A Love Tragedy

Chapter 14

“You’re hopeless.” Michaela said as she greeted me by the door.

“I’m not that bad.” I defended myself. I nervously walked into the house with a bottle of red wine hoping that I wasn’t intruding on her family’s dinner.

“You ruined a frozen pizza. Who the hell does that?”

“In my defense, ovens are unreasonably complicated.” She rolled her eyes as she released a chuckle. I could feel my nerves deepening the further I stepped into the Andrew’s mansion. I had been coming to the house a lot since Michaela and I started ‘dating’ but I never went further than the front door so this was uncharted territory. I silently followed behind Michaela as we passed the elegant staircase then appeared in an open dining area that had a perfect view of their lusciously green backyard. It was definitely something out of a movie.

“Hunter, welcome son.” Mr Andrew’s greeted me as we neared the dining table where everyone was already seated. My eyes wandered over to Naomi but she refused to look at me. This was the first time I’d seen her since our… fight? I had no idea what to call it. Was it a fight? Break-up? Disagreement? The only thing I knew for certain was that she wasn’t talking to me. anymore.

“Good evening everyone.” I greeted them but made my way to the older man at the head of the table.

“I’m sorry for intruding on your dinner Mr Andrews.” I held out my clammy hand for a handshake and Mr Andrews immediately obliged.

“It’s not a problem. My wife made over enough food for everyone.” He motioned to the large array of food decorating the table to validate his point.

“I hope I brought a good bottle of wine to go with it then.” I presented the bottle to Mr Andrews who gracefully accepted it then inspected it.

“Only one way to find out.”

“I’ll get the corkscrew.” Michaela offered then stood up and made her way to the adjoining kitchen.

“Have a seat Hunter.” Mrs Andrews instructed me. I saw that there were 2 open seats on one side of the table for Michaela and I while she sat next to Naomi and Zendé. This was clearly going to be some sort of ‘grilling’ session but I was prepared for it. It’s not like I hadn’t had dinner with them before. I took a seat opposite Naomi so that Michaela could sit closest to her father. That way he wasn’t so threatening and I could use Michaela as a buffer.

“How have you been Hunter?” Mr Andrews decided to start a conversation. Let the games begin then.

“I’m good. I’ve just been getting used to living on my own and I’ve been working with Henri Mills to publish a story I wrote.” The story, that was a good topic to talk about. It was safe and I had no problem answering questions about it.

“Michaela mentioned that you’d been working with Henri.” Mrs Andrews commented as Michaela took her seat next to me.

“Thank you sweetie.” Mr Andrews told her once she handed him the corkscrew.

“Michaela is actually the one who introduced me to Henri. She’s been a real help throughout the process as well.” He looked at Michaela and smiled as a faint blush creeped onto her cheeks. It was actually cute.

“How have you guys been? Has business been good?” I decided to ask her parents. A little offence hopefully conveyed the confidence I was surely lacking.

“Let’s eat everyone.” Mrs Andrews permitted us before her husband could answer.

“Everything has been going great. We’re halfway finished with your parents’ new headquarters so that’s going to schedule.” Mr Andrews answered.

“You should hear him talk about the building with your father. You would swear they’re talking about a female.” I released a couple of chuckles at Mrs Andrews joke and saw them doing the same so that definitely eased the atmosphere around the table but I could still feel Naomi’s judging eyes on me.

“Any plans to let your son help you with a few projects yet?” It was a risky question to ask but it was a good way of allowing their children to be apart of the conversations as well.

“When he can present an idea that I can use then I’ll allow him to work with me on it.” His father’s words certainly fired up something in Zendé. His eyes looked like they were about to burst with excitement and his hands looked ready to begin working right away.

“You mean it dad?” Zendé asked.

“You have to come up with a perfect proposal first. I want it detailed from beginning to end.” His father instructed him.

