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Chapter 8
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2024-10-29 19:42:56The awards would start in about an hour, slowly very slowly Melissa started to relax. Scanning the room she saw Jackson.
Jackson White and his family were self-made like Melissa and her family, Melissa liked Jackson they did business regularly and he often accompanied her to business events as her plus one.Jackson White was the epitome of an underwear model, he had tanned skin, short spiky blonde hair and big brown eyes, Melissa had once been set up on a blind date with him by her loving father, a merge with Hartford Industries would be good for White and Co, there was one small snag to them getting together, Jackson is gay, and had a long term boyfriend called Julian who adored Melissa as much as she adored them.Jackson was a fair distance away from Melissa but she could see that he was deep in conversation with a guy. Looking around the auditorium she saw a man he was talking to Anita, Melissa almost spat her bourbon out, 'Holy Crap is that Blake?' Turning his back towards her, thinking she must have made a mistake when suddenly she felt eyes on her.Jackson broke her concentration when he ran across the room picking Melissa up in a bear hug, "Hey, if it isn't my best friend.""I thought Julian was your best friend," Melissa replied with a grin once Jackson had put her down."That's what he likes to think," Jackson said with a wink.Melissa suddenly felt a strange sense of unease, as if she was being watched, "What's wrong?" Jackson asked peering into her eyes.Shrugging sightly "I think Kevin Green is watching me, will you look and see please?" Melissa askedLooking around there was no sign of Kevin, giving a thumbs up Melissa sighed with relief.The MC cane around each table and asked for business cards, Melissa offered up hers, she'd asked Sam to print some off earlier.The rest of the night was pretty quiet, when it came to the awards Melissa zoned out listening to and telling Jackson dirty jokes.The MC's booming voice came down the microphone "This last award is for New CEO's we had so many entries, but I honestly think that this person really deserves her award."Pausing for dramatic tension he then said "The winner of New CEO is.......""Melissa Hartford of Hartford Industries"Melissa almost dropped her drink in shock. "Go on, get up there and get your award." The thundering of the applause was deafening, Melissa took a step towards the stage as if in a dream, she got to the stairs at the side of the stage 1 step, 2 stairs 3 stairs. The MC stood there with his hand ready to shake, and the trophy in the other, stepping up to the podium the spotlight was bright in her eyes, and she could only see the people at the front."Hi everyone, I hadn't prepared a speech for tonight because, to be honest, I never expected it to win. Now my brain is screaming 'Let's just wing it' and 'Don't tell them that you'll sound dumb" This proceeded to get a laugh. Melissa always did well being put on the spot. Continuing on she said "This award means a lot to me. It's not just an award but recognition of my hard work and achievements over the past 12 months. Although I didn't just get this position a few of you will know I started in the mailroom and worked my way up. My father showed how much he trusted me by making me CEO. I just want to thank everyone who thought I deserved this award. So thank you." With a million-dollar smile, the room erupted into applause. There were whistles and cheers as Melissa left the stage and stood next to Jackson.“Well-wishers in 3....2.....1” Jackson whispered from the side of his mouth, Melissa was suddenly surrounded by good wishes, shaking her hand, air kisses the works.Some people she didn’t even know. A guy in a white suit came up to her. “I remember your papa when he first started in business over here, you and your stepmother and brother we’re in the U.K. and you guys were coming for a visit, the night before you arrived he said “Honestly, Clive, that girl will be the CEO of Hartford U.K. then she’ll be CEO of Hartford New York, then when we establish our headquarters over in Indiana, she will work from over there. He’s so proud of you you know that right?”Blushing slightly at the slightly overweight guys praise, she gently returned the hug he gave her. Melissa respected Clive, he had been hugely successful and supportive even offering his condo to her rent-free when she was in New York, all he wanted in return was that it was left as clean as she found it. And that wasn’t difficult for a neat freak like Melissa, she even stayed with Clive and his family until her own family found a house out here, Clive’s wife was an amazing cook, and in the first month in Indiana, she had gained 50 pounds.Once all the well-wishers had gone and suddenly she was alone with Jackson she drained her drink, Melissa said to Jackson "That's me done for the night. I’m really busy and I need to get out of these shoes they're killing my feet."Smiling Jackson asked, "Do you need a ride?" Shaking her head she simply said "Vinnie." and made a beeline for the exitRelated chapters
