The Proposal Series

Chapter 5: A Proposition

“Why don't you accompany me to dinner? We can discuss this situation in a less formal setting," Derek offered.

“Dinner? This is not a date, Mr. Walberg. This is a formal meeting, requiring a formal setting." Sara was shocked at her own confidence. She could not believe she had spoken to him like that. She had just insinuated that he wanted to take her on a date. She felt so embarrassed.

Derek sighed. It was clear he was finding her defiance annoying.

“If you can't tell me the specific details of your previous situation it is going to be hard to know what you need protecting from. Why these documents? Why take such a dangerous step? You do realize this is a line you can't cross back over? Once we do this… once you do this… there isn't any going back."

Sara thought about what he said. “How do I get started?" she asked shyly.

“Are you sure I cannot convince you to accompany me to dinner? It would be beneficial to discuss this in person rather than have things put down in writing," Derek said.

Sara finally realized he wasn't trying to get her to go on a date at all. He simply didn't want a paper trail. Now she felt really stupid. She stood up, preparing to leave. She had completely ruined any chances of obtaining Derek's help, having made a fool out of herself.

“Sara, where are you going? Our meeting isn't nearly over. You haven't heard my proposition," Derek said, taken aback by her abrupt attempt to leave.

Sara turned to look at Derek. She had to admit she was intrigued. Proposition… she considered the word, as she sat back down.

Fumbling with her fingers, she contemplated her next move.

“Proposition? What could you possibly offer me if you have no intention of doing what I have asked? Sara replied, irritated.

“I may have more interest in you than you expect," Derek said, narrowing his eyes at her.

Sara blushed at hearing those words. Perhaps her womanly instincts were not far off. Yet, he held all the power and he hadn't decided yet if he wanted to share. She felt his eyes scanning her body. She decided not to say a word, mostly because she had no idea what to say at all.

“I will have my assistant drop off my proposition in writing to you tomorrow since you seem so appalled at the idea of dinner with me. I wanted to keep this off the record, but as you have left me with no choice, I will have it to you in writing. You may arrange the drop off time with Jennifer during your ride home," he said reassuringly.

She wanted to ask him a hundred questions. What was the proposal, what was he trying to keep off the record? Derek smartly interrupted her thoughts before she had a chance to explode. “Before you ask for details – I can assure you the proposition will outline all information you should require," Derek stated, firmly cutting her off before she had a chance to speak.

Great. He had decided not to give anything away, and she had been told off, like a scolded dog. Her emotions overwhelmed her, and she found herself breaking down in front of him. A solemn tear slipped from her eye and rested on her cheek. She felt vulnerable. The tear traveled down and fell onto her red dress. Derek noticed the journey of the tear. He stood up and made his way around to her chair. He touched her face, in the exact spot the tear had been, leaving his hand placed on her face.

“I heard everything you said to me today and it did not go unnoticed. There is a purpose to my plan. Please understand this will be a mutually beneficial agreement. If you agree to the terms and conditions, no one will ever hurt you again," he said, almost tenderly.

Sara realized he knew the right words to say. When he said he was going to help her, she believed him. Someway or somehow, he would help her.

She remembered him saying he had only done something like this once before. She curiously wondered why only once. A man such as himself, who is known for doing things others can't do, surely had not been asked this request only once.

She knew what she was asking was more than risky and could explain his reluctance. Yet, she desired freedom and she was confident this was the only way for her to achieve it. In that moment she knew she would accept whatever proposition he made.

She leaned her face into his hand. Firm fingers caressed her face. She had no idea what had prompted this level of intimacy but instead of questioning it, she allowed herself to feel it. He felt...

so good, against her skin. She did not want the moment to end.

“Now please see yourself out. Jennifer will be waiting," Derek said, pulling his hand away. And with that, the moment was gone like the rush of the wind.

She stood up and steadied herself. He was warm, and he was cold. She didn't know what his problem was. Did he touch all his female client's faces? She headed for the door and whispered goodbye. She didn't look back, but she felt his stare, his grey eyes piercing into her.

As Sara approached her building, she stood at the bottom of the stairs and looked up. Sara could hear Jennifer drive off in the Rolls Royce behind her. She couldn't afford those fancy apartments with elevators, pools, and gym studios, like the building she had just come from. When she had moved to Toronto, she had a modest budget, all thanks to her mother's inheritance. She had needed two bedrooms, so Bonnie would be able to stay with her, and that made the apartment hunt incredibly difficult. The apartment she chose was surrounded by trees and a wooded park. Her building was actually quite well hidden—which was exactly what she wanted.

She walked up the stairs and contemplated what occurred during her meeting with Derek. It was one of the most awkward meetings she had ever been a part of. It was almost unprofessional because of the level of physical intimacy details she had shared with Derek and had wanted to share. He hadn't given her any information or any details.

Jennifer would be by tomorrow at 11:00 am to drop off his proposition. She knew Derek wanted information about her past. She just had a gut feeling about it. She couldn't fathom explaining her past to him, especially because she wasn't seeking to destroy Tom or exact revenge. The damage had been done. He had already taken everything she had from her. She only wanted to become someone else, so she could finally live the life she deserved. She hoped the proposition wasn't going to include releasing personal information.

Sara made no plans of discussing her meeting with Bonnie, especially because, as of yet, she had nothing to discuss. She knew Bonnie would have questions. But she knew how to deal with her. Fake an illness, get into bed. She repeated that phrase over and over to herself, almost like a mantra.

Sara peeked at her phone before opening her apartment door, 7:30 pm. She opened the door and called out to her friend.

“Bonnie Masterson! I'm home!"

No answer. It looked like she had the place to herself. The first order of business was to draw herself a long bath. It had become a habit of hers since Tom. The only way to wash away the sins and the torment. She walked past the foyer, passing the kitchen and the open concept living space. She swiftly turned left and headed to the large separate Victorian-style clawfoot tub. She turned the water on, pressing the tap to the far right for a scalding temperature. She needed the heat. She needed the pain, that stinging pain your body feels when you enter water much too hot for the skin. This was her way of forgetting, of letting go. As the water filled the tub, she stripped herself of her clothing and allowed herself to sink far into the tub. She closed her eyes and promised herself that all would be okay. She would be okay.