“Thank you so much dad. I won’t let you down.” Zendé enthusiasm was second to none right now. I was actually happy for the younger boy. Unlike myself, Zendé wanted to be apart of his parent’s company and now that he had the opportunity to do so, I could see that he wasn’t going to waste it.

“But you first have to do your schoolwork. That comes first.” His mother warned him.

“Can you get my parents to buy me a car next?” Michaela whispered into my ear leaving both of them smiling like idiots.

“No whispering around the table.” Naomi bluntly told us. Looks like she was going to prove to be a problem for some reason. Didn’t she want her sister to be happy? She knew about the situation that her sister was in with Vincent so she should’ve been helping instead of hindering.

“Sorry about that. Michaela was just reminding me to message my father later.” My quick thinking and ‘bullshitting’ ability came in handy. Naomi didn’t look impressed but at least her parents didn’t question it.

“How do your parents feel about you and Michaela?” Mrs Andrews innocently asked.

“I don’t know honestly. I haven’t told them but I’m sure they should know about us by now. I’m not dependent on them anymore so their opinion of who I date doesn’t really matter to me. As long as I know how I feel.” Naomi’s eye roll proved that she wasn’t a fan of this but her parents still seemed blissfully oblivious to the whole situation thankfully.

“I have to apologize to you guys though. I am sorry I didn’t ask for your permission to romantically date your daughter.”

“It’s okay. To be honest with you, we actually hoped that you and Michaela would start a relationship.” No kidding, that couldn’t have been more obvious.

“Can I ask why?” This time the pressure was on them. I was actually interested in why both our parents thought that we would be such a perfect match.

“Michaela works for our family’s company and you worked for your family’s so we thought that it could benefit both our families financially in the long run.” That made sense, from a business standpoint at least.

“But when we saw how well you guys got along at dinner by your parents’ house then we could see a potential romantic relationship forming.” Her mother explained. They couldn’t be more wrong about that but that just meant that this whole façade was actually working.

“Looks like you guys were spot on for once.” Michaela concluded. “If only you could find someone for Naomi.”

“I don’t need a guy to make me happy. I can do that all by myself.” Naomi proudly replied.

“Sometimes it’s just nice to have someone to talk to about your day and listen to you complain about your family or friends or job.” I stated.

“Says the person who only had one friend who also happened to be his girlfriend.” I knew Naomi was just trying to prove a point but I certainly never expected her to use Stella against me like that. It was such a d**k move on her part.

“What’s wrong with you?” Michaela’s question was definitely more accusatory than anything else.

“It’s fine.” I gently put my hand on Michaela’s shoulder to try and calm her down before she went off on her sister right now and ruined what was relatively a great evening. The smile adorning my lips was all but gone but I wasn’t going to allow that to stop him from enjoying the meal. If I could fake a relationship then faking a smile couldn’t be that difficult.

“Zendé, do you have a girlfriend?” I tried to divert their attention to the silent member of the family. The only time he seemed to come alive was when they spoke about their family business.

“No.” He didn’t particularly sound happy about it but at least he wasn’t proving to be a hindrance like his oldest sister.

“He’s not allowed to have one until he finishes school.” Mrs Andrews stated. She clearly ran the house while her husband led the business.

“Can I ask why?” I nervously asked hoping that it would lead to a new topic. Thankfully it worked and the conversation just kept flowing. Michaela acted as a buffer between Naomi and myself while I acted as a buffer between Michaela and the rest of her family. It was actually comforting to have a nice family dinner complete with the drama.

“You’re really selling the hell out of your ‘relationship’.” Naomi stated after dinner as we washed the dishes. I volunteered to wash up and Michaela agreed to help me but then her parents said that Zendé and Naomi should help as well. Zendé got out of it claiming that he had to talk to their father about the specifics of their agreement. Michaela was on a phone call with Vincent in her bedroom so Naomi and I unfortunately found ourselves alone in the kitchen.

