EARLIER THAT EVENING
Brock pressed the button on the alarm with a satisfying click, letting him know that the car was now locked. Walking through the double doors and into the auditorium, he made his way to the bar, "Whisky on the rocks please." Pulling slightly at the black bowtie, he wasn't used to wearing a tux. He wore suits every day at work, but those were different. They were properly tailored, grabbing the whisky he headed to the table and placed his drink on the table with a satisfying thud.Looking around he could see various people who he knew, Kevin Green was bearing down on Brock and fast. Brock shuddered visibly, he didn't usually hate people usually he was quite personable, but Kevin had one of those faces, he knew Kevin from high school, he was a slimy little weasel, he remembers what Kevin did to his ex-girlfriend.He remembers Kevin asking Elle if she'd like to go to the prom knowing that Elle was with Brock, then he remembers her saying no and Brock and her going to the dance and before they announced the Brock and Elle as prom King and Queen, Kevin asked to meet her on the roof of the school building. They heard a scream and saw Elle lying there in a heap on the asphalt, unfortunately, there was no proof that Kevin pushed her, but all those in high school knew that he did."Brock, you're here," Kevin said sticking out his hand for Brock to shake only for Brock to ignore his hand and going back to his drink. “And so are you. I didn't realise they'd dropped the invites to insects."Kevin's face turned into a scowl "Anita has her uses. It allows me to network and the CEO of Hartford Industries is here, I think I might see if I can charm her.." Licking his thin lips and his creepy eyes scanning the room before he continued "And hopefully into my bed, then I can take over Hartford Industries." As he said that Nancy walked past, "Hartford Industries? I work there." Kevin grabbed her waist and guided her away.Letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding, he saw a few business colleagues and started to get talking. "And then we decided to go with Robins” Smiling Brock excused himself, nipping to his car, he unlocked it and got out his digital camera. It was a small camera but took okay photos, if only he could use film, and his refurbished camera, he loved the long lens he had. Slipping the small silver box into his pocket he quickly went back to the auditorium.Going back to his table, the people who were standing there had got him another whisky. Raising his glass he thanked them and scanned the room, now he could truly relax.He looked from where he stood more or less at the back of where the tables were situated, but in line with the podium on the stage. He picked this spot because he knew he could get great angles of the winners. The lighting would be good too.Waiting for the proceedings to start he looked over to his left and there he saw her, talking to a guy with blonde hair.“Wow.” He said half to himself and half out loud, swallowing deeply he was about to go over and say hello when Anita walked by, searching for a missing again Kevin, she spilt the drink she was carrying over Brock’s tux sleeve, drawing his attention away from the woman in the red dress. As he dried his sleeve with a handkerchief that Anita had given him while she gave him goo-goo eyes, but apologetic in her voice.The MC started and he paid attention to what was now going on in front of him.Brock snapped away at other winners, discreetly, subtly taking photos, capturing their best sides and in the best lighting.“Melissa Hartford.” The MC announced, applause came up, Brock scanned the room and saw her. Melissa Hartford is the woman he was looking at earlier.As she glided onto the stage, his mouth dropped open, camera hanging loosely at his side. She shook the MC’s hand and stood at the podium.Melissa had a full body halo, the lights lit her up like some angel sent from heaven, she looked fantastic, the curls on her head shone, exposing her long white neck, across her collarbones.Snapping to reality he took some photos, 30 photos to be exact. He heard her make a joke about her brain telling her not to say things and he laughed. Genuinely laughed.As she left the stage her saw people going to congratulate her on her award, getting there last he stood there waiting to shake her hand or speak to her, there were so many people thanking her.Then she got talking to a guy in a white suit, Brock nipped back to his table to get his drink, he could tell she was going to be a while.Taking his whisky, he drained the glass and nearly choked on the ice cubes. After a coughing fit, he gathered himself a minute. He didn’t want to go across red faced. When he was sure his face was no longer red he approached her table, to find the blonde guy stood there.Frowning he asked “Where’d Melissa go?”The blonde guy said “She left. She’s very busy and her feet were hurting. Sorry dude.” Putting a hand on Brocks shoulder the blonde guy walked away.Clenching his hand onto a fist Brock cursed himself silently. If only he’d been braver.Not too worry he’d find a way to get in touch. Even if it killed him.As he walked back towards his table anger and frustration coursed through him. He was so stupid.After five minutes the blonde guy approached a miserable Brock, “Jackson White.” He said sticking his hand out for Brock to shake.“Brock Milligan. Photographer.” Brock said sadly.“You take any pictures tonight?” Jackson nudged the camera with his elbow.Brock brightened “Yeah would you like to see them?” Loading the digital screen.As Jackson cycled through the photos of others quickly, he could tell that Brock was good, even to his untrained eye. Quickly he found what he was looking for, 30 photos of Melissa.“You’re good Brock. I mean really good. Do you work for yourself?” Jackson askedBrock laughed self deprecatingly “No man, I don’t have that sort of money available. Well I sort of do I’m saving up to try and start my own business. Got rejected by the bank as I have no capital so I’m renting an apartment with my brother to try and save money.”Jackson smiled and said “Listen I’m about to tell you something that is a bit of a secret. Do you know what Hartford Industries trades in?”Brock sort of knew but before he had a chance to say anything Jackson cut him off.“They are big in the world of digital tech. Also one or twice a year Hartford Industries hosts an event, where they invest money into up and coming businesses, to expand in the global market. It give entrepreneurs a chance to start businesses that have not been given that opportunity by the banks, they support you every step of the way. And give you all the help and funding you need, even if you don’t make it through the first year easily. It’s called Featherlite.” Handing Brock a flyer for Featherlite Jackson turned giving a mock salute.“I’m outtie, bye Brock.” Jackson said as he left. Staring down at the flyer Brock suddenly felt that for once something was going his way.Leaving the auditorium he realised he’d had quite a bit to drink. Calling an Uber seems like the most sensible solution.The uber arrived and Brock was now feeling the effects of the drink. With the Featherlite flyer in his pocket. He rang his brother and left a garbled message “Blake, Bro you there? No? Well that’s rude, anyway I’m coming home via an Uber, left my car at the...at the place where cars live, I couldn’t dink because I was driving, hee hee no I couldn’t drive because I wan drink. I love you Blake.” Clumsily putting his phone back in his pocket, he blacked out, dreaming of Melissa and photographs the sound of shutters clicking in his head.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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Blake looked from Melissa to Brock, a smile formed on his face. “So this was your business meeting.”He let the statement hang in the air. Melissa spoke “I didn’t know it was your brother who I would be seeing, I was tired when my secretary phoned me and I didn’t look at the name properly, can you imagine what I thought when I saw your twin Brock standing there.” Both Brock and Blake smiled. Brock told Blake “What are you doing here Blake?” Brock had his suspicions about why Blake was there with two bottles of red wine, Brock saw the label and knew that Blake reserved this wine for the VIP area of his bar, and cost $200 a bottle. But he had to hear Blake say the words.Blake opened his mouth and said “Melissa and I are dating.” Melissa’s mouth dropped as Blake admitted it. They’d never made it clear, and Melissa had began to wonder herself, Blake saying that made it clear and it kind of stung a little, which was confusing but honest. Brock turned towards Melissa “I-I look forw