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Chapter 28 - Being Himself is Enough
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 29 - My Killer Speech
The awards ceremony drags on so much that I’m practically catatonic by the time that ‘best marketing or advertising agency’ is about to be announced. I glance in Mr Browns direction to give him a supportive thumbs up. His seat is empty. “Where is Mr Brown?” I mouth. The woman to his right, a diamond broker, gives a bewildered shrug. Whispers are exchanged around the table. People start to look agitated. The winning theory is that Mr Brown has stepped out to take a phone call a couple of minutes ago, but hasn’t been seen since. “I’ll have you know, choosing the winner of the best marketing or advertising agency was an extremely difficult task for the judges,” says the presenter, a cheerful, almost bald redhead. “The competition in this sector has become stiff over the last few years, with an aggressive rate of new business demanding exposure, which has made it a buoyant industry.” “What if we win?” I ask nobody in particular. “Who will collect the award?” “I guess that wil
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 30 - Just Go Home
“Mr Brown, I’m sorry. I’m so bloody sorry. I don’t know what else to say. I really am desperately sorry.” Mr Brown takes another huge gulp of wine. “Let’s forget it, Emma, shall we?” His tone doesn’t reveal whether he’s to forgive me or kills me and bury my remains for the animals to eat. “We’ll talk about it at work tomorrow.” “You’re not going to fire me, are you? Oh god, Mr Brown! Please don’t fire me, I beg you. I love this job. I love the company. I love you, sir. I’d do anything..” “Emma, stop it. Please.” I think I’m about to cry. Again. It turns out, my boss had stepped out to take a call from his mother’s care home. She’s had a few funny turns lately and he won’t take any chances. Even if this time, she’s only phoning to request a new floral dressing gown. “I’m not going to sack you,” he sighs. “Luckily for you, your clients would object too much. Of course, how impressed they’ll continue to be after their marketing agent company’s director has been called Mr Bl
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 31 - Trip Down Memory Lane
“Would you really have rescued me?” I’m crying again. “Would you have gone up and accepted the award in my place?” Scott shrugs like it’s no big deal. “Of course.” “But you don’t know the first thing about marketing do you? What would you have said?” “I’m not sure,” he says. “Something along the lines of every organisation needs a marketing PR, as much as ER, and even more than M&M’s…” I burst into a fit of giggles. “You’d have fitted in well. There was so much bullshit in those speeches.” “I enjoyed myself,” he admits. “I bet you did. Did you accept Rachel’s number?” Scott’s grin is huge, “it’s hard to believe isn’t it?” “Not at all. You need to believe how amazing you are, Scott.” He lowers his eyes, “well, we will see if she calls.” “She WILL call. I’ve never been so confident about anything in my life. But to go back to my original point, I wish I had let you rescue me. If I had, I wouldn’t have made the worst acceptance speech in the history of speeches.”
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 32 - Present And Erect
I know that I’ve hit rock bottom at work when I catch myself wondering if whether staying at home watching loose women would be a better alternative. The hangover I’m experiencing is nothing compared to the burning and shameful memory of last night. Or the fact that Mr Brown has refused to look at me all morning. And even worse is the fact that my speech is quoted word for word in business section of the local newspaper. And the fact that the picture caption reads: All present and erect…. Emma of Herman-Brown’s paying tribute to her boss and CEO Mr Big-Cock. On top of this publicity dilemma, a problem has emerged: two local stations have finally agreed to a behind the scenes piece with one of my clients; a dentist. I’ve been pushing the idea for a few weeks, so under normal circumstances, I’d be absolutely delighted. The problem is, they want to go today, to coincide with their approval to operate from the CQC – at exactly the same time I’m running a major product launch for
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 33 - Every Cloud
Every time my phone pings this morning, I nearly leap out of my seat, like it’s wired up to an eject button. This is, I hunt around my bag, praying – once again – that Chris has sent a text. That way, I’ll have something to cheer me up. When I open it and see that the message is from Scott, I feel a sense of disappointment.‘Hope you’re feeling better today. And don’t forget, at least your speech was memorable. It’ll keep your company relevant. Scott xx’Despite everything, I smile and suppress a giggle. I’m torn between gratitude in having a friend like Scott and despair that I evidently haven’t got a boyfriend in Chris.“I hear that I’ve been roped in to save the day,” Drew says cockily as he slides into his chair and manoeuvres his hand to its permanent location of on his crotch. “Couldn’t cope on your own, eh?”“My ability to multitask, doesn’t stretch to being in two places at once, unfortunately. Trust me if there was a way, that’s what I would have done.” I for r myself to re
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 34 - Jealous
It’s now been over a week since I have heard from Chris and it’s abundantly clear that another promising relationship is nesting miserably in my emotional wheelie-bin, and awaiting its collection day.It’s beyond demoralising, when did I become so unattractive? I’m sure I never used to be. What’s actually ironic is that my diet, minus the chocolate cake has been going exceptionally well. If I stand on a certain position on the scales I’ve lost just over half a stone, and even more if I get weighed after my morning shit.“Emma, trust me, you’re not unattractive. You’re bloody gorgeous,” Dani tells me on our way home from work. I’ve been with her all day, but this isn’t a conversation to be had in the work office. “Some men wouldn’t know a good thing, if it hit them in the face.”“I haven’t tried hitting them in the face,” I briefly wonder if it would be effective. “I wouldn’t recommend it, so get that idea out your head,” she laughs. “Seriously, don’t blame yourself for this. I mean,
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 35 - How Was Tango?