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Brock woke up lying on the floor in front of the front door.A smirking Blake standing over him “Good Morning Sunshine.” He was wearing board shorts and a vest.Sitting up slowly, Brock put a hand to his head. “Ouch. Why am I on the floor?”Blake crouched next to his brother, “Well big bro, let me tell you a story. It starts about midnight last night. I hear the answering machine beeping, it woke me up by the way, and I hear a very garbled message from you, drunk as a skunk. My night off and I thought I could get an early night. I heard the message and so decided to wait up for you, to come in. This is what I saw and heard.”Blake grabbed his phone out of his shorts, opening the photos app and pressing the play button. Brock saw himself walk up three steps then slip and slide back down. Then he saw himself on his hands and knees, giggling, crawling up four flights of stairs. He saw Blake go back inside, the camera went dark but the audio was still capturing Brock’s voice
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After getting in the car, Melissa turns on the radio, turning it down to a low volume Ryan turns to her and speaks “Who’s Blake?” Thankful of driving Melissa shrugs gently and says “Just a guy I had one date with.” Pulling up at the traffic lights waiting on them turning green, Ryan speaks again “You seeing him again?”“Yes” came the reply as Melissa pulled off from the lights grateful it was so early and the coffee shop was around the corner to try and deflect Ryan’s awkward questions.“Well I hope you know.....” Ryan began before being cut off by Melissa “Yes I know if he hurts me he will have you to answer to. Honestly you’re worse than dad. You act like my OLDER brother.” Melissa emphasised the older, grateful to be pulling into the empty car parking space.Getting out and locking the car, the Hartford siblings entered the coffee shop, Ryan grabbing a wrought iron table with two chairs while Melissa ordered drinks and food which is paid for after eating, if eaten in-hou
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ONE WEEK LATER.The spring in Melissa’s step had quickly faded as she was back at work. Melissa had started to try to expand the company even more internationally.She’d been scouting for businesses and plots of land in other countries. Just an idea she was tossing around, doing research, land taxes, business taxes, and a whole load of red tape.On top of that Featherlite was going extremely well. Rick McAdam owner of McAdam Photography had been one of five businesses to “win” help from Melissa and the board of directors, after they had put all five contracts beside each other. Melissa had an uneasy feeling about Rick McAdam, she didn’t like him. He quickly had proved to be a chauvinistic and mysoginistic, working on a sixth sense, Melissa had written into his contract that if he was to make any comments about her being a woman finding would be withdrawn, although he didn’t know this, Melissa had had her lawyers draw up a watertight contract.She hated people who were se
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THE NEXT DAYWaking up at 7:00am had given Melissa plenty of time. Today was going to be a busy one.First was her date with Blake, then she would move her clothes and work stuff back to her parents home.Grabbing the medium sized black and dark blue suitcase Melissa started to fold stuff that she needed. Just a few bits, business suits, clothes to relax in, her favourite oversized jumper that fell to just below her bum, several pairs of shoes to match her outfits, hairdryer, straighteners.Leaving the case open on the bed, she grabbed a dark blue towel from the cupboard and went for shower.After finishing her shower, with the towel wrapped around her body and her long her wet hair covered in a towel, she heard her phone ring.Grabbing it and hitting the answer button “Hello Jackson.” She said cheerily.“What do you want?” Jackson asked caution in his voice. Melissa rarely relied on anyone so for her to send a text message late at night and ask Jackson a favour
