We talked about office gossip, and how Pierre has been trying to get another person for our team because of somemore projects that were lined up. 

Mae was trying to move roles since she’s been in hers for over 3 years now, and she was asking me what my plans were anytime soon. “My mom asked me if I wanted to move places the other day when I was telling her about going to Bridgewood today.” I said, Mae didn’t seem surprised about it. “And are you? Thinking of moving?” She asked as she took a bite of her mixed berry crepe. “I’ve thought of it, but I’ve never pondered upon it.” I said taking another sip of green tea. It was a good catch-up and the food was actually good. Walking back across the street to the office, I saw my R8 over the stoplight. “My ride’s almost here Mae.” I said pointing towards the stoplight “Ooooo.. he’s driving? Your car? Okay I’ll wait with you!” She said giddily about the possible encounter. The car pulled up in front of us and Julian stepped out of the driver’s seat. “You must be Mae?” He said, taking his right hand out. “Yes, hello Julian. Very nice to finally meet you in person!” Mae squeaked. We were having a quick chat when someone shouted my name.

“OLIVIA? IS THAT YOU?” 

I turned around to see Drew in his usual sports attire. Jogging pants and a hoodie brisk walking towards us. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you, Olivia! We need to talk.” He added as he walked nearer and nearer. Mae looked at me waiting for any instruction. “There’s nothing to talk about Drew, I know what I saw.” I said stiffly, fixing my blazer. “Is that why Mae keeps hiding you from me? I’ve been here almost everyday and not even a shadow I see!” Oh, he was angry. Well, okay. “I wasn’t hiding, Drew. I just never bothered to tell you where I was because it’s none of your business. Whatever Mae, or whoever you harass in the office has told you is true. I’m on a business trip. I’m just back for a meeting, I’ll be driving back to my site soon.” I said trying to keep my straight face.

“Olivia, we need to be somewhere in a while,” Julian reminded, taking my bag. “And you are?” Drew asked, looking like he was about to punch someone. “I’m Miss Mason’s client, and we are running late for a business meeting. Mae, please tell Jean and Pierre that Olivia will be in the meeting with the team for the final details as well.” Julian requested not sparing another look at Drew. “Sure, Mr. Collins. Keep me updated, Olivia.” Mae instructed as Julian led me back to the car and opened the door for me.. Julian was waiting for me to get in and when he shut the door I locked it taking a quick glance at Drew who was now dumbfounded, Mae saying something to him before she also left to go inside the office. “Ready to go?” Julian asked. I let out a breath and nodded. “Welcome back to Bridgewood.” I said to myself and got a low chuckle from Julian, “welcome back indeed”.

Julian POV

After my meeting, I stopped by a local shop beside the office to get some dessert for Olivia’s family. I was surprised she asked me to come to dinner with her, but I couldn’t say no. Admittedly I scheduled my trip back to Bridgewood the same date that she’ll be here because my mouth ran over my mind, but also because I could be with her when she came back to possibly face her demons. I got a whole chocolate blueberry cake, and a box of chocolate covered strawberries for Andrea. I also bought a bouquet of flowers in case I had time.

Seeing Drew when I picked up Olivia from the office made me think. This was the man. The man who broke a woman who seemed like one who had so much to give. He was in sweats, very out of place from where he was. I thanked the heavens I was wearing a crisp navy blue suit and a white button down for today’s meeting instead of my usual khaki pants and button down, because it made me look more well-put and honestly, a bit superior. “I’m Miss Mason’s client, and we are running late for a business meeting.” I said straight-up, taking Olivia’s bag. Turning to Mae, I said a few more things and when she acknowledged I turned around “if you’ll excuse us. We need to head out, ready to go?” I said fully turning my back on him leading Olivia to the car. Once we were settled, she let out a breath and muttered something which I found funny, “welcome back indeed.”

Olivia lived about 30 minutes away from the office but since we had time, I asked her if we could stop by somewhere first. “Sure, where are we going?” She asked looking around. “We’re visiting someone,” I said, pulling into a street leading into a road with tall trees on each side. When she realized where we were heading, she gasped. “You’re not taking me to… see your mom?” She panicked. “Well, yes. I haven’t visited in a while. You can stay in the car in case you don’t feel comfortable.” I said feeling a little guilty I sprung this on her. “No, it’s okay. It’s sweet actually, visiting your mom while you’re in town. Are these all for her?” She asked, eyeing the boxes and flowers on the backseat. “The flowers are for her. The boxes are for your family. I had some time earlier so I picked up a cake for dinner, and I told you I’d get something for Andrea, so I got her strawberries.” I answered. “Thank you, you didn’t have to. Especially the strawberries, Andrea’s gonna love you a little bit more than she does now. Then for calling her pretty, now for this.” She laughed. “Well, I supposed that it was appropriate. I think your family is expecting Julian the friend, not Julian the client.” I teased. She laughed again and nodded, “of course, of course.” 

We reached the arch that marks the entrance of the cemetery. I drove a little slower than the speed limit. It was a difficult visit when I’m here. I usually come here alone, but this time, I was relieved going here with Olivia. For some reason, it felt lighter. 

I stopped on the street where my mom was laid to rest. I made sure that when I had the money, I would build an open mausoleum in the lot we occupied, it was simple and elegant. It was with built-in benches for people who visited. I parked roadside and pulled the handbrake. “Do you want to stay here?” I asked Olivia who was admiring the view. “No, I’ll go down. I’ll walk around to give you some privacy” she said opening her car door and shrugging her white blazer to leave behind. She was in a maroon pencil skirt, black blouse and beige heels. She walked with me until the entrance and turned to leave and walk a bit. 

“Hey mom.” I said to the marble gravestone, and unbundled the flowers to put into the vase we usually had to fill fresh flowers in. I talked to her for a bit and told her about what I was doing recently and that dad and Lizzie were fine. I sighed, “I miss you mom, and I wish you could tell me if I’m doing this right. She’s making me feel something I’ve never felt before.” I looked around to see Olivia looking out, she was standing by a nearby tree.

I pulled out my phone to take a picture of her, she looked so free. Snap. My phone made the shutter sound that made her look, my shutter was still open. Her shocked face when she realized what I did turned into a beautiful smile. Snap (again). She walked towards me, “client and stalker, bad combination if you ask me, Mr. Collins” she teased. “Did you design this?” She asked looking around the structure of my mom’s place. “Yeah, about 5 years ago when I got my first paycheck.” I said taking her through the design. “It’s amazing, Julian and again, very sweet.” She said sitting beside me. “Mom, this is Olivia, my consultant for the project I was telling you about, Olivia, my mom.” I introduced as she read through the inscription. “Hi Mrs. Collins, you have a lovely family.” She said with a smile. I realized when she was sitting next to me asking more about how she was like, and what I remember about her. Then and there, I realized, my mom would’ve loved her.