I know what I told Dani I’d do if he asked me out again. But that was before he did. Besides, the prospect of being alone on a Saturday night while everyone else is out was about as appealing as my mother hosting a pulse and cocktails party at my Nana’s house. So I agreed to another date, probably too easily. I would have preferred him to come up with a brilliant excuse for his no-show at the business awards. Death of a family pet, a terminally ill relative, a major earthquake or even accidental amputation – all would have been acceptable. That and a grovelling apology for not phoning for more than a week. In the event, he never mentioned the issue, and I’m ashamed to say I never pressed him. It was a betrayal of every post-feminist bone in my body but, desperate that he didn’t change his mind. I took the easy option and kept my mouth shut. My self respect is cut to ribbons, but at least I don’t have to sit in and watch strictly come dancing. Obviously, I also had to find a
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 36 - Date Preparation
I’ve been in a few brainstorms in my time, but none like this. “How about chivalry?” Says Katie. “Those little touches like opening the door for her, pulling out the chair, and just being a gentleman. They’re really important things.” “Perfect,” Dani replies as she jabs her pen in the air and spins to face the flip chart. She’s getting into her training coordinator role and today is one of her favourite topics: how to behave on a date. “That’s a good one, Scott. Mind you, I think that’ll come naturally to you.” Scott is concentrating intensely. Now that he’s landed a date, he’s determined not to fuck it up. As he sits on our sofa before a list of dating rules, Dani has his full attention. “Number one; listen to her. Most men just end up babbling away about themselves and there’s nothing more offputting. Ask about her for a change. Where she grew up. Her job. Her likes and dislikes. You get the picture.” “I absolutely do,” says Scott. “Number two; act confident. You may
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Always Finding Mr Wrong Epilogue
If anybody had told me six months ago that Dani and my dimwit brother would become an item, I’d have questioned their sanity. She’s sophisticated, intelligent and witty. And, well, he farts like a flatulent rhinoceros and is refined as those hillbillies on The Hills Have Eyes. Yet, they got together two weeks after the fire, when Dani expressed a sudden and mysterious desire to join me when I popped round to Steve’s to loan him The Walking Dead box set. I stayed for fifteen minutes. Dani stayed for four days. Her theory is that I am blind to Steve’s charm because he’s my brother. That he’s fun, loving, amusing and attentive. She also tried to tell me that he’s great in bed, but I acted like a grown up and stuck my fingers in my ears, while singing “la-la-la-can’t-head-you-la-la-la” until she stopped. As for Steve, well, he’s smitten. Honestly, she’s turned him into a puppy dog – albeit not a very cute one. Despite my reservations, they seem to be enjoying themselves. And for the
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 79 - Made to Hold You
The moment I see him I am balled over by how handsome he is, he’s irresistibly, mouth wateringly sexy. I’m looking at a man who, thanks to project Scott, is the ultimate manifestation of female desire. He turns heads wherever he goes. But that isn’t the reason I love him. It’s not the clothes, or the hairstyle, it isn’t even his body or face. The Scott I love is the funny, intelligent, caring, loyal and lovely person I met all those years ago. That’s the Scott I long for, the Scott I can’t spend another day without. The trimmings and display are irrelevant. “Hi there, Emma,” he grins. His grin becomes a smile and it sends a surge of Hope through my veins, turning my legs to jelly and killing my ability to speak. “Are you okay?” “Yes. I … yes,” I stutter. Emotion rushes through me and my heartbeat thuds in my chest, thundering in my ears. “I’m just surprised to see you,” I say once my words find their way back to me. “And… happy?” I nod as tears cloud my vision. “Ve
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 78 - I Love The Real You
There’s one single word on the front: Emma. Seeing my name written in Scott’s very distinctive handwriting makes my heart pause and I gasp for breath. With my heart racing and fingers trembling, I open the envelope and head to my small balcony terrace. I throw myself into the chair, cross my legs and scan the letter, unable to devour its contents quick enough. ******** Dearest Emma, I’ve written this letter multiple times, and rewritten it in my mind at least a thousand times. Yet o never thought putting pen to paper would be so difficult. This is the eleventh copy and I’m still not happy with it. I thought about quoting your favourite poetry and literature but nothing seems appropriate enough to explain the situation, so it’s down to clumsy old me. There’s just one small problem; what do you say to the woman you’ve been in love with for years? From the moment I first met you, Emma, my life has been enhanced in a way I can’t fully explain. All those cold, wet and miserable aft
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 77 - An Envelope
