Unprecedented Passion

Chapter 2 - Unveiling the Ties That Bind

Evelyn Hartman grinned as soon as she woke. Warmth flooded her from the talks and tender times she had with Gabriel the night before. Looking at the time, she saw she had a little while longer before having to get ready for work. Appreciating the peace, she let herself to imagine what might happen in their future.

Evelyn was nervous as well as excited when she got to the office. While juggling their new relationship with professionalism would be difficult, she felt prepared. Going to her desk, she saw her name written on a little envelope. When she opened it, Gabriel had scribbled a note.

"Good morning Evelyn. Coffee with me at 10. A M."

Her heart stabbed. Unlike his often mysterious manner, she adored this more intimate aspect of Gabriel. She headed for the break room, where Gabriel was waiting, about ten o'clock.

He said, "Morning," grinning broadly.

She answered, "Morning," a flush rising to her face.

Gabriel leant in a little as they sipped their coffee. "Everything we discussed last night has been on my mind. With you, Evelyn, I want to be honest. You should be aware of more about this collaboration."

Curiosity sparked in Evelyn. Ascending.

Gabriel looked about to make sure they were alone themselves. "We didn't simply end things badly, Isabella and I. Prior to my learning that she was working on this project, she expressed a desire to get back together."

Though she attempted to keep her attention on the facts, Evelyn was a little jealous. And you told her what?

I denied her my interest. It is the end of that phase of my life. She might attempt to make things challenging for us professionally, though, so I want us to be ready.

Appreciating his candor, Evelyn nodded. Regards. Together, we will tackle it."

They carried on with their day, juggling their obligations to their employers and their relationships with one other. But the stress around the new project started to build as the week went on. Isabella was getting more involved and hovering over everything they did.

Evelyn got an impromptu call one afternoon from Isabella's workplace asking to meet. Startled, she straightened up right away and said. Next day was the scheduled meeting day.

"Gabriel, Isabella's aide called. Evelyn stepped into Gabriel's office to talk about the day's schedule and said, "She wants to meet with me tomorrow."

Gabriel's face wrinkled. Could you live with that?

Evelyn inhaled deeply again. "It is me. We should, in my opinion, convey to her our professionalism and solidarity."

The next day Evelyn showed up at Isabella's company's sleek, contemporary facility. She was shown to a roomy, tastefully furnished office where Isabella, a stunning woman exuding refinement, smiled courteously to welcome her.

With a gesture to Evelyn to seat, Isabella replied, "Ms. Hartman, thank you for coming."

"Ms. Martinez, thank you for inviting me," Evelyn said, settling in.

Though it didn't seem to reach her eyes, Isabella smiled. Phone me Isabella, please. I would have preferred to talk with you in person about our next project. I want for this change to go as smoothly as possible."

Sensed an undercurrent of tension, Evelyn nodded. "Definitely. We want this cooperation to succeed.

Leaning back, Isabella saw Evelyn. "You have to know that my history with Gabriel is not simple. That should have little effect on our working relationship, I hope.

Holding her ground was Evelyn. Gabriel has told me everything about your history with great candor." Our priorities are the project and making sure it succeeds."

Isabella's eyes grew sharer. OK. I think you get the value of keeping personal and work-related issues apart."

Evelyn grinned softly. Isabella, I believe. You may be sure that everyone on our staff is committed to this endeavor."

The animosity between them was still evident as the meeting went on with talks about deliverables and deadlines. Evelyn couldn't get rid of the impression that their difficulties were only getting started as she left Isabella's workplace.

Once back at the workplace, Evelyn told Gabriel about the meeting. His face grave, he listened carefully.

"She's trying to rattle you," Gabriel remarked. "You managed it flawlessly, though."

Thanks, Evelyn said. We should, in my opinion, be prepared for more, anyway. She is not going to make things simple."

Gabriel lowered his head. Completely agreed. Maintaining our one step ahead is necessary."