“It makes everyone happy.” I wasn’t sure how to act or respond to Naomi seeing as our last conversation ended up in us not talking anymore.

“What about your happiness?”

“I didn’t think you still cared.” I handed her a dripping plate but she stopped what she was doing and turned to face me.

“I’ll always care about you.”

“Just not after I admit how I feel about you right?” I stopped cleaning as well and turned to face her. I gripped the edge of the cold metal sink hoping that I didn’t explode with anger. I wanted so much to be with her but her actions pushed me too far.

“What was I supposed to do? Break your heart then still show up every day to make sure that you’re not destroying yourself?”

“If you really cared about me then you would’ve done that. You did for 5 months and I didn’t even want you around most of the time. If I had known that admitting what you meant to me would drive you away then I’d have done it months ago.” My bloodless grip intensified as the more I spoke but he hated every moment of it. I knew that we needed to talk about this no matter how much I hated it.

“Look, you know how much I appreciate what you did for me but life keeps moving forward and so am I and I want to move on with you.”

“You’re not ready for a relationship of any kind.”

“Who are you to decide that for me?”

“I’m the one that was there to pick you up every time you fell down after Stella. I’ve seen you at your worst…”

“So be with me at my best.” I took a step closer to Naomi but she in turn took a step back. I won’t lie, the disappointed was disheartening but I got the message loud and clear now. “Answer me truthfully, why don’t you want to be with me?”

“I…” She wanted to continue her answer but broke eye contact and looked out to the backyard.

“I think you had it right, it’s better if we don’t speak to each other.” I dried my hands then put them in my pants pockets and made my way out of the kitchen. I tried to ignore all the heartbreak brewing inside me and just continued walking. I made my way up the stairs and hoped that Michaela’s room would be easy to spot but everything looked the same at the top of the stairs. The brightly lit marble passage extended on both sides of him and had exactly the same ornaments dressing it.

“Hunter.” I heard Michaela’s father coming up the stairs behind me. I hoped to avoid her parents until right before I left but hopefully her father could help me figure out which room was Michaela’s.

“Mr Andrews.” I calmly responded once the older man was standing next to him.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m trying to figure out which room is Michaela’s. This is the first time I’ve ever come up the stairs.” I released a laugh trying to cover up my nerves.

“Really?” Mr Andrews surprise actually surprised me. Wouldn’t a parent be glad that their daughter’s boyfriend hasn’t been in her room?

“I wanted to take things slow with Michaela, after everything I’ve been through.”

“Of course.”

“I’m sorry that I didn’t ask for your permission to start dating your daughter but I could ask for your permission to continue? Things with Michaela have been going great so I would like to continue with your blessing.” That was probably a bit too formal but if I was going to fake a relationship with Michaela then I was damn sure going to do it properly.

“You didn’t need to ask for my permission but I respect you more for it.”

“Thank you Mr Andrews.” I debated whether I should bow or reach for a handshake but both ideas seemed idiotic right now so I settled for a nod.

“Second door on the right.” He directed me to the left side then patted my back and walked past me down the right side of the passage. At least I got directions to Michaela’s room but I felt uneasy about abusing her parents trust like this. This was sure to blow up in my face in an extremely disastrous way.

I followed Mr Andrews directions down the hallway and knocked on the door that I hoped was Michaela’s bedroom. It took a couple of seconds before I heard the shuffling of feet inside the room then the door opened and revealed Michaela still on a call with Vincent, probably. She motioned for me to enter the room and found exactly what I expected from her; a perfectly organized room. I closed the door behind me while she threw herself on her queen-sized bed and continued her conversation with Vincent. I made his way to the huge bookcase lining one side of the wall and looked at the authors of some of the books. I had to admit, her collection was impressive. She was definitely a bookworm.

“See anything you like?” I heard Michaela ask. I turned around and saw that her phone call had ended and now she was intently staring at me.

“That vampire series on top. Was forced to read it but actually liked it.” I made my way closer to her bed.