I try to think of an ingenious way to get through security. But after yet another infuriating conversation with another official, I’m forced to accept that the methods to combat terrorism are also enough to intervene when a unfit, scruffy and desperate woman. With an alarming and increasing level of determination I decide to buy a ticket to somewhere in Asia, just so that I can get through the security gates. But after another episode at the security desk, the fact that my passport is in a box at my new home is clearly a show-stopper. I stand in the airport in a confused daze, and take out my phone. I wanted to do this in person, but now I have no choice. I close my eyes and wait for the line to ring. It goes straight to voicemail. “Oh god,” I cry, but nobody notices. For almost an hour I pace up and down, trying to come up with a brilliant plan. But no matter how I try, nothing happens and no plan is formed. I look at my watch for the millionth time today and see that
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 76 - Bloody Idiot
I’m normally the safest driver in the world. Or at least that’s what I tell myself. Scott would say I drive like a grandma, behind the wheel , sticking to the speed limit and often below it. Scott, my heart aches. But with the needle on my speedometer touching a perilous 74mph – okay, so I’m not the next Schumacher or Hamilton, but I’m belting along the M62 in a small Vauxhall corsa leaving behind a caravan and two heavy duty trucks. My heart is hammering against my ribcage as I play corny movie scenes in my head. Lovers running with open arms and floaty haired women being spun around. Kisses that go on forever. The problem is, that this reunion isn’t going to be straightforward. Firstly, there’s Katie. Whether she fancies Daniel or not, there’s protocol to follow. Call me old fashioned, but declaring your love for someone else’s boyfriend isn’t the done thing. Yet, that is exactly what I’m about to do. And I’m not sure if I care about the consequences. And then there’s t
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 75 - The Love of His Life
Dani is screaming so loudly that the poor patients at the other end of the corridor must think she is undergoing an amputation without pain relief. “Why didn’t you tell me? For fuck sake!” “I… I .. don’t know,” I stammer. “I didn’t want to compromise your friendship with Katie for a start.” “How?” She asks incredulously. “Katie’s in love with Scott, like you said. Even if I was going to be a total arsehole and try to steal him – which I’m not – what good would come of telling you? It’d just land you with information that you’d be powerless to act on.” “Uhhhhh,” Dani rubs her hands down her face. “What a mess.” “Don’t I know it,” I agree. “I don’t mean about you and Scott,” she tuts impatiently. “Though I grant you, that is also a mess.” “What then?” She sighs and her eyes find the window. “You know when I said that I thought Katie was in love with Scott?” I nod. “I was wrong.” It takes a few seconds for her words to sink in. “What?” “She likes Scott, don’
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 74 - Told Scott What?
Given the fact that my mum was in a serious near death experience twelve hours ago, she’s looking amazingly well. “Just typical, isn’t it?” She mutters as she grabs another peanut m&m. “Everyone in the real housewives has a hot tub and none of theirs houses burned down.” Dani just smiles and offers me an m&m. “No thank you,” I shake my head. “But then I suppose they had the real thing and wasn’t swimming around in a discarded birthing pool.” My mum must be made of stronger stuff than me. While she is happily stuffing her face with chocolate, I feel like I’ve been hit by a damn truck. It’s not just the aftermath of the fire though, although that alone could leave me in a state of shock until 2040. My mind is also spinning with thoughts of Scott, who is now en route to Doncaster airport. I hope he’s not too annoyed with me for sneaking off, but then I did have a good excuse, even though visiting hours don’t officially start until 10am. It’s a good job Dani managed to
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 73 - I Can’t Say Goodbye
Scott has gone to the local store, just as he always does on his days off. Only this isn’t a normal day off. All his bags are packed and waiting by the door, ready for his departure in two hours. I’m supposed to go to the airport to see him off, but the moment my eyes opened this morning, I knew I couldn’t go through with it. I won’t be able to watch him and Katie head off together without bursting into tears and giving the game away. I take a notepad and pen from my bag, and begin writing as quickly as I can. I don’t have long until he returns. ‘Dear Scott, I’m sorry that I didn’t get to go to the airport with you, but if I don’t make visiting hours at 9:00am, I won’t see mum. She needs me right now, more than you need me, after what happened. I know you’ll understand, under the circumstances. Have an amazing trip and please don’t forget about me, will you? I’ll miss you more than I could ever explain. I meant what I said – I want a post card from every destination - don’t
Always Finding Mr Wrong Chapter 72 - Fire
Scott abandons the car without consideration for others outside of Mum’s and Dad’s house and we quickly jump out. The air is thick with smoke and fear as the neighbours with grey faces huddle amongst themselves. There’s firefighters everywhere; running and shouting. I stand in front of the house and struggle to breathe as the flames crackle and roar, as they burst from three windows and the smoke billows into the night. “Where are they?” “They’re still in there,” Steve says, his eyes heavy with tears. “I tried to go in, but the hallway was filled with smoke and….” Without even thinking, I race towards the house, but Scott wraps his arms around me and pulls me back. “LET ME GO!” I scream. “Let the professionals do their jobs, Emma,” he pleads as his arms wrap tighter around me. I watch horrified as the firefighters wearing breathing apparatus make their way into the house. There’s orders being shouted and soon the house is being doused with foam and water. I feel a sudden r