In the days that followed, Evelyn and Gabriel collaborated closely, their relationship deepening in spite of the demands of their jobs. Gabriel glanced at Evelyn thoughtfully late one evening as they were ending another exhausting day.

He started, a little hesitantly, "There's something else I need to tell you,"

Curiosity sparked, Evelyn peered up. It is what?

Gabriel drew a big breath. "A big London company has made me an offer of employment. I've been thinking about this big chance for some time."

Heart sank Evelyn. She hadn't been ready for the idea of Gabriel departing. London, please. That is a major relocation.

Gabriel went for her hand. "I haven't decided anything just now. That being said, I wanted you to know. Since this impacts us, I appreciate your opinions."

Pride in his opportunity, worry of losing him, and doubt about their future were all mixed together in Evelyn. You want to do what?

Gabriel got softer eyes. To be really honest? I am split. Though it's a great professional step, I can't stand to part from you."

Squeezing his hand was Evelyn. "We'll work things out whatever you decide. Collaboratively.

Gabriel grinned, his relief shining through. Thanks Evelyn. Your encouragement is everything to me."

Their decisions loomed huge as they stood together. Their relationship gained a level of complication that neither of them had expected when Gabriel would go to London.

Tensions grew a week later at a crucial meeting with Isabella's company. Ever the provocateur, Isabella gently called into doubt Evelyn's talents in front of the others.

Are you confident Evelyn that your team can manage this? Mistakes are not an option," Isabella replied, her tone tinged with contempt.

Evelyn was calm. "We can do it, Isabella. Our performance history is self-evident.

Stepping in with a firm voice was Gabriel. "Evelyn and our staff have my whole confidence. Let us concentrate on the current assignments."

Though she quickly covered it up, Isabella's eyes flared with irritation. Amazingly well. Go ahead.

Evelyn and Gabriel withdrew from the meeting, both exhausted from the argument, to his office.

Clearly frustrated, Evelyn continued, "She's trying to undermine us."

Gabriel gave two nods. "And we have to stop her. Our unity and concentration are required."

Gabriel's phone sounded with an email alert while they talked about their plan. With a darkening of the face, he read it.

That comes from the London company. Examining Evelyn, he added, "They need an answer by the end of the month."

Though she faked a smile, Evelyn was tense. We have time to make our decision still.

Gabriel snatched hers. "Evelyn, please know how much you mean to me no matter what happens. As much about my job as it is about us, this decision."

Evelyn started crying. Gabriel, you know. I also back you in any decision you make."

Their hug was gentle but tinged with the hopes and worries they had not yet shared. Their dedication to one another provided them strength even if the future was unknown.

Evelyn found herself battling her own goals and wants as Gabriel's decision deadline drew near. Though the idea of Gabriel leaving made her doubt her own direction, she enjoyed her work.

Evelyn said what she was thinking one evening as they strolled beside the river. And suppose I go to London with you? Could we think about that?

Gabriel paused, hoping and surprised at the same time. I never intended to ask Evelyn to give up her life here. I would, however, really love to have you at my side if you're open to thinking about it."

Evelyn grinned, suddenly clear-headed. "I've given it a lot of thinking. While my work is significant, our friendship is equally so. Perhaps we need a new beginning just now."

Gabriel had thankful eyes. Emily, you have no idea how much this means to me."

Promised and excited about fresh opportunities, they planted a kiss. But the problems of their present loomed big, even as they welcomed their possible future.

Seeing the change in the dynamics, Isabella worked even harder to make Evelyn and Gabriel become irritated. She set up a string of intense sessions meant to try Evelyn's endurance and willpower.

Isabella took a risk one really intensive session. "We obviously need someone with more experience to lead this project," she added, glancing at Evelyn.

Immediately Gabriel cut in. "Evelyn has demonstrated her skills beyond question. You can talk to me straight if you have any worries."

Eyes narrowed in Isabella. Amazingly well. But let's be sure the project's best interests come first."

Gabriel and Evelyn exchanged a solidarity look as the meeting came to an end. Come what may they were in this together.