“What are you doing in here?”

“I came to say good bye. I’m leaving.”

“So early? Are you sure that won’t raise any questions?”

“I spoke to your dad earlier and he doesn’t suspect anything. I actually feel bad for doing this to your parents. They’re nice people and I really respect them.”

“You know why we have to do this.” The sadness in her tone hadn’t changed one bit. Every time she said those words it sounded like someone just broke up with her.

“I know.”

“Hey, Michaela.” Mrs Andrews knocked on the door before opening it. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude on anything.”

“It’s okay Mrs Andrews.” I assured her.

“Is something wrong?” She asked her mother.

“The seamstress can only fit us in tomorrow afternoon for final fittings.” Her mother was probably speaking about their dresses for the Bay Ball. I’d honestly forgotten about that.

“That’s fine.”

“Okay, great. I’ll leave you two to continue.”

“You can stay. I was just telling Michaela that I needed to get home.” I stated.

“I’ll see you out.” She hopped off her bed then made her way to me and grabbed my hand. Her mother gave her a questioning look as we passed by her but we ignored her and continued on our way.

“You’re acting suspiciously, calm down.” I quietly told her while we made our way down the stairs.

“Acting natural isn’t really an option here.” She was right but she was going to have to get a lot better at acting if this was going to work.

“Let me lead then. Your mother is probably going to be watching from the top of the stairs so I’ll do something romantic. All you have to do is smile like an i***t when you turn around.” That was a good plan right?

“Fine.” Now I just had to come up with an idea.

“Where are you guys going?” Mr Andrews asked from the lounge before we could pass it.

“I have to go home so Michaela was just showing me out.” I answered him while we stood in the doorway. Her father sat on the leather couch and wrote in a diary. I wondered what he writing down, probably things he was planning to do tomorrow?

“Thank you for allowing me to join you for dinner.”

“It was a pleasure having you. It’s better than having my daughter miss dinner with us so that she can go save you again.” That was news to me. Looks like Michaela had been using me as an excuse to visit Vincent without informing me. I did call her a couple of times to talk me through making food but she’s never had to come over to help me.

“She has been teaching me how to cook since I’m on my own so I apologize for stealing her away at nights.” I looked at Michaela and the guilt on her face was evident.

“We’d love to have you again so don’t be a stranger.”

“And stay away from your daughter, I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Drive safely Hunter.”

“I will. Good night Mr Andrews.” I greeted him then led Michaela to the door.

“Thank you.” Michaela softly told him once we reached the door. I went closer to her ear and saw her mother at the top of the staircase as I suspected.

“We need to discuss this whole arrangement again because clearly you guys want to get caught. Now smile like an idiot.” I gave her a kiss on her cheek then opened the door and exited the house. This was going to be a lot more work than I’d hoped it would be.

“Why couldn’t we do this like a regular meeting?” I asked Henri the next day. We sat in the town’s most expensive restaurant to have lunch with ‘special clients’ as Henri put it. He was being extremely cryptic about it, exactly the way Michaela was when she arranged for the lunch where we met. All I knew was that we were having lunch with clients who were important for my book.

“Because these are not regular clients.” He’d been shrouding them in so much mystery that I was expecting just about anyone to walk into the restaurant and join us.

“It’s my book so at least tell me who it is so I can be prepared to answer any questions they have.” I had a point there right?

“Just relax. You’re more than prepared so let’s order some drinks for us and have fun.” He lightly slapped my back before giving me a smile and calling a waiter over. He ordered two drinks for us then looked at the menu in front of him.

“I heard that you were dating Michaela now.” How did he hear that? We never spoke about our personal lives so he had to have heard it from one of the Andrews.

“Yeah, our parents set us up but we actually enjoy each others company and we’re just seeing where things go.” I hoped that he didn’t continue questioning me about this subject.

“How is the final editing of the story going?”