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After deciding that they should start on a rollercoaster Blake and Melissa went to the front of the queue. Even at this time the park was busy.Flashing their wristbands they waited for the car to pull in. Sitting in the seat on the outside Melissa put the belt across her lap. Blake got in and sat next to her before the bar went down over their shoulders.This particular rollercoaster had two loop the loops and a vertical drop and was called Lava.After the loop the loop was the vertical drop, as the car reached the top Melissa waved her hands in the air screaming “Whoooooo” at the top of her lungs, sneaking a peek at Blake, his knuckles were turning white and he looked like he was about to throw up. The flash of the camera went off as the car plummeted into the fake volcano below. Getting off the ride Blake was still as white as a sheet. They looked at the photo of the ride, Melissa is smiling with her arms in the air, Blake looks terrified.“I’m going to buy that photo
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Blake drove home, as he got out of the truck and locked it, he pulled out his phone.Melissa - Hi Blake, I had an amazing time today, thank you, my parents address is32245 West Park AveSee you tomorrow about 10 am M xA smile instantly came to Blake’s face as he read the message. Melissa had trusted him, trusted him with her parents address, that was something massive.Putting his key in the lock, he could hear Brock moving around inside.Blake loved Brock and there were times he was glad they lived together, he just wished right now that they lived apart. He’d love to bring Melissa back to his place and make her call his name all night long.Pulling up the name of his bar, Blake put the phone to his ear as he opened the front door to the apartment.“Hey Craig, it’s Blake. Listen I know you guys got the bonus from the IBA, I’m giving you all a bonus if you’ll shut the bar tomorrow for me. Thanks dude.”Ending the call Blake pocketed the phone.He foun
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THE NEXT MORNINGMelissa got out of bed as the shrill alarm beeped, hitting the button. She got up.The oversized mans shirt she was wearing fell just below her bottom. Walking down the stairs she went and opened the french doors and let the dogs out. Shutting but not locking the door, because the dogs could open the door to let themselves in, Melissa put some food into their bowls, filled the other bowls with water, put them on the floor, Melissa grabbed her mobile calling up “Becky’s bakery.” The voice answered.“Hi yeah, can I get a selection of pastries, delivered please?”“Yes the breakfast box is good. Would you like to know what that contains?” The disembodied asked politely“No that’s okay thank you. Could you charge it to the Hartford account please, would you be able to get it here before 9am? It’s to the residential address you have on the account.” Melissa loved Becky’s bakery, their food is always made fresh and delicious. And Melissa also knew that Ryan
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LATER THAT EVENING.“Dinners ready.” Blake called to Melissa who had had a nap and a shower. Walking down the stairs with damp hair falling around her shoulders and her face Melissa could smell the scent of baked trout, her mouth salivating at the thought.An hour later with full stomachs Blake and Melissa retired to the couch with a full bottle of Malbec both slightly tipsy.“So I gotta know.” Blake considered for a minute asking Melissa what she saw in Brock. But quickly changed her mind.“What was young Melissa like? Party girl? Nerd? Or were you miss Popular?” He smiled as he said this.“I was very studious, but I wasn’t a nerd, I wasn’t popular either.” Melissa made a face like she was remembering a bad incident. “I was just normal. My turn now.” Melissa squealed with glee “What was Blake like as a teen?”“I was
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THE NEXT DAY.“I’m sorry baby. I forgot I’m supposed to photographing the governor and his family. It’s supposed to be an all day event. Until about 10pm.” Brock said guiltily.“What’s the point in being here if I’m going to be alone?” Melissa asked trying her best not to sound whiny.“I’ve spoken to Blake. He will take care of you. I trust him to keep you safe. I trust him with my life. He’s going fishing, and you can go with him.” Brock said plainly.“Fishing? I wouldn’t know where to start.” Melissa said as Brock got out of the en-suite.“Well bows a great time to learn. Listen Blake’s taken time off and closed his bar so I can work and so that one of us can always be with you.” Brock explained gently.Melissa pouted for a brief moment before realising he was right. Blake had put his business on h