“We should have it by tonight then I’ll email it to you then we can go through it together tomorrow.” Everything seemed to be moving so quickly with this but the quicker this was over, the quicker I could move on with the next phase of my life, whatever that may be.

“Who is going to print the book?”

“That’s actually why we’re having this meeting today.” That’s some new information. Whoever we were meeting was going to print the book. That narrowed the list but not enough. I knew that Henri’s company had contacts all over the world so any one of them could be printing the book.

“Here they are.” Henri announced then stood up. I put my menu down and followed Henri’s lead. I was very interested in who these people were but probably shouldn’t have been surprised when I saw my parents nearing them.

“Mom, dad; what are you guys doing here?” I asked them while embracing my mother.

“Mr Mills said that you guys wanted to talk to us.” My mother informed me then greeted Henri while I gave my father a rather awkward hug.

“I’m guessing that you weren’t aware then.” My father shook Henri’s hand before taking his seat next to his wife while Henri and I took our seats opposite them.

“I apologize for the ruse but I didn’t know what Hunter’s relationship was with you guys after you fired him from the company.” Henry explained.

“My parents fired me because the way I ran my division would lead the company to bankruptcy in the long run despite the short term gains. They did it so that they could give me space to become who I want to be after Stella and I really appreciate it.” I gave my parents a smile and a nod. My mother looked a bit teary eyed while my father sported an uncharacteristically huge smile.

“That’s good to hear. Since you brought her up, Stella is the reason why we’re all here.” Henry stated before clearing his throat and getting ready to pitch his proposal. I was actually interested in hearing this as well.

“I would like Lodge Industries, specifically the two of you, to handle the printing and advertising of the book. Because this is a true story and Stella was part of your family, I don’t want to put you in a difficult situation. This isn’t just a business transaction anymore, this is personal for all of you. That’s also what makes this story so powerful. The emotion behind this story is so powerful and relatable and you guys experienced every moment of it. I just feel that if you guys aren’t the ones doing the advertising then it won’t be living up to Stella’s memory.”

“What do you think about that idea?” My mother’s question fixed everyone’s attention on me.

“As much as I don’t want anything to do with Lodge Industries after what happened, this is what Stella would’ve wanted.” I released a sigh as I saw the smile on everyone’s faces around the table. Everyone seemed more excited to do this but I still hadn’t fully accepted it yet. Something felt too surreal. I felt like Stella was going to come around the corner and pop this false bubble I’d found myself living in without her.

“Great, that’s one less thing to worry about.” Henri celebrated as the waiter brought us our drinks. My parents ordered them something to drink as well before the waiter continued on his way.

“Have you guys decided on the book cover yet?” My father asked.

“That’s actually another thing I wanted to discuss with you guys.” Henri took a sip of his drink then set it down on the table again before continuing. “I wanted to use a picture of Stella as the cover. The story is about her through Hunter’s eyes but ultimately it’s about this angelic girl so I wanted the cover to be a picture of her. What do you guys think?”

“Won’t that be a little confusing though? Like you said, the story is about Hunter and Stella falling in love so won’t it be better if both of them are on the cover instead of her alone?” My mother made a fair point there.

“Stella isn’t in every part of the story as well.” I added.

“So a picture of the two of you then.” Henri suggested.

“There are tons of those.” Mrs Lodge stated as she smiled.

“I have Stella’s pictures and portfolios at my house.” The look on everyone’s face clearly indicated that they needed an explanation. “I helped the O’Connor’s move on Monday. They gave me Stella’s things and told me to decide what to do with it.”

“Are they settled in?”

“I spoke to them yesterday and they said that everything is perfect for them.”

“That’s great. I’m glad they’re happy.”

“Me too mom.”

“How do they feel about you publishing the book?” Henri asked me.

“They’re actually very supportive. They gave me permission and everything.” I informed them.

“We definitely need to make sure that they’re here for the book launch.” My father stated.

“We can’t do it without them.” I confirmed.