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Melissa stood up getting ready to leave. “There’s really no talking to you. I came here in good faith to make you aware of what was happening as you don’t care.” Blake ran and grabbed her hand pulling her into his chest causing them both to fall on the floor.Blake looked into her eyes as Melissa lay on his chest. Putting his hand on her cheek a very loving and caring gesture he moved his head up towards hers and kissed her again, this time though she brought her knee up between his legs connecting with his genitals.Blake howled in pain. Sucking at his teeth he howls “Again?” Melissa extracts herself from the floor, and runs to the door.The hot sting of tears in her eyes. She fiddles with the lock as she hears Blake get up.She ran down the stairs, her heeled boots clump clumping as she went.She could hear the pit pat of Blake’s feet as he chases her. “Melissa, honey w
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A FEW DAYS LATER“This is soooo relaxing.” Melissa crooned as the masseuse rubbed oil into her back.At the same moment Brock’s phone rang. Adjusting his towel around his waist he got up and took the phone call into the hallway. Melissa allowed herself to think back on the previous days events. “Babe? Babe? Come on wake up.” Melissa shook Brock’s shoulder. Opening a bleary eye Brock looked at Melissa. She was showered and dressed. Wearing black skinny jeans, and a red cashmere sweater, her hair was tied up in a high ponytail and she had make up on. Brock jumped out of bed and in the shower. Showering and dressing in record time he grabbed the keys to the Porsche and they went to the car. Brock snapped his belt in the drivers side, and started the engine, pulling out of the parking lot, before driving off to his and Blake’s apartment. “So you sure you want to do this alone?” Brock asked.
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After a little while the doorbell went getting up off the couch Brock got up and walked over to the door. Melissa sat on the couch, her head hanging and tears falling down onto her lap. Gritting his teeth knowing he feels helpless to stop this Brock opens the door. “Mr Milligan?” The detective asks. “Yes. Come in. Miss Hartford is in the living room.” He steps to the side and in the detective walks past him, taking a seat on the opposite couch to Melissa. Shutting the door Brock follows him and sits next to Melissa taking her hand that’s now in her lap. “Can you take me through tonight’s events?” He asks. Melissa nods and starts to recall everything that has happened, including the phone call, the detective writes everything in a notebook. “Ok. I’m going to bag all the stuff and take it to the forensics.” Sliding on a pair of latex gloves, he disappeared into the bedroom. After a few minutes,
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Grabbing the phone Brock could see that this has pushed Melissa over the edge. He grabbed the detectives card and typed in the number. The voice came out down the end of the phone as if he’d just been woken up “Yeah?” “Hi it’s Brock Milligan, I don’t know if you remember the break in a Melissa Hartford’s place.” Brock said into the phone. “Yeah. I remember. What of it?” The voice said no longer full of sleep. “There’s been a development.” Brock said putting his arm around a now shivering Melissa and guiding her into the living room. “On my way.” The detective said before hanging up. Brock pressed the red button to cancel the call. And sat Melissa down next to him on the couch. “Baby, you okay?” He asked worried that this would be a tipping point for Melissa, knowing that even the strongest of women would find it difficult to cope, with everything that happened. “Y-yeah.” She said haltin
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Melissa awoke to bright sunlight streaming through the glass windows. The warmth felt nice on her skin. Rolling onto her side she opened a sleepy eye, she had a sudden feeling of dread, as she saw a tie that was not Brock’s, and a memory of last night came flooding back, Chris, she remembered the way his hands felt on her body, and the way he felt inside her, for a brief second she smiled then she felt an arm drape across her. That feeling of guilt gnawed away at her insides. She’d cheated on Brock. A single tear ran down her face as she realised this fact. She was in her own world thinking of what to say to Brock how to redeem her relationship when a voice, thick and scratchy from having just woken up, startled her. “Good morning babygirl. Not too stiff I hope.” The voice came from behind. She immediately turned over, and was met with Brock’s smiling face, an eighth of an inch of stubble, and very messy hair. Bro
